2022-2023 Fulbright Scholars
Top Row, L-R: Katya Kovatsenko, Leen Abozaid, Kathryn VanderEspt, Lauren Reuss, Emily Spicer. Bottom Row, L-R: Farhiya Shaban, Reese Bergschneider, Jesse Sanders, Henny Ransdell

The University of Louisville announced June 30 that nine scholars have been awarded 2022-2023 Fulbright Awards. They will travel to Jordan, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Thailand, Czech Republic and Slovenia.

Since 2003, UofL has produced 159 Fulbright scholars, more than all other Kentucky public institutions combined, and has been named a top producer of Fulbrights in the United States seven times.

“UofL student scholars continue to successfully position themselves through Fulbrights and other prestigious scholarships to become the next world leaders,” said Lori Gonzalez, interim UofL president. “These scholarship experiences are invaluable in an era of increasing global awareness and dependence. Our students are showing they can successfully compete on a scale that goes far beyond our city and Commonwealth and that they will affect positive change for generations to come.”

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students. Administered in the U.S. by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright program was established in 1946 to promote international goodwill through education and cultural exchange.

This year’s Fulbright winners represent the College of Arts & Sciences, the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, the College of Business and the School of Medicine. They are:

  • Leen Abozaid: English Teaching Assistantship, Jordan 
  • Reese Bergschneider: English Teaching Assistantship, Indonesia 
  • Katya Kovatsenko: English Teaching Assistantship, Bulgaria 
  • Henrietta (Henny) Ransdell: English Teaching Assistantship, Thailand 
  • Lauren Reuss: English Teaching Assistantship, Thailand 
  • Jessica (Jesse) Sanders: English Teaching Assistantship, Thailand
  • Farhiya Shaban: English Teaching Assistantship, Bahrain 
  • Emily Spicer: Research, Czech Republic 
  • Kathryn VanderEspt: Research, Slovenia

I am thrilled to see so many outstanding Cardinals receiving national recognition for their accomplishments—and to know these young researchers, educators and advocates are just getting started,” said Bethany Smith of the National and International Scholarships office. “UofL has a lot to celebrate in our exceptional students, as well as the supportive, involved faculty and staff mentors who help make these successes possible.” 

The university previously announced the following prestigious scholarships:

For more information, visit louisville.edu/scholars.