Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight Q&A with Adesuwa Akhetuamhen, Chellow Class of 2009
Celebrating 20 Years! Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Adesuwa Akhetuamhen, Chellow Class of 2009
The Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence is celebrating the 20th class of Chellgren Student Fellows by hosting an All-Class Reunion in October 2026 to celebrate! In honor of 20 years, we are highlighting alumni from the program by sharing where they are now and reflecting on their time as Chellgren Student Fellows.
Adesuwa is a first- generation Nigerian American born in Louisville, KY. She majored in biochemistry. She wanted to stay close to home, so she chose the University of Kentucky. Her sister, Eseosa, was in the class of 2008 and connected her to the program. Her experience as an undergraduate in the program helped her discover her passion for research, which has led her to her job. She has a master's degree in clinical epidemiology and research. Adesuwa is now a clinician scientist who studies disease prevention programs for emergency department patients.
How did that experience enrich your undergraduate years?
The program gave me early exposure to research, which ultimately has become a major part of my career.
What have you been up to since graduation, and how did that path unfold?
I finished medical school and became an emergency medicine doctor. I also got my master's degree in clinical epidemiology and research. Now I am a clinician scientist who studies disease prevention programs for emergency department patients.
In what ways did your Chellgren experience prepare you for where you are now?
My early exposure to research helped prepare me for the dream job I have today.
What advice would you give to an undergraduate student considering getting involved with the Chellgren Center?
If you’re thinking about a career in research, apply for the fellow’s program!
About the Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program
The Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program is designed for second-year students. This program provides experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through the Chellgren Center programming, you will gain many experiences that will help you get a head start on your career and inspire your goals. You get to experience faculty-mentored research, career advising, professional development, and so much more. You will collaborate with students, mentors, faculty, and staff.
The Chellgren Center began in 2005 with a generous gift from Mr. Paul W. Chellgren and his family, which was matched by the state to create a $4.5 million endowment. The center aims to foster undergraduate excellence through programs like the Chellgren Student Fellows program and by inspiring innovation in teaching and learning, aligning with Chellgren's vision to enrich the lives of students and faculty. The first class of Chellgren Student Fellows began in the fall of 2007 when Dr. Philip Harling became the director of the student program and the first endowed chair of the center. We have seen many changes over the years, including the growth of the student program, financial assistance to undergraduates traveling to conferences or performing research, annual trips for the Chellgren Student Fellows, and the restructuring of one of our faculty programs. For more information on the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, visit our website: https://chellgren.uky.edu/.