WKU News

Jul 20th, 2026

Samantha Zaboronak is researching H. pylori in natural water sources, gaining hands-on lab experience while contributing to research that could improve public health.

Jul 13th, 2026

WKU electrical engineering student and first-generation college student Carrie Updegraff earned a competitive NSF REU at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she's conducting solar energy research after saying yes to new opportunities.

Jul 6th, 2026

From the ICU to Taiwan: WKU nursing alum Brent Andrews ('19) earned a Fulbright to pursue a master's in global health research. His journey—from bedside nursing during COVID-19 to global health—shows where curiosity, service, and mentorship can lead.

Jun 22nd, 2026

WKU student Samantha Gerdes turned a campus tour into a life-changing journey, earning a prestigious Boren Award to study and intern in Taiwan after four years in Chinese Flagship.

Apr 17th, 2026

Caleb Penick shifted from communication disorders to child therapy, finding purpose through coursework, camp work, and service—now pursuing grad school to support children’s mental health.

Apr 6th, 2026

MHC celebrated students and faculty for excellence in leadership, research, teaching, and service—highlighting standout achievements and honoring those who make Honors thrive.

Feb 23rd, 2026

Biochemistry senior Brayden Gross develops copper nanoparticles to fight surgical infections—an accelerated path from Gatton Academy to med school driven by resilience and research grit.

Feb 16th, 2026

From “research isn’t for me” to designing gamma-ray detectors and studying in Japan—Lincoln Potts turned one small yes into a global physics journey at WKU.

Nov 17th, 2025

Psychology major Emma Thomas is researching childhood health in Dublin, gaining global experience, confidence, and clarity on her career path through transformative study-abroad experiences.

Nov 10th, 2025

Jesse Thomas (’26) is a biology/chemistry major and Pre-Optometry Club president whose lab research, internships, and mentorship prepared him to attend Southern College of Optometry in Fall 2026.

Oct 30th, 2025

Audrey Clark, a 2025 WKU grad, is pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Duke. Her path from dance to PT reflects curiosity, early involvement, and hands-on learning that shaped her success.

Sep 29th, 2025

Alejandro Ramirez, WKU double major, pursues neuroscience research on drug use while aiming for a PhD, global collaborations, and future teaching.

Jun 23rd, 2025

WKU Honors student Veronica Butler is headed to Taiwan with both Gilman and Freeman-ASIA awards, thanks to her drive, community support, and a fearless “say yes to everything” mindset.

Jun 16th, 2025

Andrew Blosser blends math and music at WKU, leading the London New Year’s Day Parade with Big Red Marching Band while pursuing dual degrees in economics and music.

Jun 9th, 2025

Zoe Avery, May ’25 grad, used yoga and research to explore maternal health. Now she’s heading to grad school and studying abroad in Tanzania to expand her impact.

May 27th, 2025

WKU’s Peyton Dover studies forensic psych and criminology, researches wrongful convictions, and earned a Gilman to study crime in Italy—paving the way for a career in criminal justice reform.

Mar 10th, 2025

From farm life to cutting-edge research, Ava Lich studies carbon capture in Mammoth Cave, blending geology, math, and biology. A WKU scholar, she’s shaping the future of environmental science.

Jan 27th, 2025

Atiana Spivey, a first-gen WKU student, excels as a dual major in Biology and English. Passionate about wildlife, research, and languages, she balances science, humanities, and global conservation efforts.

Jan 13th, 2025

Cindy Morales, a non-traditional WKU student, balances motherhood, research, and full-time studies in Child and Family Services. Inspired by mentors, she thrives with resilience, pursuing her 2027 graduation.

Dec 2nd, 2024

Emma Bunch, a Glasgow native, transferred from Harvard to WKU, embracing her Kentucky roots. She now leads a healthcare-focused startup at WKU Innovation Campus, combining math, coding, and community passion.