Lunsford Scholars

MEET THE LUNSFORD SCHOLARS

Lunsford Scholars Alumni:

Constance Bledsoe (B.S. '23 Neuroscience, B.S. '23 Psychology, cum laude) used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research in Dr. Lauren Whitehurst’s Neuroscience Sleep Research Lab in the Department of Psychology.
In summer 2022 and fall 2021, Aaliyah used the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct undergraduate research with Dr. Clayton Thyne in the Department of Political Science. Following graduation, she was accepted to the university’s law and business schools. Aaliyah is a congressional aid for US Representative Senator Morgan McGarvey and is pursuing a master’s in business administration at UK.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 is a congressional aid for U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey and pursuing an MBA at the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Jake CoffmanJake Coffman (B.S. '22 Biology, summa cum laude) used the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in a microbiology program in Belize, where he studied jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and native bird populations. He also conducted undergraduate research in Dr. Jakub Famulski’s Zebrafish Retinal Development Lab in the Department of Biology. Jake is now pursuing a career in genetic research. 
Crystal FerrellCrystal Ferrell (B.S. '22 Pharmacy, and Health, Society, & Populations), a first-generation college graduate, is a doctoral student at the UK College of Pharmacy. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to cover her housing costs and school supplies while she completed an internship with Meijer Pharmacy.
Bailee Gibbs was active on campus through the Leadership Development Program and the Society for International Studies. She used the Lunsford Scholarship towards a study abroad program in Paris in summer 2022 and the WilDCats at the Capitol Program in fall 2022. Bailee is interested in attending law school and wants to pursue a career in global politics, human rights, diplomacy, and climate changeBailee Gibbs (B.A. '23 History, B.A. International Studies, summa cum laude) is attending the University of Louisville Law School and plans on a career in global politics, human rights, diplomacy, or climate change advocacy. She used the Lunsford Scholarship towards a study abroad program in Paris, France, and the WilDCats at the Capitol Program. 
Nicole is a member of the UK Equestrian Team, 4 Paws for Ability, Lewis Honors College, Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, and is on the pre-veterinary track. She currently works in Dr. Robin Cooper’s research lab. Nicole used the Lunsford Scholarship in summer 2022 towards the Adelante Abroad Summer Program in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she completed a veterinary internship. Nicole plans on becoming an equine veterinarian and will apply to graduate programs in veterinary medicine.Nicole Hensley (B.S. '23 Biology, summa cum laude) is attending a top graduate program at UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine. She plans to obtain a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and become an equine veterinarian. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the Adelante Program in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she completed a veterinary internship.
Cassie JohnsonCassie Johnson (B.A. '22 Psychology, B.A. '22 U.S. Culture and Business Practices, summa cum laude), a first-generation college graduate, is a graduate student in Columbus, Ohio, and hopes to complete a master's or doctorate in public policy. Cassie wants to work in state and federal government. She used the Lunsford Scholarship towards an internship with the Kentucky Counseling Center.
Paige Johnston (B.A. '22 English) used the Lunsford Scholarship in the summer of 2022 to attend the College of Global Studies at Arcadia University in Dublin, Ireland, where she studied Dublin’s literary history. She wants a career in publishing and will eventually write novels of her own.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 wants a career in publishing and will eventually write novels of her own.
Linda Omali (B.S. ’23 Chemistry, summa cum laude), a first-generation college graduate, used the Lunsford Scholarship to complete a research project in biomedical and biological science under the supervision of Dr. Sidney Whiteheart in the UK College of Medicine. She is pursuing a career in anesthesiology.
Emma PittardEmma 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. She is applying to master’s degree programs in Spanish.
Libby RatliffLibby Ratliff (B.A. ’22 Chemistry, summa cum laude) used the Lunsford Scholarship to gain hands-on lab and research experience at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a medical assistant at Indy Vein Specialist. 
JD SchumacherJD Schumacher (B.A. '22 Political Science, summa cum laude) is a legislative correspondent in the U.S. Senate and is deferring law school for a couple of years. He used the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the WilDCats at the Capitol Program, where he interned in U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s office. 
Preiss Terry (B.A. ’23 Political Science) is enrolled in UK BLUE, a collaborative program with UK Law that enables students to earn both their bachelor's and J.D. degrees in six years. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to participate the WilDCats at the Capitol Program, where she interned in U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s office. Preiss plans to become a victims' rights attorney.
Tristen TurpinTristen Turpin (B.A. '22 Psychology), a first-generation college graduate and military veteran, is a master's student at the UK College of Social Work. He used the Lunsford Scholarship to complete a first responders’ course and a research internship in a phlebotomy lab.

 

 Current Students: 

Hannah is a member of the Tri Beta Honors Society for biology students, STEMCats Living Learning program, and is on the pre-med track. She plans to pursue a career in radiology, with the goal of opening a practice in Greenup that serves the greater Appalachian region. With the Lunsford Scholarship, she hopes to pursue a research internship this summer with Dr. Jim Krupa to study Darwin’s theories of evolution in the Galapagos.Hannah Allen is a biology major who is also a part of the STEMCats Living Learning Program, the Tri-Beta Honors Society for biology students, and is on the pre-med track. She wants to open a medical practice in Greenup, Kentucky, that services the larger Appalachian region; her focus is radiography. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to complete a research internship with Dr. Jim Krupa in the Galapagos, where they will investigate Darwin's theories of evolution. 
Sammy is on the pre-med track. She plans to enter a career in sports medicine or sports psychology. With the Lunsford Scholarship she is conducting undergraduate research with Dr. Matthew Kim in the Department of Psychology. They are exploring concepts around self-efficacy and the implicit theory of ability in school-age children. The Lunsford Scholarship also allowed her to volunteer at UK HealthCare and Baptist Health, enabling her to explore more areas of medicine and network with physicians.Samantha Arnold is on the pre-med track and majoring in psychology and kinesiology. After graduation, she wants to work in sports medicine or sports psychology. Thanks to the Lunsford Scholarship, she is conducting undergraduate research with Dr. Matthew Kim in the Department of Psychology. They are exploring concepts around self-efficacy and the implicit theory of ability in school-age children. She also volunteered at UK HealthCare and Baptist Health, expanding her knowledge of medicine and allowing her to connect with medical professionals.
Rose is a first-generation student and on the pre-law track. She is active in the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative (STARRC) in the Clinical Psychology Program. She plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to further this research or a study abroad program. After Rose earns her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to complete a master’s in psychology.Rose Barczak is a first-generation college student who is majoring in psychology on the pre-law track. She is a research assistant for Dr. Christal Badour in the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative in the UK Clinic for Emotional Health. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct this research or participate in a study abroad program. Rose plans to complete a master's in psychology after receiving her bachelor's degree.
Lilly is highly involved in campus activities and participated in the D’Orazio Laboratory at UK where she researched host-pathogen interactions. Her career goals are to become a researcher or professor. Lilly is interning in summer 2023 with the National Institutes of Health. The Lunsford Scholarship will support this high impact experience.Lilly Bauer worked in Dr. John D’Orazio’s laboratory in the Department of Pediatrics, where she studied host-pathogen interactions. She is a biology major and wants to work as a professor or researcher. Lilly will intern at the National Institutes of Health, and the Lunsford Scholarship will help her fund this significant opportunity. 
Joshua is a first-generation student, military veteran, and on the pre-med and pre-public health track. He is interested in earning a master’s degree. Joshua plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Jordan in summer 2023 and further his Arabic language minorJoshua Berry is a first-generation college student and a military veteran, majoring in FLIE on the pre-med and pre-public health tracks. He plans to complete a master's degree after receiving his bachelor's degree. Joshua intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to further his minor in Arabic and study abroad in Jordan. 
Bella Butler is on the pre-law track. After graduation, she would like to attend law school and pursue a career in international relations. She plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Germany. Bella Butler is majoring in political science on the pre-law track. After graduation, she wants to attend law school and work in international relations. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in a study abroad program in Germany. 
Ashley is highly involved with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and volunteers for campus organizations that serve the UK and the greater-Lexington community. She is interested in applying to law school. Ashley plans on using the Lunsford Scholarship for a study abroad program.Ashley Dalrymple is very involved with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and volunteers for campus organizations that serve the University and the greater Lexington community. She is majoring in political science and wants to apply to law school. Ashley intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in a study abroad program.
Nikki Dharanipragada is a first-generation student and on the premed track. Her goal is to pursue a career in medicine focusing on degenerative neurological diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad, where she will experience regional medicine in non-western communities and combine traditional practices with modern medicine.Nikki Dharanipragada is a first-generation college student studying neuroscience on the pre-med track. She wants to pursue a career in medicine focused on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other degenerative neurological diseases and disorders. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad, where she will experience regional medicine in non-western communities and combine traditional practices with modern medicine.
Hal HolbrookHal Holbrook is a biology major on the pre-med track. He enjoys playing basketball in his free time. He is exploring how to best use the Lunsford Scholarship to support his academic and career goals.
Rachel is involved in the UK Student Government Association and plans to pursue a graduate degree. She is interested in working for a public policy research think tank or a social justice non-profit. Rachel plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to explore research opportunities and internships.Rachel Hwang is involved in the UK Student Government Association and hopes to complete a master's degree after receiving her bachelor's degree. Majoring in psychology, sociology, and philosophy, she wants to work in public policy research or for a social justice non-profit. Rachel intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct research with faculty or complete an internship.
Miri is originally from Israel. She is on the pre-physical therapy track. She used a portion of the Lunsford Scholarship on her living expenses while conducting undergraduate research in Dr. Thomas Zentall’s Comparative Cognition Laboratory in the Department of Psychology. She will pursue additional research opportunities that will benefit her future career.Miri Ifraimov is originally from Israel, is a psychology major on the pre-physical therapy track. She used a portion of the Lunsford Scholarship to cover her living costs while conducting undergraduate research in Dr. Thomas Zentall’s Comparative Cognition Laboratory in the Department of Psychology. She will look for more research opportunities that will help her career.
Allie KidwellAllie Kidwell is a first-generation college student, majoring in neuroscience on the pre-med track. During the pandemic, she worked as a swabbing specialist for Wild Health. Allie intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in a Global Bridges mission to Ecuador.
Addison Kolzow is majoring in biology and neuroscience on the pre-med track and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. She wants to be a pediatric surgeon and work for Doctors Without Borders or another humanitarian medical NGO. To gain hands-on medical experience abroad, Addison intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in the Semester at Sea Program.
Cierra Ledford is a Chellgren Fellow and on the pre-law track. After graduation, she plans on attending law school and work in immigration law. Cierra is conducting research with Dr. Kathryn Engle and plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct additional research or study abroad in Spain.Cierra Ledford is a Chellgren Fellow majoring in anthropology and international film studies and is on the pre-law track. After graduation, she wants to attend law school and work in immigration law. She plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to pursue research opportunities or a study abroad program in Spain.
Sam LeRose is the president of the UK Society of Physics Students and is driven to pursue a doctorate in nuclear physics. He hopes to work in the clean energy field concentrating on applied research and join the American Nuclear Society. With the Lunsford Scholarship, he will undertake research with faculty in the Department of Physics and an internship in the greater communitySam LeRose is majoring in physics and is the president of the Society of Physics Students. He is driven to pursue a doctorate in nuclear physics. He hopes to work in the clean energy field, concentrating on applied research, and join the American Nuclear Society. With the Lunsford Scholarship, he will conduct research with faculty in the Department of Physics or participate in an internship in the greater community. 
ashleeAshlee Marksbury is majoring in chemistry on the pre-med track. She wants to work in chemical pathology, and the Lunsford Scholarship will allow her to assist Department of Chemistry faculty members with laboratory research.
Sandy Nino is a first-generation college student majoring in psychology and is on track to graduate in three years. She enjoys conducting mental health research in Dr. Joseph Hammer’s lab and hopes to pursue a career in industrial and organizational psychology. She is using the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in London and conduct research. 
Camila plans to go to graduate school and work in global development and international relations in Latin America. She is using the Lunsford Scholarship to support a spring 2023 Semester at Sea Program in Dubai, Mumbai, Jordan, Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Portugal.Camila Pimentel is majoring in international studies and political science. She wants to go to graduate school and work in global development and international relations in Latin America. Camila used the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in the Semester at Sea Program that took her to Dubai, Mumbai, Jordan, Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Portugal.
Josh is a Chellgren Fellow and is interested in joining Air Force ROTC at UK to gain experience in the aerospace and military fields. He is passionate about international relations and hopes to work in government or foreign diplomacy after graduation. During his junior year, he plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Europe.Josh Plain is a Chellgren Fellow and a physics and pre-finance double major. He is considering joining the UK Air Force ROTC Program to obtain experience in the aerospace and military fields. He has a strong interest in international relations and hopes to work in government or foreign diplomacy after graduation. Joshua intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad in Europe during his junior year.
Jagger Rice is active in the community and has volunteered for the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. He hopes to continue volunteering for pediatric cancer organizations. He is interested in social research and a law career after graduation. Jagger plans to use the Lunsford Scholarship to support research and study abroad.Jagger Rice is a psychology major who is involved in the community and volunteers for the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. He wants to continue volunteering for pediatric cancer organizations. Jagger is interested in a job in social research or law. He intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct research with faculty or a study abroad program.
Laurel is on the pre-law track and interned in a private law practice in Lexington and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to attend the WilDCats at the Capitol Program in summer 2023. The scholarship also supported Laurel’s 2022 research on jury selection process in ten Kentucky circuit courts.Laurel Riggs is majoring in political science and writing, rhetoric, and digital studies and is on the pre-law track. She worked as an intern in a private Lexington legal practice and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Laurel will use the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in the WilDCats at the Capitol Program. Additionally, the scholarship supported Laurel’s research.
Jayden is a first-generation student on the pre-law track. She plans on using the Lunsford Scholarship to fund undergraduate research in summer 2023 and an internship in Washington, D.C. in fall 2023.Jayden Sheridan is a first-generation college student majoring in political science on the pre-law track. She intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to conduct research with faculty and an internship in Washington, D.C. 
Zach is on the pre-med track. He plans on applying to graduate programs in psychology following graduation. Zach is a research assistant in the STARRC under the direction of Dr. Christal Badour. He will use the Lunsford Scholarship to pursue additional research opportunities in the Department of Psychology and internship positions.Zach Seigel is majoring in psychology on the pre-med track. He plans to complete a master's degree in psychology after receiving his bachelor's degree. Zach is a research assistant for Dr. Christal Badour in the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Research Collaborative. He intends to use the Lunsford Scholarship to pursue additional research opportunities in the Department of Psychology or internship positions.
Jaesylin StephensJaesylin Stephens is a biology major who enjoys undergraduate research and plans to pursue a graduate degree in microbiology. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to participate in hands-on research with faculty.
Anna Stockstill is on the pre-law track, majoring in political science and environmental and sustainability studies, and is an active member of the UK Policy Debate Team. She will use the Lunsford Scholarship to support a study abroad program in China or a summer internship in Washington, D.C.
Nora is a member of the STEM Cats Living Learning Program. She aims to complete her PhD in chemistry and work in academia with a focus on teaching. She is active in the UK intramural volleyball team, works as a coach during the summer, and tutors in her spare time. With the Lunsford Scholarship, Nora will take advantage of research opportunities on campus.Nora Sypkens is majoring in chemistry and is a member of the STEM Cats Living Learning Program. After she earns her bachelor's degree, she wants to complete a doctorate in chemistry, work in academia, and focus on teaching. Nora is active on the UK intramural volleyball team, works as a coach during the summer, and tutors in her spare time. With the Lunsford Scholarship, she will take advantage of research opportunities on campus.
emmaEmma Thyne is a Chellgren Fellow, majoring in political science, and a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. She used the Lunsford Scholarship to study abroad at the University of Granada in Granada, Spain. She is currently working in the Arts and Sciences Philanthropy Office as a student assistant.
Alison VineyAllison Viney is majoring in political science and is enrolled in the UK BLUE Program. The Lunsford Scholarship made it possible for her to study in Rome, Italy.