KU Selects 2024 Global Scholars Cohort
From around the world and across diverse academic units, 15 University of Kansas second-year students have been selected as the 2024 cohort of Global Scholars.
In its 13th year, the Global Scholars Program recognizes and encourages undergraduate students who have an interest in international studies and a strong academic record. Elizabeth MacGonagle, associate professor of history and African & African-American studies, directs the program.
The 2024 cohort represents students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and schools of Business, Engineering, Journalism and Music. The 2024 cohort will bring diverse perspectives with one student from Russia, two originally from Jamaica and China and 12 from across Kansas.
“I’m very excited about the amazing students selected for our new cohort of Global Scholars,” MacGonagle said. “They have a diverse range of talents, and all show much promise to make the most of this program.”
The scholars were competitively selected for their interest in integrating internationalism into their undergraduate experience and potential for high academic achievement and leadership.
In the spring semester, the students participated in the three-hour weekly seminar “Peace, War and Security,” taught by Brittnee Carter, associate professor of political science. The course explored contemporary issues in global security and its connection to foreign policy, conflict management, defense and military strategy, political violence, human rights and peacekeeping.
"The Global Scholars seminar introduced students to diverse and critical topics in global security, fostering a profound understanding of issues like crisis management, nuclear warfare, and human security," Carter said. "The students' dedication and hard work have been remarkable, resulting in rigorous research projects that showcase their intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. Their engagement and deep discussions created an enriching environment, making it a hub of vibrant and meaningful intellectual exchange."
Coming into the seminar, Natalie Scholz didn't have any experience in conflict theory. She appreciated how accessible and engaging Professor Carter made the seminar.
“Now, through Professor Carter's lectures and the discussions with my cohort, I'm much more confident in my understanding of international relations,” said the double language concentration major in Chinese and Japanese. “The Global Scholars seminar was a great way for me to get outside my comfort zone and explore a new subject!”
As part of the Global Scholars Program, each student will work with a faculty mentor with similar interests on an internationally focused research project. The scholars will present the results of that research during spring semester of their senior year.
The 2024 Global Scholars
Mattie Bonner, Basehor, is a sophomore in music therapy. Her parents are Kola and Matt Atkins.
Elijah Ditto, Lawrence, is a sophomore in environmental geology. His parent is Lindsey Rogers.
Taylor Doyle, Shawnee, is a sophomore in political science and multimedia journalism. Her parents are Ryan and Gretchen Doyle.
Andrew Fewins, Shawnee, is a sophomore in economics and global & international studies with a minor in intelligence and national security studies and an undergraduate language certificate in Russian. His parents are Jonathan and Lisa Fewins.
Changwen Gong, who was born in Wuhan, China, and has lived in Clearwater and Wichita, is a sophomore in computer science with a minor in business. His parents are Fanxiu Gong and Kun Zhang.
Joselyn Hernandez-Abarca, Overland Park, is a sophomore in English and music performance. Her parents are Maria Abarca and Adan Hernandez.
Hannah Loub, Manhattan, is a sophomore in journalism and global & international studies. Her parents are Curtis and Elizabeth Loub.
Katherine Lukert, Paxico, is a sophomore in behavioral neuroscience and molecular, cellular & developmental biology. Her parents are Anna and Adam Lukert.
Kevinh Nguyen, Topeka, is a sophomore in interdisciplinary computing with a concentration in economics. His parents are David Nguyen and Hong Le.
Natalie Scholz, Fairway, is a double language concentration major in Chinese and Japanese. Her parents are Sue and Curtis Scholz.
Bradley Schrock, Lawrence, is a sophomore in electrical engineering. His parents are Andrea Brinckman and Steven Schrock.
Jack Shaw, Overland Park, is a sophomore in American studies with minors in history, French and philosophy. His parents are Julie and Stuart Shaw.
Matvey Tabakh, Moscow, is a sophomore in accounting on the pre-law track. His parents are Anton Tabakh and Yekaterina Kolesnikova.
Kemar Wilson, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and has lived in Overland Park, is a sophomore in computer science. His mother is Zola Henry, and his father was Devon Wilson.
Sabrina Yang, Overland Park, is a sophomore in economics and global & international studies with minors in East Asian languages & cultures and intelligence & national security studies. Her parents are Shu-Kuei Yang and Chun-Miao Yeh.