05/09/2026
We are thrilled to announce that Katelyn Sheneman is the Spring 2026 recipient of the Guy Stevenson Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies. This award recognizes excellence in both scholarship and leadership, and it comes with the distinct honor of carrying our banner and delivering the student speech during commencement.
Katelyn will graduate with a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she has studied under Dr. Matthew Lawrenz. She has had a truly impressive graduate research career, including successfully competing for a prestigious NSRA F31 fellowship to support her research on how Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes the plague, evades clearance by the human immune system. Her work has uncovered novel discoveries and led to 4 publications, 4 publications in progress, and 8 invitations to present at scientific conferences.
Beyond the research lab, Katelyn has been a force for good in the University of Louisville community, serving in multiple mentorship and leadership roles. Most notably, she has led the Louisville Science Pathways Program since 2023, which connects local high school students with paid science internships at the university. Under Katelyn’s leadership, the program saw a 55% increase in student applications, an increase in student population diversity, and an expansion of program funding and mentor support.
After graduation, Katelyn will begin postdoctoral research at Washington University in St. Louis. She has truly made an impact on our university and our local community – congratulations on your remarkable achievements, Katelyn!
Read her full story here: uofl.me/guy-stevenson-award
