Academics

AAUW Awards Fellowships and Grants to University of Massachusetts Amherst Scholars

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded three 2022-23 fellowships and grants to three scholars at UMass Amherst. Recipients will pursue academic work and lead innovative community projects to empower women and girls.

  • Mercy Kyatha, a recipient of the International Doctoral Degree Fellowship, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering.
  • Deicy Carolina Muñoz Agudelo, a recipient of the International Doctoral Degree Fellowship, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in earth, atmospheric and marine sciences.
  • Esi Quaidoo, a recipient of the International Doctoral Degree Fellowship, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in public health.
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AAUW is one of the world’s oldest leading supporters of graduate women’s education. Since 1888, it has awarded more than $135 million in fellowships, grants and awards to 13,000 women from 150 countries. For the 2022–23 academic year, AAUW has awarded an unprecedented $6 million through its fellowships and grants programs to 320 scholars and community projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. 

“We’re proud to support the work of these outstanding scholars and community leaders,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW’s chief executive officer. “These exceptional awardees are dedicated to making contributions in a wide range of fields. We’re impressed by their work and can’t wait to see the great things they’ll accomplish throughout their research and careers.”

Educational funding is especially important for women since they are disproportionately burdened by student debt, which is exacerbated by a lifelong pay gap that affects women in nearly every profession. The pay gap widens over time and has broad negative impacts on women’s economic security—from making it difficult to pay college tuition to reducing the ability to save for retirement. AAUW’s awards alleviate financial stress so women can focus on their educational and career aspirations. 

Applications for AAUW’s fellowship and grants open Aug. 1 each year. Deadlines vary by program. Learn more about our funding opportunities for the 2023-24 academic year. To find out more about this year’s exceptional class of awardees, visit the online directory.