A&S Students Earn Prestigious National and International Honors
June 10, 2026
Students and alumni from the University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences continue to earn recognition through some of the nation’s most competitive scholarships, fellowships and international programs. This year, A&S students received awards supporting research, graduate study, leadership development and international experiences across the globe.
Historic Firsts and Major Achievements
This year included several milestone accomplishments for University of Louisville students, including first-ever honors for the university and the state of Kentucky.
Henny Ransdell becomes first UofL and Kentucky Luce Scholar
The Luce Scholars Program supports emerging leaders through immersive professional experiences in Asia. Henny Ransdell became the first Luce Scholar in University of Louisville history and the first recipient from any Kentucky institution.
A&S degrees: B.A. in Anthropology, English and Sustainability (2021)
Graduate credentials: M.A. in Sustainability and Certificate in Geospatial Technologies (2025)
Ransdell previously earned a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship and a Princeton in Asia Fellowship.
Undergraduate Research Recognition
Darini Nagarajan earns Goldwater Scholarship
The Goldwater Scholarship is the nation’s leading undergraduate award for students pursuing research careers in science, mathematics and engineering.
Darini Nagarajan received the scholarship for her achievements in STEM research.
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Biology, Chemistry and Epidemiology
Darini also received an Etscorn Summer Development Award this year.
A&S Students Earn Fulbright Recognition
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program supports international research, study and teaching opportunities. This year, UofL students received four Fulbright awards and three alternate selections.
Award Recipient
Isabella Bastien
Major: Biology (2026)
Destination: Australia — Study/Research
Additional distinction: MLK Scholar
Alternate Selections
Adeola Esan
Majors: Political Science and French
Destination: Nigeria — Study/Research
Additional distinction: Brown Fellows Program
Henny Ransdell
ETA Turkey Alternate
A&S graduate in Anthropology, English and Sustainability
International Study Opportunities
Emma Posey named English-Speaking Union Scholar
The English-Speaking Union supports study abroad opportunities for college students.
Emma Posey earned an ESU scholarship.
Major: Individualized major in Journalism and English: Public and Professional Writing
Additional distinctions: MLK Scholar and Porter Scholar
Alexis Daniel receives Boren support
The Boren Awards fund international language and cultural study.
Alexis Daniel received support for Portuguese study in Brazil.
Degrees: Criminal Justice and Social Work (2024)
Master of Social Work (2025)
Graduate Study Abroad
Haider Nasir receives Mary Churchill Humphrey Scholarship
The Mary Churchill Humphrey Scholarship supports A&S graduates pursuing advanced study in the United Kingdom.
Haider Nasir received support to pursue an MSc in Global Health Policy & Society at the University of Glasgow.
Major: Individualized major in Asian Studies, pre-med track
Additional distinction: Brown Fellows Program
Additional Student Awards
A&S students also received Etscorn Summer Development Awards:
- Isaiah Cruz
- Marissa Gibson
- Darini Nagarajan — Neuroscience
- Zack Wadsworth
National Recognition Across Disciplines
From neuroscience and biology to sustainability, political science and journalism, A&S students continue to earn competitive opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.
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