U of A Alumnus Earns Full Scholarship to University of Cambridge

Photo by Matt Reynolds

University of Arkansas alumnus Sabastine Arthur will continue his research on human norovirus while pursuing a doctoral degree in pathology at the University of Cambridge

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas alumnus Sabastine Arthur has earned a full scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge. The Ghana native was awarded the Cambridge Africa Scholarship, which provides an annual stipend and covers full tuition and housing, as well as initial and final travel expenses to and from the prestigious university.

Arthur, who completed a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology in May 2015, will begin the doctoral program in pathology at the revered institution in October. While at the U of A, his research on human norovirus was published in multiple peer-reviewed journals.

Arthur said his research garnered interest from a Cambridge professor, who encouraged him to apply for admission. He knew the application process would be intense and the chances of acceptance would be slim, but he said he never stopped believing he could do it.

“I knew it would be difficult, but I just kept believing in God to make me successful,” Arthur said. “Now, I’m going to the same university where Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and so many other great people have studied. It’s incredibly exciting.”

Arthur said he has no doubt his time as a graduate student at the U of A has prepared him to succeed at Cambridge.

“My experiences at the University of Arkansas have a very direct correlation to my acceptance at Cambridge,” he said. “I appreciate everything the university has done for me in my academic life, especially the support of my adviser, Kristen Gibson, my department and friends. I will always want to come back to the university and contribute in any way I can.”

Arthur has never been to the United Kingdom, but is embracing the opportunity for new experiences and wants to make the most of his time there.

“There are about 10 other students from Ghana at the University of Cambridge, so I feel like I have a small family at the university already,” he said. “Plus, I love soccer, and I’m looking forward to all the matches I’ll get to see while in the United Kingdom.”

About the Graduate School and International Education: The Graduate School and International Education supports the strategic goals of the University of Arkansas to continue its status as a university with very high research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation for Secondary Education. The school offers programs in more than 80 fields leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. The school also facilitates intercultural and international experiences to increase global competencies for the university and assists in the development of international, interdisciplinary and graduate programs.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.