WKU News
Ashton Lyvers '24 Awarded Fulbright US Student Grant
- Friday, April 5th, 2024
Ashton Lyvers, a graduating senior in Psychological Science and Criminology, has been awarded a Fulbright US Student Program grant for the 2024-25 grant year to conduct research on gender expression and respect at KU Leuven in Belgium.
The Fulbright US Student Program offers full funding for graduating seniors and recent graduates to spend an academic year abroad in English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs) or conducting research or creative projects that may or may not be part of a postgraduate degree program.
Ashton is a native of Bardstown and the daughter of the late Jeremy and Kristal Lyvers. In May, she will become a first-generation college graduate. She is a member of the Mahurin Honors College, a research assistant in Dr. Amy Brausch’s Risk Behaviors Lab, a Psychological Sciences Student Ambassador, a member of the Psi Chi Honors Fraternity, and an alumna of three separate study abroad programs in Denmark, France, and Spain.
Ashton’s proposed Fulbright project is an extension of her Honors thesis “Masculinity, Femininity, & Dignity: Examining the Relationship Between Gender Expression and Respect.” Working with researchers at the Center for Social and Cultural Psychology at KU Leuven, Ashton will further explore the cross-cultural dimensions of the relationship between how people express their gender identity and how they are treated by others.
Ashton has long been interested in the psychological mechanisms of gender in society. “Having been raised by a single mother, as well as being a woman in a STEM field has allowed me to see firsthand the importance of gender equality,” she said. Gender-based assumptions and behaviors can limit opportunity for people through real-world or internalized barriers. Continuing this research, Ashton will contribute to an international body of knowledge on social expectations and relationships that can potentially be applied in legislation and policy to mitigate these barriers.
“I feel inspired for the future,” she said. “I feel like I can make a true difference with my research.”
Working with the Office of Scholar Development on Gilman Scholarship and Fulbright grant applications has been clarifying for Ashton. Ashton earned a Gilman Scholarship to study in Denmark in Summer 2022, and has spent her final academic year abroad in France (Fall 2023) and Spain (Spring 2024). “Before, I thought I understood my passions for psychology and gender expression,” she said. “It was easy to identify the ‘what’ of my goals for research. However, it wasn’t until my collaboration with OSD that I was able to connect the dots from my life and realize my ‘why.’”
In addition to OSD Assistant Director Lindsey Houchin and Specialist Melinda Grimsley, Ashton credits faculty mentors Amy Brausch and Molly Kerby for contributing to her personal and intellectual growth.
“Without this support, not only would my Fulbright experience not be possible, but additionally, I would not feel as confident in my research as I do now. Each of these women have aided me in becoming a better researcher,” she said.
After her grant period, Ashton plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, with the aim of continuing research and operating a private practice focused on adolescent and young adults with mental health diagnoses.
Students and recent alumni interested in the Fulbright US Student Program are encouraged to contact Melinda Grimsley, WKU’s Fulbright Program Advisor.
About the Fulbright Program: The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.
About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development mentors students applying for national scholarships to fund “academic extras” such as study abroad, research, professional experience, and more. From first drafts to final submissions with multiple revisions in between, OSD helps students make more possible. By conceptualizing and revising the stories they tell in application essays and interviews, students better understand their strengths, interests, and purpose—and explore multiple possible pathways to that work.
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