Karen Udoh

Karen Udoh has earned a Fulbright Study/Research Award to Greece to examine how microbial enzymes influence carcinogens and drugs in the gastrointestinal tract and how those enzymes might treat infections. Udoh’s work will be based out of Democritus University in Alexandroupoli.

The U.S. Student Fulbright Program, a federally sponsored international, educational and cultural exchange, recognizes academic merit and leadership potential. The program promotes mutual understanding between U.S. residents and people in more than 155 countries worldwide. Fulbrights are among the most prestigious awards in higher education.

“It is very humbling to receive such an award. God has blessed me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Much of my gratitude goes to everyone who has helped me throughout my undergraduate experience and getting through this journey.”

Collegiate experience

• Areas of Study:

  • Graduated May, 2018, from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

• Additional Awards:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program
  • Muhammad Ali Scholars Program
  • Porter Scholars Program

Inspired By

I owe much of my success to my parents, Agatha and Emmanuel Udoh. They have been my greatest support system and continue to empower me to strive for excellence.  I would like to thank Dr. Sotiria Boukouvala who welcomed me with open arms when I first pursued the Fulbright application and wanted to conduct research in her lab. She assisted me throughout the entire process and provided me her full support with her affiliation letter. I would also like to thank Dr. David Hein for introducing me to Dr. Boukouvala and providing me a recommendation letter as well. I owe much gratitude to Dr. Shira Rabin for encouraging me to pursue Fulbright and helping me revise my application and proposal.  I also express thanks to Dr. Sham Kakar for overseeing the research I conducted here at UofL for the past two years and providing me the experience and techniques needed to pursue a Fulbright research award. I also thank Dr. Ronald Fell who supported my application and wrote me a letter of recommendation for my Fulbright proposal. I also express gratitude to Mr. Luke Buckman who first told me to pursue Fulbright and has been a great academic advisor throughout my undergraduate career. Much thanks to Dr. Patricia Condon, Bethany Smith and Dr. Charlie Leonard for meeting with me and assisting me throughout the Fulbright process.

Hometown information

• Hometown:

  Louisville, Kentucky

• High school:

  Assumption High School (2014)

• Parents:

  Agatha and Emmanuel Udoh of Louisville.