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Penn announced its five Thouron Scholars for 2021. From top left: senior Emily Davis, senior Carson Eckhard, and 2019 graduate Ben Friedman. Bottom: senior Lauren Kleidermacher and senior Beau Staso. (Photo from Penn Today.)

The University of Pennsylvania has announced five 2021 Thouron Scholars, including four seniors and a 2019 graduate. 

As part of a graduate exchange program between the United Kingdom and Penn, The Thouron Award funds two years of study in the United Kingdom, as well as travel and living expenses. 

Established in 1960 by Sir John Thouron and his wife Lady Thouron, the Thouron Award is meant to strengthen ties between people in the United Kingdom and the United States, Penn Today reported. On the American side, each year the award is given to four to six graduating seniors, recent graduates, professional students, or current graduate students at Penn.

Wharton and College senior Beau Staso, a management and international relations major from California, will use his award funds to pursue a master’s degree in Russian and East European studies, Penn Today reported. Staso intends to work as a Space Force officer after completing his degree.

2019 College graduate Ben Friedman, who majored in political science and communications with a minor in survey research and data analytics, is also a recipient of the award. At Penn, Friedman was president of Penn Consumer Assistance Support & Education, a student organization advocating for consumer protection and advocacy in Philadelphia, Penn Today reported. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in a policy field and work in public service after graduating.

College senior Carson Eckhard, a history and English double major minoring in urban studies and Africana studies, plans to use the funds to pursue a master’s degree in history before returning to the United States. Eckhard interns for the Conviction Integrity Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office and is passionate about criminal justice reform.

College senior Emily Davis is a student in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies studying biology. Davis is both a full-time student and a full-time professional ballet dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Penn Today reported. Davis aims to pursue a Ph.D. exploring the biopsychosocial benefits of social dancing.

College senior Lauren Kleidermacher, a biology major, is interested in researching Alzheimer’s disease and has created PJ Pillows, a nonprofit that fundraises for Alzheimer's research. She plans to work for a master's in global health science and epidemiology at the University of Oxford.