Skip to main
University-wide Navigation
Chellgren Center
Chellow Flag

Meet our Fellows

Chellgren Student Fellows The "Chellows"

Our Chellgren Student Fellows, "Chellows" for short, represent a variety of majors and interests. From throughout different colleges across UK, the Chellows represent the best and the brightest young professionals passionate about academic, research, and community engagement.

2022 Chellgren Student Fellows

Helena Arjona

Helena Arjona

Helena Arjona is double majoring in Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies and Media Arts & Studies and plans to work as a screenwriter for movies or video games. Being a Hispanic woman, activism and identity is also very important to her and her research aims to combine the two with with her majors. With the help of Dr. Kishonna Gray, she will research the relationship between video games and race, as well as developing video games to assist with learning for remedial kids at the STEAM Academy in Lexington, KY.  Dr. Gray is in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies, College of Arts and Sciences.
Ella Brown-Terry

Ella Brown-Terry

Ella Brown-Terry is an English major with minors in French and History. She plans to obtain her PhD in English and teach at the collegiate level. The study of literature and poetry has allowed her to construct a complex, abstract worldview based on traditions of literary empathy, which she hopes will continue to grow and evolve through her research. She is conducting research in Early Modern literature, and her mentor is Dr. Emily Shortslef, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences.
Kailey Cain

Kailey Cain

Kailey Cain is majoring in biology and plans to attend Medical School after completing a bachelor's degree. Her passion for science and how it applies to living things drew her to biology. The main question of her project will be to look at the ABCA7 gene and see how different polymorphisms that can occur in that gene can affect the brain in terms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her mentor is Dr. Steven Estus in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine.
James Chen

James Chen

James Chen is majoring in computer science and plans to explore the field of computer science by doing projects. His research project will involve machine learning and web development to create an application. His mentor is Dr. Brent Harrison in the Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering.
Tiffany Clark

Tiffany Clark

Tiffany Clark is majoring in computer science and loves to see how coding can be applied in different fields, which is why she chose to accept a position in a Bioinformatics Lab. Her research project focuses on studying the broad effects of ramp sequences on different pathways in different tissues and how that relates to gene expression; she will focus more on the programming aspect duties. Her mentor is Dr. Justin Miller in the Pathology Department, College of Medicine. 
Nicholas Coffman

Nicholas Coffman

Nicholas Coffman is majoring in chemical engineering with a certificate in environmental engineering and he plans to pursue his MBA after finishing his bachelor's degree. He was drawn to chemical/environmental engineering because of his passion for nature as well as his problem-solving ability and desire to be challenged. His research project will involve working with Dr. Isabel C. Escobar's graduate students on their work creating and analyzing a variety of different membranes used to filter different substances out of water. Developing and improving these polymeric membranes so that they are easy to produce and recycle is the main focus of the research. Dr. Escobar is in the Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and the Chellgren Endowed Chair.
Elizabeth Corry

Elizabeth Corry

Elizabeth Corry is majoring in Aerospace Engineering. She was drawn to research because it allows her to learn more about a variety of subjects. Her research project will expand on the variety of aerial vehicles offered in the UAV Lab by making a 3-D printed “tailsitter” VTOL aircraft. Her mentor is Dr. Sean Bailey of the Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering.
Rohan Desai

Rohan Desai

Rohan Desai is majoring in biochemistry and has plans to attend Medical School. He was drawn to biochemistry due to its relevance to a future career in medicine and research. His research project will investigate the effects of hypusination of eIF5A, a eukaryotic translation initiation factor, on TDP-43, a RNA/DNA-binding protein, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and LATE. Desai's mentor is Dr. Maj-Linda Selenica, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine.
Sara Dickens

Sara Dickens

Sara is currently pursuing Public Health on the pre-medical track aiming to one day become a doctor serving underrepresented communities. She enjoys the sciences and working with children from her past experiences prior to college. Luckily she is able to combine both interests within her research by using online analysis to observe trends in communities that affect children negatively. From there, she will collaborate with mentors, Michael Cull and Elizabeth Riley to develop innovations that will effectively improve those communities. Both Dr. Cull and Dr. Riley work in the Center for Innovation in Population Health, College of Public Health.
Emma Grace Hague

Emma Grace Hague

Emma Grace is majoring in Public Health and is planning to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate degree. She is drawn to emergency medicine because of the fast-paced environment and quick thinking that is required. Her research centers around the development of immediate bio-medical interventions for neural trauma like spinal cord injuries. Her research mentor is Dr. Jonghyuck Park, College of Pharmacy.
Faham Hossain

Faham Hossain

Faham Hossain is majoring in Finance and Management. Faham plans to attend graduate school after finishing his bachelor's degree. He was drawn to finance and management because he likes business and enjoys the various uses of financial and managerial aspects of the business. His research project is analyzing different business trends that companies employ in head-to-head competition. His research mentor is Dr. Walter Ferrier in the Department of Management, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Rachel Hwang

Rachel Hwang

Rachel Hwang is majoring in Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy and minoring in Criminology. She is passionate about institutional diversity and hopes to attend grad school for Social Psychology to further explore and apply her interests. Her research project involves understanding whether perceptions of change and racial nostalgia are linked to support for racial homogeneity, specifically looking at abortion rights. Her mentor is Dr. Angel Armenta in the Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences.
Pascalle Le Roy

Pascalle Le Roy

Pascalle Le Roy is pursuing a dual degree in art history and international studies with a minor in Arabic and Islamic studies. They are drawn to these fields because she is interested in the topic of art restitution and repatriation. Pascalle’s research involves collecting intel on how various art institutions deal with art repatriation matters to see what methods work most efficiently. She will then write a paper on how art institutions can justly represent cultures most affected by colonialism without using stolen artworks. Pascalle is doing this research under the guidance of Dr. Udvardy in the Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences.
Cierra Ledford

Cierra Ledford

Cierra Ledford is majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Spanish. She was drawn to anthropology because she enjoys thinking critically about the conditions of humanity. Her research project focuses on what one can learn from rural Kentucky residents about political divides and how this information can be translated to the national political climate. Her mentor is Dr. Ann Kingsolver in the Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences.
Ginny Lyle

Ginny Lyle

Ginny Lyle is majoring in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, and later, she plans to attend veterinary school. She is drawn to veterinary medicine because she can combine her passions for animals, science, and service into one career. Her research project will investigate the effects of diet on metabolic responses in insulin dysregulated horses. Her mentor is Dr. Amanda Adams at the Gluck Equine Research Center, College of Agricultural, Food and Environment.
Jada Lunsford

Jada Lunsford

Jada Lunsford is majoring in kinesiology and plans to attend medical school after completing a bachelor's degree. She was drawn to kinesiology because she loves sports, exercise, and nutrition. Her research project deals with exercise and researching ways to get different age groups involved in exercise to answer her research question. Her mentor is Dr. Melinda Ickes in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, College of Education.
Sandy Nino

Sandy Nino

Sandy is majoring in Psychology and Spanish. After undergrad, she hopes to attend graduate school in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Her field of study enhances her desire to promote the wellbeing of others by helping through their emotional and mental health. Participating in the Hammer Lab, under Dr. Joseph Hammer as her mentor, this following Spring will only enhance her knowledge in her field. Dr. Hammer is in the Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology, College of Education.
Asa O'Neal

Asa O'Neal

Asa O’Neal is majoring in mechanical engineering and physics with plans to pursue a graduate degree in aerospace engineering. Asa plans to pursue a career focused on human space exploration, helping innovate through research and design of novel technologies. Asa’s research project involves prototyping a 3D-printed ‘tailsitter’ VTOL aircraft for testing. This will require Asa to integrate appropriate hardware and software, employ additive manufacturing technologies, design installation fixtures, and conduct flight tests. Asa’s research mentor is Dr. Sean Bailey, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering.
Andres Phillips

Andres Phillips

Andres Phillips is a student majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry. He has always been interested in how chemistry can be used in medical purposes and different ways to apply them. His research project focuses on using innovative chemical techniques to find a way to quantitatively measure the progress of tumors through MRI. His research mentor is Dr. Fanny Chapelin in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering.
Joshua Plain

Joshua Plain

Joshua Plain is majoring in finance and physics and plans to work in corporate finance post-graduation. He is drawn to finance due to its competitive nature. His research project will relate to business development in the bluegrass. His mentor is Kevin Short at Silver Fern, a Lexington-based software company specializing in solutions for the horticulture industry. 
Coleman Reed

Coleman Reed

Coleman Reed is majoring in computer engineering and mathematics and plans to attend graduate school before making his way into industry. He is interested in bioinformatics because he can apply computer science to the field of biology in order to generate new tools to be utilized in future research. His research project is centered around the development of a database for genomic variants to assist pathologists in the UK Healthcare Clinical Genomics Core pipeline. His research mentor is Dr. Justin Miller in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
Lizzie Rice

Lizzie Rice

Elizabeth Rice is majoring in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology and plans to pursue a career in the biotechnology/ bio pharmacology industry after receiving her bachelor's degree. She was drawn to biotechnology because she enjoys researching new ways to approach disease treatment. Her research is over data sonification and protein synthesis.  Her mentor is Dr. Luke Bradley in the Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine.
Elliana Sanchez

Elliana Sanchez

Elliana Sanchez is a sophomore working towards a dual bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Animal Science. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree she intends to attend veterinary school. Elliana Sanchez will be working in Dr. Amanda Adams lab next semester under PHD student Erica Jacquay, completing equine research. The research project focuses on stress factors and immune responses in equines, specifically during transportation. To measure stress levels, multiple tests will be performed including: cortisol levels, heart rate, respiration, and temperature. Saliva enzymes and blood samples will be used to measure stress, endocrine response, and immune system parameters. All data will be organized and used to understand stress and immune function in horses with endocrine diseases.  Dr. Adams is in the Gluck Equine Research Center, College of Agricultural, Food and Environment.
Anna Stockstill

Anna Stockstill

Anna Stockstill is majoring in political science and environmental sustainability studies with a certificate in peace studies and plans on pursuing a joint J.D. and Ph.D. after graduation. She aspires to be an international environmental lawyer and wants to work with governments, corporations, and non-governmental organizations to help shape international laws, standards, and regulations surrounding global environmental issues. Her research project seeks to determine how natural disasters affect global tensions by creating digital maps using ArcGIS software. Her mentor is Dr. Jillienne Haglund in the Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences.
Connor Stuart

Connor Stuart

Connor Stuart is majoring in Neuroscience and plans to attend medical school after earning his bachelor's degree. His project uses High-Low training to improve functional recovery following spinal cord injury. His mentor is Dr. Ann Stowe in the Department of Neurology, College of Medicine.
Emma Thyne

Emma Thyne

Emma Thyne is majoring in Political Science with minors in Spanish and International Studies. She plans on pursuing a PhD in Political Science and has a special interest in Comparative Politics, especially as it pertains to gender. Her project will pertain to women and diplomacy, consisting of an original argument and theory. She will work under the guidance of Dr. Tiffany Barnes, Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences.
Emmylou Tidwell

Emmylou Tidwell

Emmylou Tidwell is majoring in Biology and Music Performance and plans to attend either graduate or medical school after finishing both of her degrees (BM and BS). She hopes to continue working in research in the sciences, as she is highly interested in microbiology and bacteriology. She will be working with Dr. Brian Stevenson from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UK's College of Medicine during the Spring 2022 semester. She will be studying the gene expression and regulation of Borrelia Burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, particularly in how various regulatory proteins allow the bacteria to respond to its environment as it switches hosts from ticks to vertebrates and vice versa. She will be spending the first month of the semester closely working with her mentor and the graduate students in the lab to familiarize herself with the techniques and various projects that are being carried out. As she continues to work closely with the faculty, she will be able to either join a project of one of the graduate students or develop one of her own that she will present about near the end of the semester.
Gage Tucker

Gage Tucker

Gage B. Tucker is an Agricultural Education major in the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment with plans to be a secondary Agricultural Education teacher & FFA Advisor upon completion of his Bachelor’s degree as well as attend graduate school in the future. His research looks at stress level comparisons of single versus multiple teacher/advisor agricultural education programs in secondary schools across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. His mentor is Dr. Rebekah B. Epps, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education in the Department of Community & Leadership Development, College of Agricultural, Food and Environment.
Maddy Wade

Maddy Wade

Maddy Wade is majoring in psychology and management and plans to pursue a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology following graduation. She was drawn to the overlap of these fields because of how interested she is in both business and interpersonal relations. Her research project consists of utilizing network analysis to evaluate the perceptions of leadership roles among employees of various ages. Her research mentor is Dr. Scott Soltis in the Department of Management, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Helena Weiss

Helena Weiss

Helena Weiss is majoring in medical laboratory sciences and after undergraduate school plans to work as a laboratory scientist as she attends Medical School. She was drawn to becoming a pathologist and working in a laboratory because she loves feeling like a detective that is forever learning about what she sees in the microscope. Her research is assessing the molecular and cellular changes to skeletal muscle following an anterior cruciate ligament injury and recovery. Her mentor is Dr. Christopher Fry in the Department of Muscle Biology, College of Health Sciences.

2021 Chellgren Student Fellows

Adekunle

Seun Adekunle

Seun Adekunle is majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Cognitive Science. Seun's interest in Computer Science stems from a desire to solve complex problems.

His research project involves energy optimization involving electric devices within smart cities.

Research Mentor: Dr. Simone Silvestri, Department of Computer Science

 
Allran

Olivia Allran

Olivia Allran is majoring in Public Health with a minor in Biology. She was drawn to public health from an interest in examining the social determinants that lead to health disparities.

Her research focuses on analyzing Markey Cancer Center's ACTION Program to determine the most influential and beneficial aspects of medical educational programs for underrepresented students.

Research Mentor: Dr. Nathan Vanderford, UK College of Medicine's Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology
Baker

Madison Baker

Madison Baker is pursuing a dual-degree in Psychology and interdisciplinary Disability Studies as well as two certificates in Social Sciences Research and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awareness. She plans to earn a Ph.D. and work as a school psychologist in the future. She was drawn to psychology because she is passionate about learning about kids with learning, emotional, and physical disabilities and wants to make a positive change in their lives.

Her research project examines the effectiveness of specific intervention strategies in helping students with attention problems/ADHD in the classroom.

Research Mentors: Dr. Elizabeth Lorch and Dr. Angela Hayden, both in the Department of Psychology
Chauhan

Isha Chauhan

Isha Chauhan is majoring in Biology and minoring in Creative Writing with plans to get her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She enjoys biology because of its constant relevance to life and its environmental implications.

Her research project will investigate the molecular basis for mutations in the ABCG5 ABCG8 sterol transporter that cause Sitosterolemia, a rare, recessive form of familial hypercholesterolemia.  She will also determine if therapeutics used in the treatment of other diseases caused by mutations in ABC transporters will restore function to ABCG5 ABCG8.

Research Mentor: Dr. Gregory Graf, UK College of Pharmacy
Cornwell

Catherine Cornwell

Catherine Cornwell is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and plans to complete the 5th year MBA program. She was drawn to engineering because she likes using math and creativity to solve problems.

Her research project uses skills in product design, prototyping, and distribution for a custom apparatus for research on insect thermal tolerance.

Research Mentor: Dr. Nicholas Teets, Department of Entomology
Crane

Ryan Crane

Ryan is a Neuroscience and Psychology dual degree student with minors in Spanish and Math. He is interested in psychology because of an introductory psychology course he took two years ago, and plans to go into medical school to study more cognitive sciences.

He will be participating in the Cognition Health and Sleep Equity (CHaSE) Lab. Ryan will be studying the effects of sleep on cognitive health.

Research Mentor: Dr. Lauren Whitehurst, Department of Psychology
Eastham

Chase Eastham

Chase Eastham is majoring in Agriculture and Medical Biotechnology and plans to complete the MD/PhD program after undergraduate studies. He was drawn to biotechnology because he loves the possibilities of viral-mediated gene therapy that uses lentiviruses to deliver CRISPR constructs to host cells in-vivo.

Chase will be assisting the Nagy lab in their efforts to understand viral replication and evolution mechanisms. He is excited to explore the possibilities of alternative tropisms these viruses can express when pseudotyped.

Research Mentor: Dr. Peter Nagy, Department of Plant Pathology
Erpenbeck

Anna Erpenbeck

Anna Erpenbeck is majoring in Electrical Engineering with a focus in power and energy. She hopes to one day combine concepts of engineering, chemistry, and data science in the environmental or medical fields.

Her research project involves experimental microelectrode technology and their neurological applications. This project will help progress the understanding of how biochemistry can assist the treatment of neurological diseases.

Research Mentor: Dr. Greg Gerhardt, Department of Neuroscience
Haddad

Christine Haddad

Christine Haddad is majoring in Biology and plans to attend medical school after completing a Bachelor of Arts through the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts and Sciences. She is drawn to biology because she loves to study bodily processes and hopes to apply it to her medical-oriented future.

Her research project includes studying the effects of external Ca2+ concentration on the membrane potential of crayfish skeletal muscle to see if crayfish skeletal muscle will respond like larval Drosophila (in that with increasing concentration of external Ca2+ the membrane potential will hyperpolarize and with lower external Ca2+ concentration the membrane will depolarize). In this project, she will measure membrane potentials and intracellular recordings with varying the Ca2+ concentrations in the bathing media and learn the dissection of the models to make these recordings.

Research mentor: Dr. Robin Cooper, Department of Biology
Haider

Leena Haider

Leena Haider is a History major who is currently debating pursuing a PhD and a career in civil or foreign services or embracing a career in healthcare after completing a bachelor's degree. Despite her inner turmoil, history is her passion because its study is about context and methodology which when done correctly gives a full and unbiased understanding of the past.  She loves the process of research, contextualizing and analyzing sources, and presenting her work.

She will be researching the responses of Black newspapers to fascism in Nazi Germany compared to White newspapers in the United States.

Research Mentor: Dr. Nikki Brown, Department of History
Holla

Shria Holla

Shria Holla is majoring in Mathematical Economics and plans to attend graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. in Economics. She pursued economics because she enjoys the discipline's quantitative behavioral analysis.

Her research project will be under the Center for Poverty Research.

Research Mentor: Dr. James Ziliak, Gatton Department of Economics
Huse

Jackson Huse

Jackson Huse is a sophomore in Computer Engineering and Pre-Medicine and plans to attend Medical School after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors Degree. His interest in computers and technology started at a young age and his interest in medicine, though more recently acquired, is in Surgery and Surgical Technology.

His research project uses DNA computing, which implements computer systems by using DNA molecules and their reactions, in order to design new types of computations and an automation software tool for them.

Research Mentor: Dr. Sayed Salehi, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hutchinson

Tesslyn Hutchinson

Tesslyn Hutchinson is majoring in Biology and plans to be on the genetics track. Although she plans to be a genetic counselor in the future, polyamine biology in neurodegenerative diseases has piqued her interest.

Her research project employs cell culture models, bioinformatics, animal behavior, drug discovery, and more to answer various research questions.

Research Mentor: Dr. Daniel Lee, Department of Neuroscience
Johnston

Megan Johnston

Megan Johnston is majoring in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology with a minor in Plant and Soil Sciences. Her interest in agriculture stems from the time she spent on her grandfather's farm at a young age, in which her curiosity over the mechanisms behind plant development grew.

Her research project involves using molecular biology techniques to identify the impact Rho-GTPase pathway genes have on F-actin dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Research Mentor: Dr. Tomokazu Kawashima, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Keen

Katie Keen

Katie Keen is a Chemistry and Biology double major with goals to attend MD/PhD graduate school in preparation for a career in healthcare, research, and higher education. She is particularly interested in studying viral transmission, virulence, and evolution on a molecular scale: specifically, how these topics relate to novel viruses that infect humans and common vector species to cause disease.

Her research project will involve studying HeV (Hendra virus) fusion and matrix proteins and their respective interactions with cholesterol within the cell membrane as HeV propagates.

Research Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Dutch, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Vice Dean for Research
Loar

Abbey Loar

Abbey Loar is a Psychology major who plans to attend graduate school to earn a masters in Clinical Psychology. She is interested in the workings of the brain and how that relates to behavior.

Her research project searches to better understand how people cope and recover from severely traumatic and/or stressful events. She will be participating in phone calls and surveys to collect self-reported data from participants who have been diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, regarding their status. She will use this information to explore beneficial and effective treatment and prevention programs to help improve outcomes of those who have PTSD.

Research Mentor: Dr. Christal Badour, Department of Psychology
Marasigan

Nyah Marasigan

Nyah Marasigan is majoring in Media Arts and Studies. She was drawn to the various business and creative aspects of media industries because she has interest in becoming an executive, entrepreneur, or lawyer in the industry, along with incorporating her creative voice.

Her research project focuses on what it is like to run for judiciary posts and how social media transforms campaigns. How these political candidates interact with journalists, how they run for office, and the abundance of legal restrictions in campaigning will be explored throughout her research as well.

Research Mentor: Dr. Jim Hertog, Department of Journalism and Media
Maust

Kassidy Maust

Kassidy Maust is majoring in Public Health and plans to complete the University of Kentucky’s 4+1 masters degree program. She was drawn to public health because she loves working with people to establish equal foundations in quality of life and advocating for equity in healthcare.

Her research project aims to determine the factors that contribute to being a good leader in healthcare by examining positions of leadership during times of crisis with statements from leaders themselves and their subordinates.

This research will build off of the dissertation written by Dr. Maureen Jones in the Department of Public Health and establish themes to identify competency in leadership.
Oliver

Boston Oliver

Boston Oliver is a second year student majoring in Psychology and minor in Criminology. Her plan after undergraduate is to attend graduate school to become a licensed social worker.

Her research will be on the emotionality of whiteness in urban education settings and how it in turn impacts urban education. 

Research Mentor: Dr. Cheryl Matias, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Poole

Emma Poole

Emma is majoring in Arabic and Islamic Studies and International Studies and plans to attend Law School after completing a bachelor’s degree. She wants to use her language skills in Arabic and Russian in her career in immigration law.

Her research delves into the Arabic language, using her Arabic language skills in order to translate a manuscript of Kitab al-Hikma. Through translating this text, she will discover the social and theoretical foundations of early Islamic authority, specifically the authority of Islamic sainthood.

Research Mentor: Dr. Aiyub Palmer, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Relich

Nicholas Relich

Nicholas Relich is majoring in Economics and Political Science and plans to pursue a career in public service. He views the intersection of these disciplines as a means to positively impact others through government policy.

Nicholas will use econometrics methodology and digital mapping software to research how the Purchase of Development Rights program affects affordable housing options in Lexington, KY.  

Research Mentor: Dr. William Hoyt, Department of Economics
Rice

Hallie Rice

Hallie Rice is majoring in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Criminology with certificates in Peace Studies and Financial Planning and plans to work to reform the criminal justice system through politics after obtaining her undergraduate degree (BA). She was drawn to this research because she is passionate about criminal justice reform and generally bettering the lives others by reducing stigma surrounding substance use.

Her research project uses qualitative interviews to learn about personal experiences with the mobile harm reduction unit through Voices of Hope.

Research Mentor: Dr. Amanda Fallin-Bennett, College of Nursing
Ruschman

Elizabeth Ruschman

Elizabeth Ruschman is a Human Health Sciences major with a pre-medicine focus, and she plans to attend medical school after college. She is passionate about research regarding equity in healthcare access and affordability.

Her research will focus primarily on studying racial disparities in health literacy, healthcare transition (HCT), and financial toxicity in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in Kentucky. She will also assist with similar projects focused on health equity in cancer care delivery research.

Research Mentor: Dr. Jean Edward, College of Nursing
Smith

Bailey Smith

Bailey Smith is majoring in Community Leadership Development and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration after receiving her bachelor’s degree. She was drawn to community research because she loves interacting and helping people.

Her research project involves evaluating the purpose, objective, and programming of One Lexington.

Research Mentor: Dr. Bryan Hains, Department of Community, Leadership, and Development
Sumner

Caroline Sumner

Caroline Sumner is majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry, Biology, and Business and plans to attend Medical School after completing her undergraduate degree. She has always been interested in the neuroscience of drug abuse disorders and their possible treatments, leading her to choose a Neuroscience major.

Her research lab uses neuroscience technologies, fMRI and TMS, in a clinical setting to observe the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on a subject who has ingested THC; the lab investigates the use of TMS as a possible intervention for the treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder.

Research Mentor: Dr. Michael J. Wesley, Department of Behavioral Science
Swanbeck

Olivia Swanbeck

Olivia is a sophomore currently working towards dual degrees in Neuroscience with a minor in Pharmacology and Psychology in Cognitive Science. She plans to attend graduate school after her undergrad.

Her research project deals with chemo-genetically altering neural signals to help aid in the knowledge of addiction behaviors.

Research Mentor: Dr. Cassandra Gipson-Reichardt, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
Wiley

Megan Wiley

Megan Wiley is a second-year student enrolled in the Gatton College of Business and Economics. She is double majoring in Marketing and Management, with a minor in International Business, and Certificate in Sales. She has always had a passion for philanthropic work and community service.

She will be conducting a discovery research project on the relationship between nonprofits and law enforcement.

Research Mentor: Dr. Kimberly Stoltzfus, Lewis Honors College
Woolfolk

Zora Woolfolk

Zora Woolfolk is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of a Ph.D. after the completion of her degree. She was drawn to psychology because she hopes to one day help dispel the stigma around mental health.

The research lab she will be joining explores how neural changes during sleep and the autonomic nervous system define restorative sleep and support cognition.

Research Mentor: Dr. Lauren Whitehurst, Department of Psychology
Yokokura

Kotomi Yokokura

Kotomi Yokokura is majoring in Social Work and minoring in Public Policy. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans on pursuing a master's and Ph.D. to continue conducting research on poverty and to help create more effective policies. Kotomi was drawn to Social Work as she is passionate about addressing social inequality.

Her research project uses qualitative methods to examine college food insecurity.

Research Mentors: Kendra OoNorasak and Dr. Tammy Stephenson, both in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Past Chellgren Student Fellows

2020 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Jasmine Ahmad, Psychology & Health, Society, and Populations
  • Kaitlynn Albers, Journalism
  • Molly Armstrong, Neuroscience
  • Constance Bledsoe, Neuroscience and Psychology
  • Madison Boosveld, Neuroscience and Psychology
  • Cameron Brewer, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
  • Kennedy Brown, Human Health Sciences
  • Garrett Demaree, Civil Engineering
  • Burke Doud, Mechanical Engineering
  • Riley Droppleman, Biology
  • Madilyn Flandermeyer, Materials Engineering
  • Sophia Gonzales, Art History
  • Emily Guerrero, Neuroscience
  • Bethany Ison, Neuroscience and Spanish
  • Mihir Kale, Political Science
  • Shauna Kitts, Social Work
  • Faith Makumbi, Physics
  • Ian Metzgar, Chemical Engineering
  • Lexi Nolletti, Neuroscience
  • Reagan Parker, Linguistics
  • Jake Patty, Chemical Engineering
  • Maryrose Ramsey, Chemical Engineering
  • Jennifer Rodriguez, Marketing
  • Marlee Scholten, Biomedical Engineering
  • Rachael Snyder, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Tori Vestal, Foreign Language and International Economics
  • Meredith Williams, Biology
  • Same Wyse, Chemical Engineering
  • Gabija Ziemyte, Physics

2019 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Amina Addington, Political Science & Economics
  • Rachel Brown, Agriculture Individualized - Entomology
  • Hannah Cleary, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Hailey Combs, English
  • Sereniti Coulter, Linguistics and Modern & Classical Languages, Literatures & Cultures/Arabic & Islamic Studies
  • Laura Cuevas-Meledez, Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies & Spanish Language and Linguistics
  • Chloe Ditka, Kinesiology
  • Melanie Duckworth, Mechanical Engineering
  • Dean Farmer, Economics & Political Science
  • Anna Foose, Agricultural and Medical Biotechology
  • Jansen Hammock, Political Science
  • Zoe Hert, Biology
  • Kayla Holmes, Sociology
  • Emily Keaton, Philosophy, Sociology & English
  • Keyarius Kibler, Psychology
  • Peter Koutrodimos, Accounting & Finance
  • Elena Liu, International Studies and Foreign Languages and International Economics
  • Mikayla Mitchell, Economics
  • Olivia Morris-Bush, Political Science
  • Lauren Myfelt, English & Natural Resources and Environmental Science
  • Nadja Nelson, Nursing
  • Nidhi Patel, Nursing
  • Alyse Ptacek, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology & Neuroscience
  • Asante Ruiz, Foreign Languages and International Economics
  • Reagan Smith, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Giovanna Weinman, Political Science
  • Emory Wilds, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology

2018 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Nicole Blackstone, Political Science & Sociology
  • Jessica Blake, Psychology
  • Cole Blanford
  • Sydney Blocker
  • Alison Bomkamp
  • Carly Boone
  • Eli Bradshaw, Political Science & Psychology
  • James Campbell
  • Chase Carlton
  • Chey Chandler, Agriculture and Medical Biotecnology
  • Alex Cochran
  • Michael DiGirolamo
  • Nahaba Hamada
  • Emily Huffman, Neuroscience
  • Angela Jones
  • Samuel Langford
  • Caylee Marshall, Chemical Engineering
  • Danielle Peterson, Biological Chemistry
  • Brittney Sawyer, Kinesiology
  • Kyra Seevers
  • Mikayla Spencer
  • Hannah Thomas, Biology & Health, Society and Populations
  • Anna Wagner
  • Savina Williams, Economics & International Studies
  • Anastasia Zevan

2017 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Habiba Ahmed, Neuroscience
  • Jessica Appel, Mathematics
  • Lexi Axtell, Human Health Sciences
  • Kelly Benzenhoefer, Journalism
  • Umair Bhutto, Biology & Chemistry
  • Elyse Blakeman, Finance & Spanish
  • Natasha Boelstler, Neuroscience
  • Kendall Brown, Psychology
  • Jacob Bruce, Political Science & History
  • Shelby Buckman, Economics & Mathematics
  • Kayla Carter, Political Science & Sociology
  • Elizabeth Caudill, Chemistry
  • Doug Center, History & Secondary Social Studies Education
  • Emad Chishti, Neuroscience
  • Carly Coleman, Psychology
  • McKaylee Copher, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Adrienne Corwin, Computer Science
  • Alston Croley, Physics & Mathematics
  • Sam DeJesus, Chemical Engineering
  • Mitchell Dennis, Physics & Computer Science
  • Tsage Douglas, Public Health & Foreign Language
  • Maddi Dyment, Community and Leadership Development & Journalism
  • Allison Eades, Natural Resources and Environmental Science
  • Molly Fernandez, Marketing & Psychology
  • Jada Green, Economics & Finance
  • Usman Hamid, Psychology & Biology
  • Michael Hamilton, Political Science & International Studies
  • Camden Hausberger, Finance
  • Sophia Jackson
  • Jenna Jodts, Psychology
  • Savannah Jones, Human Health Sciences
  • Madison Justice, English
  • Katie Kirk, English
  • Edith Koutone, International Studies
  • Mackenzie Loar, Special Education
  • Chimene Ntakarutimana, Psychology
  • Thomas Ostertag, Chemical Engineering
  • Caylyn Railey, Biology & Chemistry
  • Isabella Ritz, Materials Engineering
  • Drew Rosenzweig, Finance & Marketing
  • Meet Soni, Neuroscience
  • Madan Subheeswar, Biology & Business Management
  • Kara Tauer, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology & Chemistry
  • Joe Walden, Psychology & Neuroscience
  • Jeremiah Wayne, Biology & Neuroscience
  • Savannah Wills, Art History & Arts Administration
  • Anna Wilwerding, Health, Society and Populations & Environmental and Sustainability Studies
  • Maya Woolfolk, Biology

2016 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Hadeel Abdallah, Political Science & Arabic and Islamic Studies
  • Sami Abul-Khoudoud
  • Kalli Ajim, Chemical Engineering
  • Seth Biedenbender, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Tessa Blevins, Psychology
  • MiKayla Carter, English
  • Katherine Clowes, Chemistry
  • Julianna Dantzer, Environmental and Sustainability Studies & Natural Resources and Environmental Science
  • Yujie Ding, Biology
  • Daniel Dopp, Computer Science & Computer Engineering
  • Marygrace Duggar, Chemical Engineering
  • Hannah Dvorak, Chemical Engineering
  • Rueben Golyatov, Biosystems Engineering
  • Genghis Goodman, Economics & Computer Science
  • Willie Graas, Natural Resources and Environmental Science
  • Katilin Henning, Anthropology & International Studies
  • Hina Iqbal, Neuroscience
  • Matthew Jones, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Morgan Kelly, Biology
  • Anne Klette
  • Katherine Kloska, Chemistry
  • Meghana Kudrimoti, Biology & Political Science
  • Haley Latta, English
  • Rachel Lietzow, Foreign Language and International Economics Chinese & International Studies
  • Emily Livingston, Pre-Communication Science and Disorders
  • Emily Major, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Kayla Mattingly, Biology
  • Marissa McDowell
  • Alyssa Mertka, English
  • Courtney Michael, Psychology
  • Gregory Milburn, Chemistry & Biology
  • James Morelli, Biosystems Engineering
  • Simran Nanda, Pre-Law
  • Weston Owen, Chemistry & Biology
  • Jourdan Owens, Human Health Sciences
  • Esther Putman, Biology & Neuroscience
  • Jennifer Rawe, International Studies
  • Ethan Reed, Mathematics & Computer Science
  • Michael Regard, Public Health
  • Kendall Rump, Neuroscience & Biology
  • Patrick Ryan, Chemical Engineering
  • Dealla Samadi, Biology & Neuroscience
  • Nicholas Scheper, Chemical Engineering
  • Mihir Shah, Biology
  • Aaron Silverstein, Neuroscience & Psychology
  • Susie Smith, Political Science
  • Eashwar Somasundaram, Biology & Chemistry
  • Weilian Song, Computer Science
  • Courtland Stephens, Marketing
  • Nicholas Telesz, Materials Engineering
  • Samuel Thompson, Chemical Engineering
  • Angelia Wei, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology & Mathematics
  • Julianna Witt, Equine Science and Management & Animal Science

2015 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Sloan Anderson, Biology
  • Annie Baker, Biology & Chemistry
  • Esias Bedingar, Physiology
  • Drury Bell, Classics & Mathematics
  • Curtis Bethel, Chemical Engineering
  • Andrea Bomkamp, Marketing & Economics
  • Sommer Cade, Architecture
  • Benjamin Childress, Economics
  • Kylie Colvin, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Sarah Coulson
  • Brianna Damron, Pre-Nursing
  • DeAnna Duffy, Psychology
  • Faith Evans, Biology
  • Heather Gosnell, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Jonathan Hamilton, Mechanical Engineering
  • Nicholas Hodge, Architecture
  • Claire Kellen, French
  • Aiko Lovejoy, Foreign Language International Economics - Spanish
  • Natalie Malone, Psychology
  • Nicole Martin, Chemistry
  • Nora Mattingly, International Studies
  • Lillian McGhiey, Psychology
  • Hannah Meredith, Elementary Education
  • Elijah Myers, Mathematics
  • Christa Newman, Psychology & Anthropology
  • Bridget Nicholas, Chinese & International Studies
  • Aya Omar, Biology & Animal Science
  • Christina Pistilli, Biology
  • Alex Polus, Computer Engineering
  • Madelyn Roeder, Elementary Education
  • Shauna Rust, International Studies
  • Brett Seymore, Accounting & Finance
  • Fox Thorpe, Chemical Engineering
  • Payton Wallace, Accounting & Finance
  • Brent Watts, International Studies & Theatre
  • Sylvia Wilson, Biology & Political Science

2014 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Shiza Arshad, International Studies, Chinese & Gender and Women's Studies
  • Evelyn Beckert, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Stacey Brothers, Psychology and Spanish
  • Elysha Calhoun
  • David Cole, English
  • Ashley Cutshaw
  • Thomas Daley, Biology & Philosophy
  • Emily Daley
  • Sabita Dumre, Biology
  • Abraham Dutch
  • Taylor Elder, Psychology and Kinesiology
  • Janet Hall, Psychology
  • Kyle Hancock, Public Health
  • Kaylee Hicks, International Studies
  • Ross Hildabrand
  • Ameena Khan, Psychology
  • Hannah Latta, Biology
  • Kaitlin Lemaster, Animal Science
  • Ryan McElhose, Sociology
  • Zerina Mehic, Animal Science
  • Caroline Nickerson
  • Marie Noel
  • Meredith O'Dell
  • Michael Parsons
  • Nathan Petrie, English & Poetry
  • Boone Proffitt
  • Sibi Rajendran
  • William Reichert, Chemical Engineering
  • Matthew Resch, Computer Science & Mathematics
  • Paige Richie, International Studies & Political Science
  • Rebecca Schladt, Civil Engineering
  • Abby Schroering, Theater & English
  • Austin Sprinkles, Political Science
  • Loretta Stafford
  • Angelo Stekardis
  • Danielle Stephens
  • Anna Townsend, Biology
  • Ava Vargason, Chemical Engineering
  • Madeline Wagner, Nursing
  • Natalie Watkins, English & Gender and Women's Studies
  • Jared Wittrock, Chemical Engineering & Mathematics

2013 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Cassidy Cantrell
  • Robert Cass
  • Andrew Cech
  • Steven Chapman
  • Erika Darnell
  • Andrea Eastes
  • Jonathan Elliot
  • Donald Grasse
  • Richard Grewelle
  • Caitlin Harris
  • Nathan Hewitt
  • Jordan Jorgensen
  • Jordan Keeton
  • Maddie Lockridge
  • Miriam Malik
  • Lindy Massey
  • Jacob Mattingly
  • Trevor McNary
  • Sadie Meyer
  • Lexi Neukirch
  • Tolu Odukoya
  • Stephen Parsons
  • Michael Perry
  • Sammy Petitte
  • Kelsey Potter
  • Marcel Roman
  • Katelyn Sandell
  • Madison Scott
  • Brenton Smith
  • Danna Spears
  • Daniella Straathof
  • Jay Van Doorn
  • Faith VanMeter
  • Sarah Wagner
  • John Walker
  • Evan Willett

2012 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Noora Aljabi
  • Demarkus Butler
  • Joy Coles
  • Mary Kate Elliot, English & French
  • Matthew Fahrbach
  • Allison Ferguson, Communication Disorders
  • Taban Flores, Journalism & Communications
  • Emily Furnish
  • Rekha Gupta
  • Haley Herrell
  • Kayla Johnson
  • Hannah Kembel, Philosophy & Psychology
  • Umang Khandpur
  • Morgan Lane
  • Allie Lehman
  • Erica Mattingly
  • Stefanie Muller
  • Autumn Murphy
  • Tamas Nagy
  • Roshan Palli
  • Catherine Palmer-Ball
  • Sangana Pampati
  • Joseph Papp
  • Kaitlyn Schuster
  • Avril Simms, History
  • Karisa Sisk
  • Olivia Smith, Psychology
  • Grace Trimble
  • Emily VanMeter
  • Heidi Vollrath
  • Arti Vula
  • Sarah Whelan
  • Devon Wilson
  • Ryan Winstead

2011 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Chelsea Ahting, International Studies & Political Science
  • Rachel Aretakis, Journalism & Spanish
  • Lindsey Austin, Broadcast Journalism
  • Daniel Bostelman, Materials Engineering
  • Emily Bryant, Chemistry & Biology
  • Ellen Burns, Biology
  • Emily Combs, Psychology
  • Zainab Farooqui, Biology
  • Joanna Foresman, Biosystems Engineering
  • Eloise Fourie, Psychology
  • Madison Gooch, Management
  • Caitlin Hagan, Political Science & Spanish
  • Bonnie Hance, Secondary English Education
  • Josiah Hannah, Computer Science
  • Sarah Hayden, Political Science
  • Byron Hempel, Biochemistry & Biology
  • Drake Jackson, Mathematical Economics & Spanish
  • Burhanuddin Johar, Biology
  • Amanda Kaiser, Biology
  • Dominique Luster, Theatre
  • Bethany McClintock, Accounting
  • Michael Miller, Biology
  • Bradley O'Neal, International Studies & Spanish
  • Nicole Schladt, International Studies & Gender and Women's Studies
  • Michael Sheehy, Theatre
  • Tamika Tompoulidis, Communications
  • Skylar Trott, Biology
  • Jacob Welch, Anthropology
  • Breyon White, Chemistry

2010 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Maria Bane
  • Catherine Brereton
  • Jennifer Brogie
  • Carter Daniels
  • Jonathan Davies
  • Brett Dickens
  • David Dirkes III
  • Charles Fieseler
  • Jonathan Finnie
  • Jared Flanery
  • Tyler Flynn
  • Courtney Ford
  • Geraldine Goh
  • Jillian Harris
  • McKinley Heflin
  • Andrea Hiller
  • Cody Hollan
  • Alexandria Jarrells
  • Mary Jennings
  • Deron Johnson
  • Kelsey Joseph
  • Abigail Kerins
  • Taylor Lloyd
  • Shelby Malone
  • Madison McGhee
  • Allison McVey
  • Saumya Mehta
  • Zach Motes
  • Asri Mumpuni
  • Lindsay Oberhausen
  • Emily Pena
  • Justin Penny
  • Amanda Rambo
  • James Rossi
  • Ethan Rutledge
  • Elizabeth Schaller
  • Emma Scott
  • Sarah Seger
  • Alexandria Sehon
  • Abdel-Sater Shalash
  • Williams Spence
  • Jonathan Tyler
  • Grant Weherly
  • Mary Ellen Wimberly
  • Madeline Wright

2009 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Elizabeth Dunn, Psychology
  • Shady El-Maraghi, Biology & French
  • Lindsey Elza, Architecture
  • Laura Feder, Kinesiology
  • Lisa Fioretti, Biology
  • Amber Gay, Mechanical Engineering
  • Eric Gilland, Chemistry & Biology
  • Philip Houtz, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology
  • Matthew Hufford, Political Science & International Studies
  • Adesuwa Ighodaro, Biochemistry
  • Sidrah Khan, Marketing & Secondary Education
  • Andrea Lowe, Communications
  • Kristyn Mickley, Nursing
  • Deepa Patel, Biochemistry
  • Megan Schultz, Biology
  • Zachary Willand
  • Fei Xiong, Biology
  • Alyssa Yson, Management & Marketing

2008 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Taylor Amerman, Marketing & Community and Leadership Development
  • Benjamin Barnes, Kinesiology
  • James Chapman, Political Science & International Studies
  • Sudipa Chowdhury, Biochemistry
  • James Dimayuga, Political Science
  • Jason Grant, English & Linguistics
  • Hadley Hurst, Political Science
  • Eseosa Ighodaro, Biology
  • Nazeeha Jawahir, Chemistry & Philosophy
  • Rachel Keller, International Studies (FLIE Spanish) & English
  • Christina Kuchle, Forestry & Natural Resource Conservation
  • Dylan Murphy, Biology
  • Adrienne Pfendt, English
  • Shannon Smith, Biology
  • Jennifer Strange, Finance & Marketing
  • Stephanie Straub, English
  • Michele Tomiatti, Sociology & Psychology
  • Kenisha Webb, Biology

 

2007 Chellgren Student Fellows

  • Kerri Borden
  • Jenna Brashear
  • Laura Crawford
  • Eli Darby
  • Chelsea Darnell
  • Lindsey Felton
  • Alecia Fields
  • Sarah Fogarty
  • Tiffany Ge
  • Sarah Groppo
  • Jason Hope
  • Brittany Kidwell
  • DJ Lacy
  • Lesley Mann
  • Allison Overdorf
  • Kathryn Preston
  • Lisa Rogers
  • Eric Schlich
  • Mark Smith
  • Bradley Sturdivant
  • Joseph Tarantino
  • Binh Tran
  • Jessalyn Ubellacker
  • Krishna Vyas
  • Brett Wolff
Important Information
Email chellgrencenter@uky.edu
Phone 859-257-6894
An Equal Opportunity University
Accreditation
Directory
Email
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclosures
© University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40506