Jessica Eaton

Jessica Eaton has earned a Fulbright-Fogarty Fellows and Scholars in Public Health award to Lilongwe, Malawi, in sub-Saharan Africa to work at Kamuzu Central Hospital helping patients who have suffered brain trauma and spinal cord injuries.

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.

“As a medical student planning to pursue neurosurgery and dreaming of practicing overseas in the places where I am most needed, I couldn't have crafted a better learning opportunity for myself. The opportunity to work with the team in Malawi will be simply invaluable. I am grateful beyond words.”

Collegiate experience

• Areas of study:
  Student in School of Medicine and expects to graduate in 2017. Planning to specialize in neurosurgery and practice overseas. Holds a bachelor’s degree (earned in 2013) from UofL in physics and English.

• Other recognition and honors:
  Inaugural James Graham Brown Fellow

Inspired By

“I received support in the form of fantastic letters from Dr. Frank Parker and Dr. Dale Billingsley. Dr. Billingsley has served as a guide and source of encouragement since my time as a Brown Fellow. And of course, like all UofL Fulbright students, I owe many thanks to Dr. Patricia Condon in helping me perfect my application. During medical school, Dr. Zaria Murrell, a pediatric surgeon here at UofL, has been my mentor, guiding and nurturing my interest in global surgery and providing unwavering support in my pursuit of a Fulbright-Fogarty.”

Hometown information

• Hometown:
  Lexington, Ky
• High school:
  2009 graduate of Tates Creek High School

• Parents:
  Lori and Bill Nelson, Louisville