Meghan Arias is a Microbiology major in her third year at KU. Meghan received an Undergraduate Research Award for the Spring of 2025, which has allowed her to focus on her research, exploring how a host protein called PARP14 may inhibit herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in a strain-specific manner. We talked to Meghan about the topic of her research, what inspired her to pursue this project, advice she would give to students interested in research, and more. 

Charlie Johnson grew up here in Lawrence, but with a quadruple major in Religious Studies, Political Science, History, and Global & International Studies, his studies have taken him great distances away from the Hill. During his time at KU, Johnson has been a part of an internship through the Army University Press, research on the Druze religion in the Levant, and so much more. Looking ahead, he hopes to work in international human rights law or foreign policymaking. Learn more about Johnson’s College story below.

Jiyoon Park, a second-year Jayhawk, grew up in Topeka, just miles away from the state capitol building. Lawrence has always felt like a second home to him, since his mom teaches here, and he has always been around. Now triple-majoring in Political Science, Global & International Studies, and Environmental Studies, Park looks forward to a future in politics, including working in areas of lobbying and national security.

Margarita Alely Nuñez Arroyo was born in Mexico and grew up in Compton, California. Family brought Nuñez to Emporia, KS and since choosing to become a Jayhawk, she has fully immersed herself in various KU communities as a first-generation student. After graduating with her B.S. in Journalism, she is currently on the Ph.D. track in American Studies, which has taken her on study abroad programs to Guatemala and Cuba.

Jordan Nevels has been a Jayhawk for life, growing up in Overland Park, KS, less than an hour from campus. Choosing Theatre Performance and Film/Media studies at KU, she has been exposed to a vast array of experiences that have opened her eyes to what could be to come in a future in theatre. She takes an approach that’s different than many others, aspiring to contribute to the evolution of the art of acting. Read below to learn more about Nevels’ time at KU, how her major has shaped who she is today, and what the future is shaping up to be for her.

Natalie Gendelman is a senior studying Political Science and American studies, but she has already made post-grad plans to go into law and even start her own non-profit. Growing up in Denver, KU was never really on her mind, but after looking into it, it checked all of her boxes.

The University of Kansas is no stranger to research, and neither is junior Joseph Hand. With a long-standing passion for mathematics and the natural sciences, Hand now uses his interests and skills to double major in physics and astronomy.

Thresa Kelly’s passion for STEM started on a high school robotics team – that same passion still fuels her research at the University of Kansas that has taken her to Hawaii. At the College, she appreciates the diverse range of subjects and students and staff who have guided her in her journey at KU.

Amu Nuney is interested in exploring humanity from all angles —where we come from, how we communicate with one another and what makes us who we are.

KU senior Jade Groobman had long been interested in the many misconceptions that exist about Jewish identity. And as an Asian American Jew herself, she experienced first-hand what she describes as a disconnect between the U.S.’s larger Jewish population and Jewish community members of color.

Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre knew from a young age that she wanted to make movies. With her Film & Media Studies major and Journalism minor, the KU senior has been able to build a network of talented actors, writers, editors and cinematographers to live out her dreams.

Long before COVID reared its ugly head, many Lawrence and KU community members were struggling to access nutritious food on a regular basis. As the health and economic crises ignited by the pandemic accelerated, so too did the already rampant problem of food insecurity.