Breanna Kilgore and Nina Thomas, two U of A students, have been named finalists for two of the nation’s most prestigious fellowship programs.

Kilgore, a 2023 biomedical engineering graduate, was selected as a finalist for the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship, while Thomas, a current undergraduate in Fulbright College, was selected as a finalist for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program.

“Breanna Kilgore and Nina Thomas are both exceptional students who are preparing to make a difference globally,” said Provost Terry Martin. “We are proud of their accomplishments and of their desire to compete at the highest levels. They are clearly on their way to distinguished and meaningful careers.” These fellowships are highly competitive and offer exceptional opportunities for students pursuing careers in foreign service and international development.

The Donald M. Payne Fellowship provides funding for graduate study and professional development for those seeking a career in the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship prepares students for a career in the U.S. Foreign Service, offering funding for graduate study and a pathway to becoming a U.S. diplomat.

Breanna Kilgore – Donald M. Payne Fellowship Finalist

Kilgore, a native of El Dorado, graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the College of Engineering and was an Honors College Path Scholar.

Kilgore has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to improving global health. She is currently a Global Health Engineering Fellow at the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, where she works to develop affordable and sustainable medical devices aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work focuses on addressing some of the most pressing health challenges facing underserved populations around the world.

As a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar, Kilgore spent a semester studying in Switzerland, further broadening her global perspective and understanding of international health systems. Her passion for global development and her desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations are at the core of her career aspirations. 

Finalists are required to participate in a writing exercise, a group dynamic exercise and an interview, which will be held later this month.

Nina Thomas – Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Finalist

Thomas is a triple major in Spanish, international and global studies, and Latin American & Latino studies. With her academic achievements and passion for foreign service, Thomas earned her a spot as a finalist for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. Though not selected as a fellow this year, she is determined to apply again next year. Thomas’ commitment to international studies is reflected in her selection for the highly competitive Critical Language Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, which allowed her to study Arabic in Jordan during the summer of 2024.

In addition to her academic work, Thomas is an active leader on campus, serving in various roles within student organizations dedicated to cultural exchange and social justice. She has a deep commitment to public service and is eager to represent the U.S. abroad as a diplomat, fostering stronger international relationships and working on issues such as human rights, global security and economic development.

About the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship: The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship was established by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to encourage the next generation of international development professionals. The fellowship provides funding for graduate studies and offers internships and professional development opportunities to support the recipients in their goal of becoming USAID Foreign Service Officers.

About the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program: The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program was created to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the U.S. Foreign Service. The fellowship supports graduate studies and provides opportunities for internships, training, and mentorship to prepare fellows for diplomatic service. Recipients are expected to serve in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State upon completion of their graduate studies.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.