Mercedes Bengs
BBA ’26International Affairs and Russian
2025 Truman Scholar
"UGA. ROTC. Phi Beta Kappa. I’m drawn to the organizations that help people. In ROTC, we were always out in the community helping veterans, mentoring students, and really putting that mission of service to work. I can honestly say that’s what motivates me every day."
As a fourth-generation military service member, Mercedes Bengs continues a proud family tradition while forging her own international path.
A double major in international affairs and Russian, Mercedes’ undergraduate research focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in combat.
As a Boren Scholar and one of 54 U.S. undergraduates selected as a 2025 Truman Scholar, Mercedes plans to continue her work with a master’s in Russian studies. Mercedes will spend her capstone year studying Russian and conducting research in Kazakhstan as a student in the Russian Flagship Program.
Inspired by stories of service passed down from her father and grandfather, Mercedes has not strayed from her goals since she first put on her uniform. She was a cadet in UGA’s Air Force ROTC and will begin a career as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. She hopes her military and academic career will lead to roles in U.S. diplomatic efforts abroad.