Air Force Swimmer Madelyn Letendre Among Rhodes Scholars Recipients
Air Force Academy swimmer Madelyn Letendre is among 32 American collegians to be awarded Rhodes Scholarships in 2023-24.
The native of Monument, Colorado, is using an aspiring pilot who is using her studies to devise ways to strengthen community and improve mental health in the military. She will pursue of master’s degree in therapeutic and translational neuroscience and a master’s degree in public policy over her studies at the University of Oxford.
Letendre is a chemistry major with a minor in philosophy. She will be commissioned as a second lieutenant this month and eventually enter pilot training. She has done undergraduate research focusing on supports systems for military families with disabilities. She helped launch a military program at the Autism Society of America, and her scientific research has involved replacing sunlight in helping plants grow in space.
She is the 44th Rhodes Scholars in Air Force history.
“I am so grateful to the Rhodes Trust for the opportunity to further my education at Oxford and in the Rhodes community. I cannot wait to pursue research in PTSD therapy and policy,” Letendre said in an interview with the school website. “I want to thank all of the professors and mentors at the Academy who guided and encouraged me over the last four years, my incredible friends, my swim team and my squadron. Most importantly, thank you, Mom, Dad, and (brother) Ethan. This is a testament to your love and support. I owe everything to you.”
In the pool, Letendre is a distance freestyler. She scored at the conference championships as a junior in 2023.
“The U.S. Air Force Academy has so much talent within the cadet wing and it’s gratifying when an organization like the Rhodes Trust selects one of our cadets for recognition,” said Col. Margaret Martin, vice dean of the faculty at the Air Force Academy. “Madelyn Letendre is a shining example of the hard work, service mindset and internal motivation that prepares our cadets to lead. We are so proud of her and pleased to have her represent the Academy and her fellow cadets.”
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