From around the world and across diverse academic units, 15 KU 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.”

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International students represented three of the seven finalists in KU's 2023 3MT® Competition on Nov. 14. Payal Makhasana, a doctoral student in civil engineering from India, tied for second place in the finals. Joe Potts, associate vice provost for international innovation, development and strategic partnership, was the event host.  

Other international finalists included Riddhi Golwanka, a doctoral student in chemistry from India, and Abhishek Juneja, a doctoral student in educational psychology and research from India. 

Quentin Jarrell, a master's student in bioengineering, was the first place winner and received the People's Choice Award.

In all 21 students participated in the competition, of which more than 60 percent were international students. Along with the finalist, the international students included Fairuz Shadmani Shishir, Bangladesh; Emily Faith Riding, Canada; Steven Stennett, Canada; Bhargavi Srija Ramisetty, India; Vahidreza Gharehbaghi, Iran; Saeideh Nasiri, Iran; Sangwon Kang, South Korea; Clement Alaba Feyijimi, Nigeria; Kaluwahandi Miyuru Thavisha De Silva, Sri Lanka; and Prabhavie Madushanie Opallage, Sri Lanka.

The video for the final round of the competition is available on the 2023 3MT® Finals webpage.

>> Read more about the competition

Rafe Brown accepted the KU International Affairs Advisory Board International Research Award at a ceremony on Nov. 17 in the Kansas Union's Big 12 Room.

Brown, professor of ecology & evolutionary biology, presented on his lifetime of work and collaborations in the Philippeans. Pictured bottom right: Brown stands with Charles Bankart, senior internationalization officer, who presented the award. 

>> Read more about Brown's work

Each year, KU International Affairs celebrates international engagement at KU through its annual report. This year's report highlights faculty achievement, student success and the generosity of donors.

Read the full annual report on the KUIA website or view a copy of the printed version.

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