Three KU students, alumni receive Fulbright awards

LAWRENCE — Three current or former University of Kansas students have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2025-2026 academic year, providing funding to study, conduct research or teach English abroad.

The recipients, representing political science, English and physics, are Nick Caterine, Levi Van Ryder and Julia Cummings, who was named an alternate.

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, fosters mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Operating in over 160 countries, it selects recipients based on academic or professional achievement, service and leadership. Grants cover round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and accident insurance and, where applicable, tuition.

Nick Caterine

Caterine, from Overland Park, will serve as an English teaching assistant in Spain. Caterine graduated in December 2024 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and Spanish and a minor in history. His parents are Lisa and Matt Caterine.

Levi Van Ryder

Van Ryder, from Houston, will conduct nuclear physics research at the Czech Technical University in the Czech Republic. A doctoral student in KU’s Department of Physics & Astronomy working in the field of experimental nuclear physics, Van Ryder holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Houston. His parents are Marianne and Samuel Van Ryder.

Julia Cummings

Cummings, from Wichita, was named an alternate for an English teaching assistant position in Croatia. Cummings graduated in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in social justice. Her parents are Bill and Nika Cummings.