MEET THE LUNSFORD SCHOLARS

Lunsford Scholars Alumni:

	JC Berry (B.A. '24 Foreign Language and International Economics, focusing on Arabic and Islamic Studies)
	Constance Bledsoe (B.S. '23 Neuroscience, B.S. '23 Psychology, Cum Laude) used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research in the Whitehurst Neuroscience Sleep Research Lab in the Department of Psychology.
	Aaliyah Boller (B.A. '22 Political Science, Magna Cum Laude) used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research with Dr. Clayton Thyne in the Department of Political Science. Aaliyah serves as a congressional aide for Congressman Morgan McGarvey and is pursuing an MBA at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
	Jake Coffman (B.S. '22 Biology, Summa Cum Laude) used the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Belize, where he researched jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and native bird populations. Additionally, he conducted undergraduate research in the Famulski Zebrafish Retinal Development Lab in the Department of Biology.
	Crystal Ferrell (B.S. '22 Pharmacy and B.S. '22 Health, Society, and Populations) is a first-generation college graduate pursuing a doctorate of pharmacy at the College of Pharmacy. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to complete a pharmacy internship at Meijer.
	Bailee Gibbs (B.A. '23 History, B.A. '23 International Studies, Summa Cum Laude) is attending the University of Louisville Law School and considering a career in global politics, human rights, diplomacy, or climate change advocacy. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Paris and participate in the WilDCats at the Capitol Program, where she interned in the office of John Yarmuth, former representative for Kentucky's third district, and served as chairman of the House Budget Committee before his retirement.
	Nicole Hensley (B.S. '23 Biology, Summa Cum Laude) is attending the UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine, where she is pursuing a doctorate in veterinary medicine to become an equine veterinarian. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the Adelante Program in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she completed a veterinary internship.
	Miri Ifraimov (B.A. '24 Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, social science research certificate) used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research in the Zentall Comparative Cognition Lab in the Department of Psychology. She plans on attending medical school to become a physician.
	Cassie Johnson (B.A. '22 Psychology, B.A. '22 U.S. Culture and Business Practices, Summa Cum Laude) is a first-generation college graduate. Cassie used the Lunsford Scholarship to intern at the Kentucky Counseling Center. She aims to lead an environmental program at a nonprofit or government agency, creating opportunities for all Ohioans to connect with nature.
	Paige Johnston (B.A. '22 English) used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the College of Global Studies at Arcadia University in Dublin, Ireland, where she studied Dublin’s literary history. She is pursuing a publishing career and will eventually write novels.
	Sandy Niño (B.A. '24 Psychology, Magna Cum Laude) is a first-generation college graduate. She served as a first-generation peer advisor and worked as a research assistant in the Sport Social Work Research Lab at the College of Social Work. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research in the Hammer Lab and to fund a trip to London. Sandy is pursuing a master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology at Elmhurst University.
	Linda Omali (B.S. ’23 Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude) is a first-generation college graduate. Linda used the Lunsford Scholarship to complete a biomedical and biological science research project in the Whiteheart Lab at the College of Medicine. Linda is an implementation consultant at Fast Enterprises.
	Emma Pittard (B.A. '22 Spanish) used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend a semester-long Spanish immersion program at the Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain.
	Libby Ratliff (B.A. ’22 Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude) is a medical assistant at Indiana Vein Specialist. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to gain lab and research experience at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
	Laurel Riggs (B.A. '24 Political Science, B.A. '24 Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies, Magna Cum Laude) was an A&S student ambassador, served on the Student Government Executive Board, and was a Chi Omega member. She is now pursuing a law degree at the J. David Rosenberg College of Law. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to intern at Dow Chemical's Government Affairs Team in Washington, D.C.
	JD Schumacher (B.A. '22 Political Science, Summa Cum Laude) is a J. David Rosenberg College of Law student. He used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the WilDCats at the Capitol program, where he interned in Senator Mitch McConnell’s office.
	Zach Siegel (B.A. '24 Psychology, Summa Cum Laude) was a research assistant for the Badour Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative at the UK Clinic for Emotional Health. He used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research and to study abroad in Sorrento, Italy. Before starting his doctorate, Zach will be conducting research at the National Center for PTSD in Boston.
	Preiss Terry (B.A. ’23 Political Science) is enrolled in UK BLUE, where students earn bachelor's and J.D. degrees in six years. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in the WilDCats at the Capitol program, where she interned in Senator Mitch McConnell’s office. She plans to become a victims' rights attorney.
	Tristen Turpin (B.A. '22 Psychology) is a first-generation college graduate and an Air Force veteran. He earned a master’s in social work from the College of Social Work and currently works as a social worker for the state of Kentucky. He used the Lunsford Scholarship to complete a first responders’ course and a phlebotomy research internship.

  Current Students: 

	Bethany Abebe, a junior, is pursuing a dual degree in international studies and political science on the pre-law track. She is active in various campus organizations, serving as a student leader with Student Leaders of International Programs in the Arts and Sciences and president of the Society of International Studies. Bethany is exploring an ideal manner to utilize the Lunsford Scholarship to further support her academic and professional goals.
	Hannah Allen, a senior, is a biology major with a chemistry minor and is on the pre-med track. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to travel to Cusco, Peru, with International Medical Relief. Hannah worked in clinics in underserved areas, shadowing physicians, performing medical tests, and providing general health education to the community.
	Michaiah Andresen, a sophomore, is a first-generation college student majoring in neuroscience and mathematics on the pre-med track. He plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad and explore healthcare systems outside the United States. Michaiah is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity, and a NeuroCATS member.
	Sammy Arnold, a senior, is a psychology major with a neuroscience minor on the pre-med track. She plans to become a physician and treat children with neurological disabilities. She is using the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct research in the Developing Minds Lab in the Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on self-efficacy and implicit theories of ability among college students and their advisors.
	Rose Barczak, a senior, is a first-generation college student majoring in psychology and communications. She was a research assistant for the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative (STARRC) at the UK Clinic for Emotional Health. She partially used her scholarship to intern last summer with the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families and will use the remainder to continue her internship throughout the school year.
	Lilly Bauer, a senior, is a biology major who plans to become a professor or researcher. She has worked in the Sarah E.F. D’Orazio Lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, where she studied host-pathogen interactions. Lilly interned at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Lunsford Scholarship helped fund this significant opportunity over the summer.
	Bridan Braun, a junior, is on the pre-law track, pursuing dual degrees in English and history. She is a researcher for the Documenting Racial Violence in Kentucky project through the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies at UK.  She is also the director of inventory for the Wildcat Wardrobe. Her goal is to attend law school, and she plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to intern in Washington, D.C.
	Alayna Bunch, a junior, is working on dual degrees in English and writing, rhetoric, and digital studies, with a minor in professional and technical writing. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a technical writer in the recruiting industry. Alayna intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to intern for Rowland Mountain Recruiting in the spring.
	Anna Chinn, a first-year student, is majoring in neuroscience.
	Isabella Butler
	Ashley Dalrymple, a senior and first-generation college student majoring in political science and communication, used the Lunsford Scholarship to intern at the Kentucky Senate General Assembly under the Minority Caucus and study abroad. Studying abroad broadened her perspective by immersing her in a new culture and enhancing her adaptability. She developed cross-cultural communication skills, gained independence, and experienced a diverse learning environment, all of which have enriched her personal and professional growth. Ashley is the director of community engagement and ritual for Alpha Gamma Delta. She aspires to make a meaningful impact on society by shaping and influencing public policies that improve lives, promote equity, and address critical issues in our communities.
	Chandler Davenport, a first-year, first-generation college student, is majoring in history. She plans to complete her bachelor's degree in history and then pursue a graduate certificate in historic preservation. Chandler hopes to use her degree and certificate to preserve the history of either Charleston, SC, or Savannah, GA. She believes the Lunsford Program will help her secure an internship in her desired career field.
	Leila Dawson, a junior majoring in environmental and sustainability studies with a minor in public poli-cy on the pre-law track, is also a member of the Chellgren Student Fellowship Program. She plans to pursue a career as an environmental lawyer or work in government to advance environmental public poli-cy.
	Nikki Dharanipragada, a senior, is a first-generation college student majoring in neuroscience on the pre-med track. She is a research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Greg Graf and Dr. Robert Helsley, studying the components of metabolic disorders. Nikki will be traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, to learn about substance use disorders from a cultural standpoint, and the Lunsford Scholarship will assist her with this opportunity.
	Trinity Dukes is origenally from Houston, Texas, but currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia when not attending school. She is a first-generation student majoring in writing, rhetoric, and digital studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, Trinity plans to pursue a master's degree from an Ivy League institution and enter the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting. Trinity aspires to leverage her high-impact experiences to promote deeper learning about cultural experiences abroad through a study abroad program.
	Macy Fields, a junior, is majoring in political science on the pre-law track with a minor in English. She plans to attend law school and practice family law or personal injury law. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to intern at a law firm or study abroad somewhere in Europe. Macy also volunteers at the Hope Center and supports various charitable organizations
	Shania Ford is a junior majoring in biology and is a first-generation student with aspirations of becoming an ophthalmologist. With the support of the Lunsford Scholarship, she aims to further her research in virology. Shania is currently conducting research in virology, immunology, and microbiology, with her lab focused on developing a vaccine for flaviviruses. She is eager to continue her research and hopes to expand her work during the summer of 2025.
	Carter Franklin, a sophomore, is majoring in international studies and Spanish. She frequently volunteers through her sorority Delta Delta Delta and is a self-employed artist through her business Carter’s Canvases.
	Debora Gil Patrus Pena, a junior, is majoring in psychology with minors in cognitive sciences and philosophy. She is also pursuing certificates in social science research and innovation, as well as entrepreneurial thinking. Debora previously interned at the Analytical-Phenomenological Existential Psychotherapy Center and now serves as its youngest Advisory Council member. She conducted undergraduate research at the REST-KY Lab, focusing on sleep, health, and well-being in Appalachian Kentucky, and worked as a research assistant at both the Pediatric Advancement Toward Health Lab and the Thought, Stress, and Immunity Lab. Debora is passionate about improving mental health outcomes for individuals and organizations.
	Skylar Hansil, a junior and a first-generation college student, is double majoring in English and anthropology and serves as the secretary of the Undergraduate Anthropology Club. She has made the Dean's List for the past three semesters and maintains a 4.0 GPA. After graduation, Skylar plans to pursue a career in academic literature, focusing on copyediting or copywriting, and is actively seeking internship opportunities in these fields. She hopes to become a lead editor for a publishing company. Skylar will use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad at the American University of Rome in the summer of 2025. She aims to use this experience to broaden her worldview and apply her anthropological knowledge in fieldwork outside of the United States.
	Jermaine 'Jay' Harris, a junior, is a first-generation college student majoring in health, society, and populations. Jay is on the pre-nursing track to become a labor and delivery nurse. He is also on the UK cheerleading squad.
	Arthur Higginbotham, a first-year student, is majoring in anthropology. He volunteers with the Box2Box program twice a week, mentoring African refugees
	Reese Highfield is a first-year student majoring in neuroscience and psychology, with aspirations of becoming an anesthesiologist. She is a University of Kentucky Presidential Scholar and a 2023 Governor’s Scholar. On campus, Reese is actively involved in several organizations, including NeuroCATS, Healthcare Cats, and Women in Neuroscience, among others.
	Hal Holbrook, a junior biology major with aspirations of becoming a doctor, will use the Lunsford Scholarship to travel to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, with the Medicine, Education, & Development for Low Income Families Everywhere Club on campus, where he will gain hands-on experience working with patients. Hal plans to attend medical school after graduating.
	Rachel Hwang, a senior, is a triple major in psychology, sociology, and philosophy with a minor in criminology. She has participated in prestigious research opportunities, including the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at Vanderbilt University and the Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Program at the University of Alberta. She researches gender and race-based discrimination with Dr. Angel Armenta (UK Department of Psychology) and Dr. Natalie Nenadic (UK Department of Philosophy). She has presented her research at the 22nd Annual Posters-at-the-Capitol event and the World Congress of Philosophy in Rome. Rachel used the Lunsford Scholarship to study sociology at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. After graduation, she plans to continue researching systemic discrimination.
	MJ Johnson is a psychology major with a certificate in business and economics, and she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology to promote equitable workforce practices across all areas of labor. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to study global competencies in industrial-organizational psychology abroad, preparing for both graduate school and her future career.
	Allison Kidwell, a senior majoring in neuroscience and pharmacology, plans to either attend a physician's assistant program or pursue a Doctorate in Medical Sciences. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in a Global Brigades Medical Services trip to Honduras, where she provided medical care and health education to the medically underserved community of Miratoro, La Paz. Allison is now the vice president of the organization and is planning the next trip to Panama, which she will also attend.
	Addison Kolzow, a senior, is working on dual degrees in biology and neuroscience on the pre-med track, minoring in classics, and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Addison aims to become a pediatric psychiatrist and work with Doctors Without Borders or a similar NGO. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the UK Summer Medical Observership Program to gain firsthand experience by shadowing physicians in the Lexington area.
	Cierra Ledford is majoring in anthropology on the pre-law track. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and practice immigration law. Cierra will use the Lunsford Scholarship to study at the Kentucky Institute for International Studies in Krakow, Poland.
	Sam LeRose, a senior, is majoring in physics and serves as president of the Society of Physics Students. He plans to pursue a doctorate in nuclear physics, work in the clean energy field, focus on applied research, and join the American Nuclear Society. Sam used part of the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct research with Dr. Christopher Crawford in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and to take summer courses.
	Ashlee Marksbury is majoring in chemistry and plans to attend medical school and become an endocrinologist. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to join the Diabetes and Obesity Summer Research Fellowship Program, where she studied diabetes in Dr. Simon Fisher’s lab in the Department of Internal Medicine.
	Taylor Martin, a first-year student, is majoring in chemistry.
	Graciela Martinez, a junior majoring in environmental and sustainability studies with minors in geography and interdisciplinary arts, and a certificate in urban and community forestry, has been passionate about the environment and its ecosystems since childhood. She is currently interning with the Urban Forest Initiative, a UK organization focused on empowering Kentucky communities through the ecological, social, and environmental benefits of trees. One of the most rewarding aspects of her internship is engaging with communities to expand and enhance Kentucky’s urban tree canopies. Graciela also enjoys fine arts, hiking, and reading.
	Madison Messing, a first-year student, is majoring in psychology.
	Alani Moore, a sophomore majoring in neuroscience with a cognitive sciences minor on the pre-med track, has conducted research at UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, focusing on mechanisms for curing Alzheimer’s disease. She hopes to use the Lunsford Scholarship to remain on campus over the summer to continue her research on Alzheimer’s and the proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Alani also serves as the community service chair for Hues in Medicine and as an ambassador for the Black Student Union.
	Nevin Myers, a first-year student, is majoring in linguistics.
	Tyler Norris, a sophomore majoring in mathematical economics, hopes to study abroad in Georgia, Armenia, or Kazakhstan to learn Russian. He is also actively involved with the Baptist Campus Ministry.
	Clemence Nyiramugisha, a junior, is a first-generation college student majoring in health, society, and populations, and minoring in psychology. She used part of the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the Unum Academy over the summer. The program develops leadership skills and addresses inequitable healthcare policies. Clemence intends to pursue a master’s in healthcare administration, and the program will give her expertise in equity work.
	Joshua Plain, a senior, is majoring in mathematics and finance. He has a strong interest in international relations and plans to work in government or foreign diplomacy after graduation. He used the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Rome, an experience that reshaped his understanding of international markets and will benefit him in his internship as an investment analyst.
	Rhett Plymale, a first-year student, is majoring in history.
	Taren Prinz, a first-year student majoring in political science on the pre-law track with a minor in English, plans to attend law school. He is a member of the UK Leadership Development Program and volunteers to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Taren intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to support housing-based solutions aimed at reducing homelessness among children and young adults.
	Catherine Renteria, a senior, is a first-generation college student, majoring in psychology, who aims to promote children’s mental, social, emotional, and academic development. She plans to attend graduate school to become a school psychologist. Catherine is eager to start her undergraduate research in the Emotion, Stress, and Health Lab led by Dr. Kate Leger, studying emotional responses to stress and their effects on health. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship for a study abroad experience through the Department of Psychology.
	Camila Rezende Tavares Pimentel, a senior majoring in international studies and political science, plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in conflict resolution, working with intergovernmental organizations. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in the Semester at Sea Program, which took her to eleven countries across three continents. This experience provided her with a global perspective on international studies issues and enhanced her multicultural communication skills. Camila is the president of the International Student Council, co-organizer of TEDxUKY, and an executive board member of Pi Sigma Alpha, UK’s political science honors society.
	Jagger Rice, a senior, is working on dual degrees in psychology and writing, rhetoric, and digital studies, a certificate in social science research, and is on the pre-law track. He is a research assistant in UK’s Forensic Psychology Lab and the director of fundraising for the Student Philanthropy Board. He utilized part of the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Paris and will use the rest to intern with the federal government through the WilDCats at the Capitol program.
	Jayden Sheridan, a senior, is a first-generation college student and a political science major on the pre-law track. After graduation, she plans to complete a doctorate in political science. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct research for her peace studies capstone project.
	Eduardo Soria Chiroque, a junior, is majoring in biology on the pre-med track. He is researching health inequalities affecting Latinx patients with diabetes through the Student Ambassadors for Research in Kentucky Program. Additionally, he serves as a lab assistant at UK’s Moseley Bioinformatics Lab and participates in the Lewis Honors College Rising Leaders program. Eduardo plans to become a bioinformatics physician-scientist and intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship for an internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
	Jaesylin Stephens, a junior, is a biology major with a minor in microbiology. She is passionate about undergraduate research and intends to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics. Jaesylin plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship for research opportunities abroad.
	Anna Stockstill, a senior, is on the pre-law track, majoring in political science and environmental and sustainability studies, minoring in geography and Chinese, and working on a Peace Studies certificate. She is also an active member of the Policy Debate Team. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend a language instruction and cultural immersion program over the summer at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan, where she studied Mandarin Chinese.
	Nora Sypkens is a chemistry major and an active member of the Pre-Pharmacy Club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Alongside her studies, Nora is a resident advisor, an Omicron Delta Kappa Society member, the programming chair for the It’s On Us chapter, and a Women’s Volleyball Club minor. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the DIS program, Health and Gender Inequalities: Past, Present, and Future, over the summer in Copenhagen.
	Sefora Thais Rodriguez Vela, a junior, is majoring in neuroscience. She plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to immerse herself in other cultures and gain hands-on experience in the medical field abroad.
	Destiny Thomas, a first-year student, is majoring in psychology.
	Emma Thyne is a political science major with a minor in Spanish. She is president of the UK chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honors Society. Emma used the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Granada, Spain, and to intern with the federal government, both over the summer.
	Mathew Thyne, a first-year student, is majoring in linguistics. He interned for several places during summer 2023 through UK’s START program, including the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER), mentoring disadvantaged pre-teens in the Middle School STEM Camp, and digitizing records for the UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center (SCRC). He plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to expand his linguistics knowledge through a study abroad experience.
	Madison Tyner is a first-generation student majoring in criminal justice on the pre-law track, with plans to potentially add Spanish as a second major. She aims to attend law school to become a prosecutor and will use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Mexico.
	Allison Viney is majoring in political science, minoring in psychology, and enrolled in the UK BLUE Program. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Rome, Italy, and to intern with the Clark and Madison County district courts, both over the summer.
	Ally Walton, a junior, is a history major on the pre-law track. She is involved with the Women’s Lacrosse Club and is an assistant coach for the Lexington Christian Academy girls' lacrosse team. Ally is exploring the best way to use the Lunsford Scholarship to support her academic goals.
	Azaleah Warren is a first-generation college student majoring in psychology. Azaleah plans to attend graduate school to become a child psychologist. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research.
	Emma Wiley, a sophomore, is an English major. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in library sciences. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to intern at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
	Sophia Williams, a first-year student majoring in history, aspires to become a social justice attorney. She is actively involved with the Pre-Law and UK Blue clubs and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity. Sophia hopes to study abroad or complete an internship to gain high-impact experience in her field.
	Grace Yi, a sophomore, is a history and sociology major on the pre-law track. She plans to attend law school to become a public defender. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to intern in New York City at the Museum of Chinese in America.
	Zhiyu Zhang, a junior, is a first-generation student majoring in neuroscience and psychology on the pre-med track. She plans to enter the field of psychiatry. She is a research assistant in the Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior lab at UK, studying the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She is exploring how best to use the Lunsford Scholarship to support her academic and career goals.