Emeriti Faculty Award Fellowships

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2010) - Four University of Kentucky doctoral students recently received fellowships from the UK Association of Emeriti Faculty.  The association established the endowment to fund graduate student fellowships in 2002. The endowment is an affiliate of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund and is consequently eligible for matches from that fund. Since its inception, 12 fellowships of $1,000 each and 21 fellowships of $1,500 have been awarded. Association members add to the endowment through an annual fund drive which regularly nets $3,000-$4,000.

The association awarded fellowships of $1,500 each to four graduate students, all well advanced in their doctoral work and dissertation research. All have had extensive teaching experience in their respective departments and plan a career in teaching and research.

The four awardees, who will be introduced and honored at the association’s luncheon meeting Feb. 9, are:

Heather Chacon, English, began her doctoral work in 2007. She focuses her research on disease in 19th century literature, particularly on the way social class influenced treatment of the ill, hoping to increase understanding of how attitudes involving class helped to shape social distinctions in America.

Patti Meyer, Anthropology, is in her fourth year of study. Her research concerns transnational and local strategies involved in the use of immigrant care workers to provide health care to elderly people in Genoa, Italy.

Kausalya Shenoy, Biology, began her doctoral studies in 2004. She is researching the effects of endocrine-disrupting pesticides on male mating signals and behavior in vertebrates. Prior to coming to the U.S. and while attending college, she served as a wildlife biologist in India.

Erin Walker, School of Music, has obtained a Doctorate of Musical Arts in percussion, but is now working toward a Ph.D. in musicology—being the only UK student to pursue doctoral degrees in two fields of music. Her research involves the effect of the Scottish pipe band on Scottish musical identity in America.  In addition to her departmental teaching, she directs a local nonprofit organization that gives free music lessons to disadvantaged children.

To be eligible for fellowships, candidates must be currently enrolled, full-time students in a doctoral program; have completed two semesters in the program; and be preparing for careers in college/university teaching. Applications are distributed and processed by the Graduate School, but are evaluated by a committee of retired faculty appointed by the Association of Emeriti Faculty.