MIT Senior Professor Michael Qureshi has been selected as a Churchill Scholar for 2025-26 and will earn a master’s degree in archaeological research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom this fall.
Qureshi, who majors in materials science and archaeology with a focus on ancient and medieval studies, envisions a future career as a materials scientist, using archaeological methods to understand how ancient techniques can be applied to modern problems.
In Masic’s lab at MIT, Qureshi was responsible for studying Egyptian blue, the world’s oldest synthetic pigment, to discover ancient methods of mass production. Through this research, he earned an internship in the Department of Scientific Research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he identified pigments in the Amatos coffin. Last fall, he presented his findings to kick off the International Polychromatic Roundtable at the Getty Museum. Qureshi continued his research in Masic’s lab, and his work on the “Blue Room” at Pompeii was featured on NBC’s nightly news.
In addition to research, Qureshi has been active in MIT’s makerspace and art communities. He has created acrylic engravings and castings at the MIT Makers Workshop, metal sculptures at the MIT Forge, and stained glass rods at the MIT Metropolis Makerspace. Qureshi also plays the piano and harp, and has sung with the Harvard Summer Choir and the Handel and Haydn Society. She currently serves as president of the Student Materials Science Society (SUMS) and captain of the women’s lightweight rowing team, which won MIT’s first Division I national championship in 2022.
Kim Benard, Vice-Chancellor for University Excellence, said: “We are delighted that Michael will have the opportunity to develop his important and exciting research at the University of Cambridge. His combination of scholarly research, humanistic approach and creative spirit makes him an ideal representative of MIT.”
The Churchill Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship that offers 16 American students each year the opportunity to study science, mathematics or engineering at Churchill College, University of Cambridge. Established in 1963, the scholarship honors former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s vision for scientific exchange between the United States and the United Kingdom. Starting in 2017, two additional Kander Churchill Scholarships will be awarded each year for studies in the field of science.
MIT students interested in learning more about the Churchill Scholarship should contact Benard at MIT Career Advising and Professional Development.
