Three Swearer Center students have been named recipients of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, a prestigious program dedicated to increasing diversity among college and university faculty; Carrington Hughes ‘27, Rachel Wilson ‘27 and Zoe J. Yu ‘27.

Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and established at Brown in 1990, the program addresses barriers underrepresented groups face in academia. It promotes diverse perspectives in the humanities and related fields. Over the next two years, fellows receive more than $20,000 in research funding and up to $10,000 in loan repayment for graduate studies. They also gain mentorship from Brown faculty to support their academic journeys. This year’s recipients join our other Swearer Center Mellon recipients Axel Martinez '26 (Bonner Fellow), Indigo Mudbhary '26 (iProv Fellow) and Nia Sampson '25 (Bonner and Guiliano Fellow).

Carrington Hughes ‘27

Bonner Fellow Carrington Hughes will explore the development of Americo-Liberian identity in Monrovia, Liberia, from 1821 to 1847. Her research, mentored by Professor Yannis Hamilakis, focuses on mortuary practices to understand the interactions between African Americans resettled in Liberia and the indigenous Liberian community. Hughes plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Anthropology and potentially a Master’s in Africana Studies.

Rachel Wilson ‘27

Bonner Fellow Wilson’s research examines the historical barriers that have limited Black representation in K-12 teaching. Under the guidance of Professors Noliwe Rooks and Françoise Hamlin, she investigates the impact of post-integration policies on Black educators. Wilson aims to earn a Ph.D. in African American Studies or History and pursue a career as a professor.

Zoe J. Yu ‘27

Edward Guiliano '72 Global Undergraduate Fellow Yu’s research, mentored by Professor Shelley Lee, bridges Asian American Studies, diaspora studies and critical refugee studies. She focuses on the Hong Kong diaspora in the United States, exploring activism and self-determination from the Cold War to the present. Yu plans to pursue a Ph.D. in American Studies or History and a career in academia.

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship has supported thousands of scholars nationally, with many going on to academic and professional careers. These three students join three other 2025 Brown recipients in a distinguished group of fellows dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in higher education.