Five Arts & Sciences Students and Alumni Selected as 2021 Thouron Scholars
Four Penn Arts & Sciences seniors and a 2019 graduate have received a Thouron Award to pursue graduate studies. Each scholarship winner receives tuition for up to two years, as well as travel and living stipends, to earn a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Because of pandemic restrictions, this year’s scholars can start their degrees in 2021 or in 2022.
Established in 1960 and supported with gifts by the late John Thouron and his wife, Esther du Pont Thouron, the Thouron Award is a graduate exchange program between Penn and U.K. universities that aims to improve understanding and relations between the two countries.
2021 Thouron Scholars
Emily Davis, from Gainesville, Florida, is majoring in biology in the College of Liberal & Professional Studies. In addition to being a full-time student, Davis is a full-time professional ballet dancer in her sixth season with the Pennsylvania Ballet. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. exploring the biopsychosocial benefits of social dancing, with a goal of using research to legitimize the use of evidence-based dance interventions to improve health.
Carson Eckhard, from Tampa, Florida, is majoring in history and English, with minors in urban studies and Africana studies in the College of Arts & Sciences. At Penn, she is chair of the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education and vice president of engagement for Beyond Arrests, a campus criminal justice reform organization. Eckhard plans to pursue a master’s degree in history, with a goal of returning to the U.S. to pursue a J.D./Ph.D. and a career as a law professor, advocate, and organizer for comprehensive justice reform.
Ben Friedman, from Lexington, Massachusetts, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications with a minor in survey research and data analytics in 2019. Friedman has worked on a number of political campaigns, most recently as New Hampshire press secretary for the campaign of President Joseph Biden. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in a policy field and then return to the U.S. to pursue a career in public service.
Lauren Kleidermacher, from Miami Beach, Florida, is majoring in biology in the College of Arts & Sciences. She is currently conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease at the Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center. Kleidermacher plans to pursue a master's in global health science and epidemiology at the University of Oxford, with the goal of pursing a medical degree in the U.S. and a career combating Alzheimer’s disease.
Beau Staso, from Hermosa Beach, California, is majoring in management at the Wharton School and in international relations with a minor in Russian studies in the College of Arts & Sciences. An ROTC cadet, Staso serves as wing commander of the Air Force cadets in the Philadelphia area and advocates for the LGBT+ community in the military. He will pursue a master’s degree in Russian and East European studies. After completion, he plans to begin his career as a U.S. Space Force officer.
To read more about the Thouron scholars, click here.
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships serves as Penn’s primary information hub and support office for students and alumni applying for major grants and fellowships, including the Thouron Award.
