KU nominates two undergraduates for Udall Scholarships

LAWRENCE — Two undergraduates at the University of Kansas are nominees for Udall Scholarships, which recognize students who demonstrate leadership, public service and commitment in the fields of tribal public policy, Native health care or the environment. 

Both of KU’s 2025 nominees are competing in the environmental category.

KU’s 2025 nominees:   

• Evanna Dominic, a junior in chemical engineering minoring in biomedical engineering.
• Molly Kalthoff, a junior in civil & environmental engineering minoring in business.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship is a federal scholarship that honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, two former Arizona lawmakers whose careers influenced American Indian self-governance, health care and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.

The Udall Foundation administers the program. This year, the foundation will award 60 students with scholarships of up to $7,000 each. Selected scholars will also receive access to the Udall Alumni Network and attend a four-day scholar orientation in Tucson, Arizona. Students must be nominated by their university to apply, and universities are limited in the total number of nominations they can make.

At KU, the nomination process is coordinated by the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships within Academic Affairs – Undergraduate Education. Students interested in applying next year should email curf@ku.edu. The next application cycle will begin in spring 2026. Sophomores and juniors may apply.
Biographical details of the candidates follow.

Evanna Dominic

Evanna Dominic, from Overland Park, is the daughter of Roy Dominic and Anu Dominic and a graduate of Blue Valley Southwest High School. Dominic is majoring in chemical engineering and minoring in biomedical engineering. She aspires to work in environmental policy. She conducts research under the guidance of Mark Shiflett, Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, working to separate high global warming potential refrigerants using ionic liquids. Dominic is involved in the University Honors Program and the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She also serves as the cohort lead of the SELF Program. Last year, Dominic served as a senator for the School of Engineering in the Student Senate. She now serves as the student body vice president. Dominic is also a member of KU EARTH and KU WISE within the School of Engineering.

Molly Kalthoff

Molly Kalthoff, from Shoreview, Minnesota, is the daughter of Brian Kalthoff and Tracy Kalthoff and a graduate of Totino-Grace High School. Kalthoff is majoring in civil & environmental engineering and minoring in business. She works in the Environmental Biocatalytics Lab for Justin Hutchison, associate professor in the School of Engineering. Kalthoff is a member of the University Honors Program, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Sigma Kappa sorority. She also is a volunteer program coordinator for Jubilee Cafe through the Center for Community Outreach. Kalthoff has received an Undergraduate Research Award and a David A. Ambler Outstanding Campus Leader Award from Sorority and Fraternity Life.