Elizabeth Peña

UofL senior Elizabeth Peña has been awarded a 2018 Etscorn International Research Award. UofL awards the $5,000 Irvin F. and Alice S. Etscorn International Summer Research Award to promising undergraduates interested in conducting international research over the summer.

Peña will use the scholarship to study Arabic in Amman, Jordan.

“I continue to be amazed at how the Honors Program continues to provide endless support and opportunities to reach my goals. I am honored to receive a scholarship that allows me to take courses beyond what is available at the university. Through the help that this scholarship provides, I will be better prepared for a future career in foreign service.”

Collegiate experience

• Areas of Study:

  • Expects to graduate in May 2019 from the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in communications and minors in Middle East Islamic Studies and political science.

• Other Recognitions and Honors:

  • World Scholars Award and Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Inspired By

Professor Khaldoun Almousily's class sparked my passion for Arabic. Since then, he has been extremely supportive in providing the resources, help, and encouragement needed to apply to scholarships and continue my path towards fluency.
Professor Shereen Abdelhalim's class equipped me with the necessary knowledge to successfully study abroad as I was able to keep up with the rigorous curriculum thanks to her teaching.
Dr. Joy Hart was essential in my receiving this scholarship as she wrote my recommendation letter despite having a short notice. I greatly appreciate her time and effort.

Hometown information

• Hometown:

  Louisville, Kentucky

• High school:

  Doss High School

• Parents:

  Lorena Cambray and Juan Peña, both of Louisville.