Connect with CUFR staff who will support you throughout your fellowship and undergraduate research journey. They offer expert support in identifying opportunities, strengthening applications, securing funding, preparing for interviews, and crafting your story.
Jacob Alan English, PhD
Title: Director, Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research
Hometown: College Park, Georgia
Academic Background: PhD in Educational Psychology
Research Interests: Social and Psychological Dimensions of Learning; Global Education and Internationalization; and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Email: jacob.english@gwu.edu
As the Director of the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research at the George Washington University, I have the privilege of working with enterprising, committed, and ambitious scholars, faculty, staff, and community partners every day. I get to help students dream big, ask thoughtful questions, and pursue fellowships, research, and global opportunities that translate their curiosity and values into meaningful impact.
I care deeply about mentorship, collaboration, and creating environments where people feel both supported and challenged. My approach is grounded in honest conversation, reflective practice, and the belief that growth requires courage. After all, it was James Baldwin who said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
At my core, I’m an educator and mentor who values community, thoughtful dialogue, and authentic connection. Whether I’m advising students, collaborating with faculty and staff, or engaging with community partners, my goal is to cultivate spaces where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow into their fullest potential - happy, healthy, and whole.
Scholars, please feel free to reach out to me to discuss research opportunities, national awards that require the university’s endorsement (e.g., Marshall, Rhodes, Truman), and the CUFR Student Ambassador program. Potential community partners, faculty, and staff are warmly invited to connect with me about collaborating on research and fellowship initiatives, development efforts, and strategic partnerships that expand opportunity and impact.
Kevin J. Walden
Title: Program Associate, Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research
Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia
Academic Background: BA in English and Biology, West Virginia University; MSEd in Human Development. University of Pennsylvania
Email: kevin.walden@gwu.edu
In my role as a program associate within the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research, I am eager to advise and coach students pursuing undergraduate research, national awards, and global education. These high-impact opportunities allow students to deepen their sense of self, strengthen their communities, and make positive change in their world. They are at once challenging, rewarding, and within reach.
As an undergraduate, these opportunities played significant roles in my own life, and as an advisor I want students to experience a similar sense of empowerment. Undergraduate research teaches us how to navigate institutions, engage in scholarly conversation, and understand the importance of mentorship. Studying abroad grows our resilience, self-efficacy, and capacity for cultural immersion. National awards challenge us to reflect on our demonstrated leadership, define our values and purpose, and the practice skills required for advanced planning. Overall, these experiences can reveal to students what they are capable of and how to use effective strategies to achieve their long-term goals.
From serving in AmeriCorps and as a resident assistant in college housing to professionally advising students at West Virginia University and GW, I am passionate about identifying assets that lead to growth and flourishing within individuals and their communities.
If you are interested in undergraduate research, culturally immersive awards like the Critical Language Scholarship and Boren, public service awards like the Shapiro Public Service award, and internal and national awards for postgraduate study like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars, please reach out to me to discuss these opportunities further.
Taylor Baugher
Title: Research Services Librarian for Undergraduate Research
Hometown: Malvern, Pennsylvania
Academic Background: BA in English, minor in Education from Arcadia University; MI with a focus in Library and Information Sciences from Rutgers University
Email: taylor.baugher@gwu.edu
Hi! I’m the Research Services Librarian for Undergraduate Research at GW, and I’m truly excited to support you as you explore your research journey here. Working with curious, passionate students who want to make a difference in the world around them is one of my greatest joys. I see research as a way to make sense of the world and to imagine new possibilities, and I can’t wait to learn more about the questions and ideas that inspire you.
As a librarian, I care deeply about how we understand and interact with information. We’re living in a moment when it can feel harder than ever to separate fact from fiction, and that challenge makes thoughtful, intentional research even more essential. I feel fortunate to engage with this work through both the lens of library research and original scholarship, especially alongside such thoughtful and dedicated researchers.
Part of my role involves supporting undergraduate research through GW’s undergraduate research awards. Whether you're seeking funding for a qualitative or quantitative project, an artistic performance or composition, or hoping to present your work at a conference, I’m here to help you navigate your options. I’m always happy to talk through opportunities like the Sigelman Undergraduate Research Enhancement Award, the Undergraduate Research Award, and the Transcript Recognition for Excellence in Research and Creative Inquiry.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you and supporting your work in any way I can. Your ideas matter, and I’m excited to see where they take you.
