A summer of discovery: UK senior advances academic, research goals through international study

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2026) – Summer is often a time for rest and rejuvenation. But for Eduarda Frizzo Pereira, a double major in applied economics and political science, it offered an opportunity to explore the world, deepen her academic interests and gain valuable research experience that will help shape her career.

The University of Kentucky senior, originally from Brazil, began her summer traveling through Germany, France and Spain during a three-week cultural experience funded by the UK Gaines Center for the Humanities. Thanks to the generosity of Gaines supporter Evelyn Zolondek, Frizzo visited historical sites, museums and cultural institutions, gaining new perspectives on history, politics and society while experiencing Europe’s diverse cultures firsthand.

The experience abroad offered more than travel. It reinforced a lesson she said UK has emphasized throughout her education: the importance of curiosity.

“Whether in the classroom, conducting research or traveling abroad, I’ve found that meaningful learning comes from engaging with people and seeking to understand different perspectives,” Frizzo said.

UK also helped her develop strong networking skills and encouraged her to build relationships with professors, mentors and fellow students.

“Those connections have opened doors to opportunities like my study abroad experience and my research internship," she said.

“The Gaines Center is very focused on facilitating opportunities for students in the applied humanities,” said Chelsea Brislin, Ph.D., associate director of the center. “Travel, whether for research, internships, or cultural immersion, showcases the many benefits of a holistic, humanities education for our students.” 

After returning from Europe, Frizzo spent the rest of the summer working as a research assistant at Northwestern University. She contributed to an economics of education research project, strengthened her data analysis skills and learned from faculty members and graduate students. The experience gave her practical insight into the research process while allowing her to explore questions closely aligned with her academic interests.

The combination of international travel and research also further solidified Frizzo’s long-term goals.

“This summer reinforced my goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in economics and a career in academia,” she said.

Her research interests focus on the economics of education and producing scholarship that helps underrepresented communities succeed in higher education and the labor market.

As she enters her senior year at UK, Frizzo will continue building on those experiences. She plans to complete her Gaines Fellowship thesis, which examines the effect of Brazil’s recent high school education reform on access to higher education. In addition to her academic work, she will serve as a senior resident adviser while continuing her work with the Stuckert Career Center in the Office for Student Success and Lab for Economics & Accounting Proficiency in the Gatton College of Business and Economics.

“Being involved in organizations on campus and doing these kinds of projects has helped me make the most of my time here at UK,” Frizzo said. “It’s helped me improve skills needed to succeed after graduation in whatever career I go into. I’m so grateful for these and all the other opportunities I’ve had during my time here.”