Five new Bouchet Scholars inducted into UW–Madison Chapter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomed four graduate students and one postdoctoral research associate into the university’s chapter of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society on March 29 in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and mentors.

The Bouchet Graduate Honor Society celebrates Dr. Edward A. Bouchet, the first African American to earn a PhD in the U.S. (a doctorate in physics at Yale University in 1876).

“The Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars across 17 national chapters who exemplify academic and personal excellence and foster environments of support for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy,” said Christopher Yue, assistant dean for diversity, inclusion, and funding the Graduate School. “In the spirit of Edward Alexander Bouchet and the scholarship, character, leadership, service, and advocacy he exhibited both inside and outside academic realms, inductees into the honor society bearing his name must also exhibit these same outstanding qualities.”

The 2022 inductees are:

Kennia Coronado – Doctoral candidate, Political Science

Two people pose together for a photo and smile. They stand next to a framed portrait of Edward A. Bouchet. One is wearing a medal.
Bouchet Honor Society inductee Kennia Coronado (right)

Kendra Greendeer – Doctoral candidate, Art History

Bouchet Society inductee Kendra Greendeer (right) pictured with advisor Jill Casid (left), professor of visual studies

Linda Park – Postdoctoral Research Associate, Family Medicine and Community Health

Two people in professional attire stand in front of a framed portrait of Edward A. Bouchet. One person is holding a certificate and wearing a medal.
Bouchet Honor Society inductee Dr. Linda Park (right), pictured with Graduate School Dean William Karpus (left)

Bo Peng – Doctoral candidate, Cellular and Molecular Biology; MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program

Two people pose for a photo together. They are smiling and standing next to a framed portrait of Edward A. Bouchet. One is wearing a medal.
Bouchet Society inductee Bo Peng (right)

Whitney Stevens-Sostre – Doctoral candidate, Neuroscience Training Program

Two people pose together for a photo. One is wearing a medal.
Bouchet Society inductee Whitney Stevens-Sostre (right) with advisor Gail Robertson (left), professor of neuroscience

“The graduate students and postdoctoral researchers we are honoring here today represent the excellent researchers, scholars, educators, and leaders we have on our campus,” Graduate School Dean William Karpus said. “These individuals are making key contributions to their disciplines, as well as to the research, education, and outreach missions of our campus. They truly embody the Wisconsin Idea.”

The UW–Madison Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement supports each inductee with a professional development grant. The UW–Madison Graduate School also supports new inductees to present at the Bouchet Annual Conference at Yale University, where the scholars further create connections and community within the national Bouchet Society.

Read more about each inductee on the UW–Madison Bouchet Society webpage.