The Global Initiatives Team in the Office of Admissions & Recruitment helped welcome the newest cohort of King-Morgridge Scholars to campus this August.
This group of six students, representing four different world regions, was selected from the most competitive pool to date, with over 800 scholarship applications submitted through WiSH. Members of the Global Initiatives Team conducted in-person and virtual recruitment for the scholarship, served on the selection committee, and worked closely with applicants throughout the application and enrollment process.
Learn more about Cohort VIII through their bios below, and check out the
new program website.
Chhiv Guech Houth (Cambodia)
Hello, everyone! I’m Guech. I’m from rural Takeo province in Cambodia, where farming is a way of life. After attending Hun Sen Po Ampil High School for two years, I embarked on an exciting journey with the ASEAN scholarship to Singapore. There, I studied at the Ngee Ann Secondary School (9th-10th grade) and Tampines Meridian Junior College (11th-12th grade). At UW–Madison, I’m planning to pursue Computer Sciences because I’m fascinated by its potential to solve complex societal issues, such as sustainable development. I’m passionate about using my knowledge to improve my developing community and beyond! In my free time, you can find me singing, playing sports, diving into good books, or gardening. I’m excited to connect with you and share our experiences together!
Prince Kofi Atta Amoah (Ghana)
I am genuinely driven to pursue a career in climate science at UW–Madison, drawing inspiration from the dire environmental challenges faced by my community and beyond. Witnessing the devastating impact of natural disasters like floods, coupled with the persistent issues of pollution and deforestation, fuels my passion for devising innovative climate solutions. I aim to research renewable energy sources, design eco-friendly building materials, and develop computational models for climate change adaptation. My journey from being a young farmhand to establishing a sustainability club is one of my most enthusiastic achievements and has been one of learning and growth. I am excited to explore my future at UW–Madison as I continue to learn and grow. In my leisure time, I enjoy playing the piano with my local band and playing soccer. At UW–Madison, I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share my commitment to creating a positive impact in the world.
Angeline Morgado (Venezuela/Chile)
I’m a Venezuelan who currently resides in Chile. I attended a public high school with an inclusive vision and, given my trajectory as an activist for youth participation in political spaces and my reflection on the political situation in my homeland, I decided to major in Political Science. I’m a curious person, love to learn new things, and am an avid reader, so I’m open to any recommendations and to discussing books & interesting facts! I love to explore, so count me in for any hikes and walks. As for aspirations, I would like to work towards strengthening democracy through open government.
Caroline Coutinho (Brazil)
I’m Caroline Coutinho, a 20-year-old from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. I graduated from the private SESI education network. My favorite hobby is theater, where I learned to express my voice beyond school. In recent years, I served as a Youth Parliamentarian in the municipal legislative scene, developing policies to protect vulnerable populations. Additionally, I stand out in national and international science competitions while working on ways to democratize this knowledge for other low-income students. As I join UW–Madison’s School of Education, I am eager to explore the intersection of politics and education to expand the educational projects I started in Brazil.
Lewis Ndegwa Kanyi (Kenya)
I’m Lewis Ndegwa and I’m from the sunny shores of Mombasa, Kenya. I graduated from Alliance High School in December 2022 and I’m very eager to be part of the Badger family! I’m undecided on what major(s) I intend to take, but I’m sure they will be in the fields of technology, business, and/or health. I feel drawn to student organizations related to finance, financial literacy, and investments. Other than gaming and taking photos, I enjoy swimming during my free time, and I can bet you can guess why.
Prateek Chand (Nepal)
I come from Nepal, a nation that is home to eight of the world’s first ten highest mountain peaks. My family’s roots lie in the rolling hills of far-western rural Nepal; however, I grew up in the capital city of Kathmandu, a city once famous for having more temples than houses. When I was pursuing my A-Level at St. Xavier’s College, I was blessed with curious peers, seniors, and teachers who inspired me to attempt ideas that go beyond personal pursuits and supported me in kickstarting my first academic research. As an aspiring Computer Sciences major, I hope to keep digging into machine learning systems and their potential applications, particularly in the environmental and healthcare landscapes. Outside of academia, I enjoy playing cricket and football. In my spare time, I love taking photos on my phone for my Pinterest profile, stargazing, watching Formula One, and learning about airplanes.