2024 Rural Solar Eclipse Scholars

Eclipse as a Catalyst for Creative Inquiry

The IU Center for Rural Engagement invited students to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to investigate how rural Indiana communities use this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event to catalyze social connection through an arts and humanities lens. Eclipse Scholars selected for this program are gaining first-hand experience in collaborative work with community organizations under the unique circumstances of planning for the eclipse.

Get to know the community partners

Learn more about the 2024 solar eclipse

Meet the scholars

Get to know the IU Eclipse Scholars and learn about their community projects.

Art Sanctuary, Martinsville, IN | Elizabeth Kuebel, Senior, Major: Environmental Management 
Athens Art Gallery, Crawfordsville, IN | Mansi Kadam, First-Year Graduate Student, Major: Human-Computer Interaction  
Blue River Community Foundation, Shelbyville, IN | Emma Domke, Junior, Major: Human Biology and Neuroscience 
English Civic Club, English, IN | Maleeha Mahbub, Freshman, Major: Environmental Management and Law and Public Policy  
Historic Connersville Incorporated, Connersville, IN | Ashleigh Fender, Senior, Major: Business Management BSB and Leading Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Organizations (LDEI) BSB 
John Hay Center, Salem, IN | Alex Hao, Senior, Major: Public Policy Analysis, Finance, and Business Analytics, Minor: International Relations 
Knox County Association for Remarkable Citizens (KCARC), Vincennes, IN | Nala Crumbaugh, Sophomore, Major: Social Work 
Main Street of Hope, Hope, IN | Bre Woods, Senior, Major: Nursing, Minor: Healthcare Management 
Martin County Tourism Council, Shoals, IN | Aniyah Kelliehan, Major: Political Science and Sociology, Minor: African American African Diaspora Studies 
Monroe Lake, Bloomington, IN | Brooke Martoccia, Senior, Major: Environmental Management, Minor: Outdoor Recreation, Parks, Human Ecology, & Nonprofit Management. 
Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Spencer, IN | Ellie Albin, Senior, Major: Journalism, Minor: Environmental and Sustainability Studies 
Vincennes Knox Eclipse, Vincennes, IN | Shayley Stumpf, Senior, Major: Marketing  
Zionsville Eclipse, Zionsville, IN | Kate Espejo, Freshman, Major: Accounting and Business Analytics 
Tulip Trestle Community Restoration Inc., Bloomfield, IN | Camila Cantu, Junior, Major: Human Biology and Community Health 
City of Loogootee | Trina Le, Freshman, Major: Sociology

As a part of this program, Eclipse Scholars will: 

  • Engage in 8–10 hours per week of practical experience or creative inquiry.
  • Meet with the Eclipse Scholars cohort and community partner approximately every other week for the duration of the program, February–May 2024. 
  • Share outcomes of experiential learning through a unique deliverable and poster session presentation. 

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