University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences

🌎🐟 A hidden world beneath Guyana’s rivers is revealing new stories of biodiversity — and UofL Biology researchers are helping uncover them.

PhD Biology graduate Devya Hemraj-Naraine and Professor of Biology Matthew Kolmann spent years studying freshwater ecosystems in Guyana, leading to the discovery of a new species of tropical freshwater stingray: Potamotrygon siponinmorok.

Named after the Akawaio word for stingrays, the species highlights the incredible biodiversity found in Guyana’s rivers — and the importance of documenting species before they disappear.

Through fieldwork, museum collections and genetic analysis, their research is expanding our understanding of freshwater life while supporting conservation efforts around the world. 🌿

From mentorship to discovery, this is how science moves forward. 🔬❤️

Read the full story through the link: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/news/hidden-diversity-guyanas-rivers-revealed-through-biologists-research

Congratulations to Gung-Min Gie, Professor of Mathematics, on his selection as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for 2026-27 in South Korea!

Gie will be based at Seoul National University, where he will continue his research at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and mathematical analysis in fluid dynamics, with a particular focus on singular perturbation problems and multiscale Partial Differential Equations (PDEs).

Prof. Gie also looks forward to strengthening existing collaborations and developing new research connections with colleagues in Korea through seminars and related scholarly exchanges.

Congratulations to our College of Arts & Sciences faculty and staff recognized for excellence in program leadership and mentorship at the Celebration of Excellence! 🎉

These award winners play a vital role in supporting student success, guiding academic programs and mentoring the next generation of scholars and professionals.

🏆 Outstanding Director of Undergraduate Studies: Sarah Strickley, Department of English
🏆 Outstanding Director of Graduate Studies: Sarah Bufferd, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
🏆 Outstanding Graduate Mentor: Tyler Fleming, Department of Pan-African Studies
🏆 Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor: Ralph Merkel, Department of Communication
🏆 Outstanding Faculty Supervisor: Frank Zamborini, Department of Chemistry

Thank you for your dedication to our students, programs and academic community. 👏

Big dreams. Global impact. 🌎🏆

From becoming the first-ever Luce Scholar from both the University of Louisville and Kentucky to earning Fulbright awards, Goldwater Scholarships, Boren support and more, A&S students are making their mark around the world.

These prestigious honors recognize outstanding achievements in research, leadership, graduate study and international education across disciplines ranging from neuroscience and biology to sustainability, political science and journalism.

Congratulations to these Cardinals for representing the College of Arts & Sciences on a national and international stage! ❤️🖤

🔗 Read about their accomplishments and where their next opportunities will take them: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/news/students-earn-prestigious-national-and-international-honors

How can undergraduate research help improve real-world systems? 💡

For junior Criminal Justice major and Sociology minor McKenzie Nguyen, it means studying how trauma-informed training can better prepare law enforcement officers to support survivors of sexual assault.

Through the Dean’s Office Mentored Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (MURC) Award, McKenzie is gaining hands-on experience with data analysis, research methods and community-focused problem solving while working toward her goals of graduate school, law school and a future in research.

At UofL College of Arts & Sciences, students don’t have to wait until graduate school to make an impact—they can start now.

🔗 Read McKenzie’s story at the link: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/news/changing-system-within-undergraduate-criminal-justice-research-trauma-informed-law-enforcement

🦴📚 Dinosaurs, mammoths, Thomas Jefferson and the history of science? Add this to your summer plans.

Join UofL Biology professor Dr. Lee Dugatkin—evolutionary biologist, historian of science, global speaker and bestselling author—for a four-week deep dive into Thomas Jefferson & Natural History at the Louisville Free Public Library.

From Jefferson’s role in early American science to the stories that shaped natural history, this series brings big ideas beyond the classroom. Whether you're a current student, alum or lifelong learner, this is a chance to explore science, history and discovery with one of UofL’s leading researchers.

📍 South Central Regional Library
📅 Thursdays, June 25–July 16
⏰ 6 p.m.
🎟️ Free, registration requested

How can the humanities shape the future of medicine? 🎓🩺

For UofL alumna Kate Lafferty-Danner, earning a PhD in Humanities and an MA in Medical Ethics opened the door to a career educating future physicians. Through interdisciplinary learning, mentorship and hands-on teaching opportunities, she found a path that blended critical thinking, ethics and a passion for making an impact.

Interested in graduate study that lets you connect ideas across disciplines and turn your passions into purpose? Discover where a graduate degree in the humanities can take you. Read more: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/news/why-humanities-matter-medicine-uofl-alumna-educating-future-doctors

In observance of Memorial Day, the College of Arts & Sciences will be closed as we pause to honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday. ❤️🤍💙

From studying Arabic in Jordan to field training and exploring cyber career opportunities, Political Science major and Air Force ROTC cadet Joseph Reynolds is turning experiential learning into a launchpad for leadership. 🌍✈️

Through global experiences, hands-on training and coursework in international relations, he’s gaining the perspective and skills to serve on a global stage. Read more at the link: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/news/how-arabic-study-abroad-field-training-cyber-career-opportunities-are-shaping-future-air-force

2021 Nobel Prize winner David W. C. MacMillan is coming to the University of Louisville for the 46th Kentucky Derby Lecture Series — and today is the final day to register!

Join us for a special two-day event featuring a technical lecture on photocatalytic reactions, a general lecture on discovery in catalysis and life, and the Derby Lecture Banquet where students, alumni, faculty and friends of the Department of Chemistry can meet Sir MacMillan and connect over dinner and drinks.

Whether you’re a current student, alumnus or science enthusiast, this is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading chemists and celebrate a longstanding UofL tradition.

Register today and read more at the link:

https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/news/nobel-laureate-sir-david-w-c-macmillan-headline-46th-annual-kentucky-derby-lecture-series