University of Kansas Madison and Lila Self Graduate Programs

09/07/2026

Scholar Spotlight!

Sean Anderson is a 2026–2027 Self Memorial Scholar pursuing a Master of Accounting with a concentration in Tax. He earned a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from KU in 2026, graduating with distinction and Business Honors. During his undergraduate studies, Sean served as a Teaching Assistant for Intro to Financial Accounting (ACCT 200) and will continue in this role as Head Graduate Teaching Assistant in the 2026–2027 academic year. He was actively involved in the KU School of Business as a participant and mentor in the Catalyst Program and pursued an Entrepreneurship minor, applying those skills as co-founder of KSAerials, an aerial imaging company. Outside the classroom, Sean was a member of the KU Marching Jayhawks for five seasons, leading the 400-member ensemble for two of those seasons as Drum Major. He will continue his involvement in the 2026–2027 academic year as a graduate staff member

Sean completed two internship with H&R Block in Kansas City, where he conducted financial analysis and supported strategic planning initiatives. He will intern with Grant Thornton’s Tax practice in Kansas City this summer. Sean plans to earn his CPA license with a focus on tax and is committed to building a career in public accounting.

09/05/2026

Fellow Spotlight!

Ashley Bland is a 2026 - 2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Bioengineering with a concentration in Biomedical Product Design & Development at the University of Kansas. She earned her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, cm laude, from Wichita State University, and her M.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Kansas, graduating with honors.

Ashley's research aims to make upper-limb prosthetic control more intuitive and responsive for individuals living with limb loss. Working at the intersection of engineering, neuroscience, and machine learning, she studies how brain signals can be used to interpret movement intent and enable real-time, thought-driven prosthetic systems. By improving the connection between users and their devices, her work seeks to restore independence, enhance quality of life, and advance the future of assistive technology.

As a registered U.S. Patent Agent, Ashley brings a unique perspective on innovation, intellectual property, and the translation of emerging technologies into practical applications. She has taught undergraduate human anatomy laboratory sections and supported mechanical engineering education as a graduate teaching assistant, reflecting her commitment to education and mentorship.

Driven by a passion for problem-solving and helping others, Ashley enjoys working at the intersection of disciplines, bringing together technical, scientific, and clinical perspectives to address complex challenges. She hopes to contribute to advances that improve lives while exploring emerging technologies and expanding the impact of research beyond the laboratory.

09/02/2026

This year's Self Graduate Fellowship public policy topic is health. For our first public policy luncheon, Fellows heard a presentation from Christina Holt and Stephen Fawcett, Ph.D., co-directors of KU's Community Toolbox.

09/01/2026

Welcome back, Fellows, we can't wait to see what you'll accomplish this year!

08/31/2026

Amina Tbaba-Roy, 2025–2029 Self Graduate Fellow and PhD candidate in Neuroscience, attended the 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology in Niagara Falls, NY. During the conference, she presented a poster outlining her recent research findings, titled "Dopamine Signaling in the Insular Cortex Regulates Partner-Seeking After Social Loss."

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Sean Anderson (2026-2027 Self Memorial Scholar, accounting) on receiving the The KU School of Business 2026 Dana Anderson Knock on the Window Award.

The award was established by Anderson’s investment advisor and friend Wayne Woodman and recognizes and supports entrepreneurship students who exemplify hard work, tenacity, hustle and determination — characteristics exemplified by Anderson throughout his career.

Congratulations, Sean!

The KU School of Business has named Sean Anderson, a spring 2026 ac...

08/18/2026

Claire Sabolay (2025-2029 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas) presented at the 2026 Ionic Liquids Gordon Research Conference. Her poster, “Solubility Measurements to Process Design: Evaluating Difluorophosphate-Based ILs for Refrigerant Separations” discussed her current research. Her poster was chosen through a judging process as one of four featured short talks, where she was able to share her work with a larger audience of researchers in her field.

08/14/2026

On our final day of the Fall Skill Session, the 2024-2028 and 2025-2029 Fellows are participating in a grant writing workshop with Dr. Ane Chicas-Mosier!

08/12/2026

Today, the Self Graduate Fellows are participating in a full-day workshop with Bill Shander focusing on data visualization and storytelling. This session focuses on teaching teams and individuals how to transform data into compelling visuals, engaging narratives, and actionable insights.

08/10/2026

Elizabeth Bartlett, (2023–2027 Self Graduate Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry), attended the Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar on Water and Aqueous Solutions in Holderness, New Hampshire. She presented a poster titled "Activation Energies from Single-Temperature Simulations: Insights into Water Dynamics." Elizabeth enjoyed engaging in discussions on the latest advances in the field, reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections, and experiencing the beautiful New England weather.