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Duke Sophomore Kya Locklear Named Udall Scholar

Biology major plans to pursue a dual degree in medicine and psychology

Kya Locklear Duke sophomore Kya Locklear has been named one of 55 recipients of the Udall Scholarship, which recognizes students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in the environment or Native American tribal public policy or health care.

Locklear, a biology major from Greeneville, Tennessee, was awarded the scholarship in the area of Native American tribal health care. She plans to pursue a dual degree in medicine and psychology so that she can address the mental health needs of Native American children. 

Locklear is treasurer of the Duke chapter of the first Native American sorority, Alpha Pi Omega. She is a member of the Native American Student Alliance and has served as artistic director and volunteer chair of Lady Blue a cappella singing group. 

During her time at Duke, Locklear has also participated in the Global Health Focus program and the Bass Connections Wired for Learning team. Locklear is Duke’s second Native American Udall Scholar.

A 14-member independent review committee selected this year's group of Udall Scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, Native health care or tribal public policy, leadership potential, record of public service, and academic achievement. The review committee also awarded 55 honorable mentions, which included Duke junior Elliot Davis and sophomore Monica Desjardins.

The 2019 Udall Scholars will gather Aug. 6-11 in Tucson, Arizona, to meet one another and program alumni, learn more about the Udall legacy of public service, and interact with community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance. 

Duke students and alumni can receive support for opportunities like the Udall Scholarship from the Nationally Competitive Scholarships team at Duke’s Office of University Scholars and Fellows. For more information on the Udall Scholarship, visit www.udall.gov.