University of Kansas Madison and Lila Self Graduate Programs

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Self Graduate Programs provides financial support and professional development for promising graduate students at KU with the Self Graduate Fellowship and the Self Memorial Scholarship.

Scholar Spotlight!Kendall Cranor is a 2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Ph.D. in the Interdisciplinary Graduate...
10/16/2026

Scholar Spotlight!

Kendall Cranor is a 2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Ph.D. in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS) at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Kendall earned her B.S. in Microbiology and B.A. in Chemistry, graduating with highest distinction and departmental honors. During her undergraduate studies, Kendall was a research assistant in Dr. Anthony Fehr’s lab for over three years, where she investigated the host-pathogen interactions of coronaviruses. She was a Kansas Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) Star Trainee, where she presented at five conferences and won poster presentation awards at two. Kendall was also a part of the American Society of Microbiology Chapter at KU and served as the president of Out in STEM, a student organization that built community and provided mutual aid for q***r students pursuing STEM degrees. For five years, Kendall was a part of the National Psoriasis Foundation as a youth ambassador and mentor. In the future, Kendall plans to work for a national laboratory or nonprofit studying autoimmune or infectious diseases.

Fellow Spotlight!Sophie Juliana is a 2026-2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of K...
10/13/2026

Fellow Spotlight!

Sophie Juliana is a 2026-2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Kansas. In May 2025, she earned her B.S. in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry as well as a minor in pre-medical sciences at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. At Lindenwood, she conducted undergraduate research studying selective glycosylation coupling reactions to produce desired complex carbohydrates in attempt to aid in satisfying industrial demand. Her current research in the Hartley lab at KU focuses on understanding the biochemical functions that regulate the development and progression of demyelination in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Inspired by her own healthcare experience as a Crohn's disease patient, she aims to demystify the science behind ones medical diagnosis and improve scientific communication between patients, doctors, and scientists. She believes that all patients deserve to fully understand their treatment and feel empowered with knowledge in their healthcare journey. Additionally, Sophie aims to lead at the biomedical research front spearheading work at the crossroads of science and medicine.

Makayla T. Williams, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and a 2025–2029 Self Graduate Fellow and Alfred P. Sloa...
10/12/2026

Makayla T. Williams, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and a 2025–2029 Self Graduate Fellow and Alfred P. Sloan Minority Graduate Scholar pursuing a PhD in Anthropology, recently attended the 12th Annual Cherokee Archaeological Symposium in Cherokee, North Carolina, and spoke on the panel titled “Restoring Cherokee Perspectives: Exploring First Voice Methodologies,” hosted by the Museum of the Cherokee People. Since February, Makayla has volunteered with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Tribal Historic Preservation Office to help plan the symposium. She coordinated with Cherokee artists and organized a mentoring session, marking the first year the symposium featured both Cherokee artists and a dedicated mentoring session.

Scholar Spotlight!Dominic Arbini is a 2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Science degree in Civil Engin...
10/09/2026

Scholar Spotlight!

Dominic Arbini is a 2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Structural Emphasis). He graduated with highest distinction and was nominated as the outstanding graduate in Architectural Engineering in the spring of 2026. During his undergraduate career, he was actively involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers KU student chapter as well as the Concrete Canoe team, where he served two years as captain. Outside of engineering, he spent three years working as a Resident Assistant, helping to build community and connect residents with resources in times of need. He will continue his passion for learning and helping others as a graduate teaching assistant. After graduation, Dominic plans to pursue a career in structural engineering in St. Louis, hoping to improve the built world around him.

Fellow Spotlight!Jonathan Guzman is a 2026-2030 Self Graduate Fellow from Lawrence, Kansas pursuing a Ph.D. in aerospace...
10/06/2026

Fellow Spotlight!

Jonathan Guzman is a 2026-2030 Self Graduate Fellow from Lawrence, Kansas pursuing a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering at the University of Kansas. He received his B.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas in 2024 and his M.S. in aerospace engineering from the same institution in 2026. His research focuses on multifunctional aerospace structures that support climate science, specifically through the remote sensing of polar regions. Through this work, Jonathan has contributed to three projects with the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS), an NSF-funded Science and Technology Center developing technologies and models to measure polar ice sheet change and its effects on global sea level. He aims to lead interdisciplinary research that advances environmental science and improves our understanding of a rapidly changing planet.

Alumni Spotlight!Bryan J. Rodríguez Colón, Ph.D. (2021-2025 Fellow, Geology)Bryan Rodríguez Colón is a Puerto Rican geob...
10/05/2026

Alumni Spotlight!

Bryan J. Rodríguez Colón, Ph.D. (2021-2025 Fellow, Geology)

Bryan Rodríguez Colón is a Puerto Rican geobiologist and geomicrobiologist whose research focuses on microbial carbonates and the interactions between microorganisms and minerals in coastal environments. He recently completed his Ph.D. in Geology at the University of Kansas, where his dissertation focused on hypersaline microbialite systems in southwestern Puerto Rico.

His work has led to two publications documenting these systems, including the first scientific description of microbialites in Puerto Rico and a reconstruction of how one of these coastal environments changed over the past several thousand years. Since returning to Puerto Rico, Bryan has continued studying these environments while expanding his efforts into science outreach and conservation. His research has been featured on Puerto Rican television, radio, and other media.

Bryan is currently an Adjunct Researcher in KU’s Department of Earth, Energy & Environment and serves as Vice-President of the Geological Society of Puerto Rico, the island’s professional geoscience society, founded in 1965. Outside of research, he is enjoying being back home in Puerto Rico after eight years in Kansas and continuing to build a research program focused on tropical and Caribbean geobiology.

An recent news article discussing Bryan's research and discoveries can be found here: https://bit.ly/46WSuhr.
Links to Bryan's two publications can be found here: https://go.nature.com/4jLbKFY, and https://bit.ly/4yzIYwQ.

Fellows Spotlight!Alyson Honeyman is a 2026–2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular and Integrative Phys...
09/21/2026

Fellows Spotlight!

Alyson Honeyman is a 2026–2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas in 2024. Following graduation, Alyson spent a year in a genomics laboratory at the University of Kansas, investigating complex genetic traits, including aging and metal metabolism.

As a graduate student, Alyson is currently studying the molecular mechanisms that regulate s***m function. Her research focuses on understanding how the exchange of sodium and potassium between s***m and their surrounding environment influences the fertilizing capacity of these cells. This work has important translational implications for the development of novel approaches to male fertility treatment and male contraception.

Beyond her research interests, Alyson is passionate about exploring the intersection of biomedical science and public policy. She is committed to advancing policies that expand access to scientific education and career opportunities. Following completion of her Ph.D., Alyson plans to pursue an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, where she hopes to gain firsthand experience applying scientific expertise to inform federal policy and decision-making.

Scholar Spotlight!Alivia Tolbert is a 2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering ...
09/14/2026

Scholar Spotlight!

Alivia Tolbert is a 2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis at the University of Kansas. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in May of 2026 and was awarded the CEAE Outstanding Sophomore Award in 2024. During her time as an undergraduate, she was a Self Engineering Leadership Fellow, a member of Rock Chalk Dance, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. In graduate school, she plans to continue her engagement by assisting Dr. Andres Lepage in grading for CE 563, as well as working towards her Professional Engineering License in Structural Engineering.

Fellow Spotlight!Christian Cox is a 2026–2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the Uni...
09/11/2026

Fellow Spotlight!

Christian Cox is a 2026–2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kansas. His research focuses on energy storage and battery thermal management. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas, where he served as Team Lead for Jayhawk Motorsports. Under his leadership, the Formula SAE team achieved its highest competition finish in nine years while advancing the organization’s technical capabilities and long-term development. Through his doctoral research, Christian aims to improve the cost and energy efficiency of batteries for automotive use and solar energy storage to enable more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems.

Scholar Spotlight!Sean Anderson is a 2026–2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Accounting with a concentratio...
09/07/2026

Scholar Spotlight!

Sean Anderson is a 2026–2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Accounting with a concentration in Tax. He earned a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from KU in 2026, graduating with distinction and Business Honors. During his undergraduate studies, Sean served as a Teaching Assistant for Intro to Financial Accounting (ACCT 200) and will continue in this role as Head Graduate Teaching Assistant in the 2026–2027 academic year. He was actively involved in the KU School of Business as a participant and mentor in the Catalyst Program and pursued an Entrepreneurship minor, applying those skills as co-founder of KSAerials, an aerial imaging company. Outside the classroom, Sean was a member of the KU Marching Jayhawks for five seasons, leading the 400-member ensemble for two of those seasons as Drum Major. He will continue his involvement in the 2026–2027 academic year as a graduate staff member

Sean completed two internship with H&R Block in Kansas City, where he conducted financial analysis and supported strategic planning initiatives. He will intern with Grant Thornton’s Tax practice in Kansas City this summer. Sean plans to earn his CPA license with a focus on tax and is committed to building a career in public accounting.

Address

1450 Jayhawk Boulevard, Rm 158
Lawrence, KS
66045

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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