KU student earns scholarship to attend grad school at Cambridge

Alex Kong

A Kansas University student and Free State High School graduate has earned a prestigious international award, a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Alex Kong, scheduled to complete his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical studies this semester, is one of 35 Americans to receive a Gates Cambridge Scholarship this year, according to an announcement from KU. Another 55 students from the rest of the world also received scholarships.

Alex Kong

Kong is the third-ever KU student to win a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, according to KU.

The scholarship funds postgraduate study at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom for the duration of the degree, plus a maintenance allowance. Kong plans to continue studying pharmaceutical science and infectious diseases, with a focus on specific causes of antibiotic resistance.

“This scholarship is one of the most competitive awards for undergraduate students,” Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said in a statement. “I am delighted that Alex has earned this award with the support of many others here at KU. He has already made great contributions to his field of study.”

Kong also sings in KU’s Genuine Imitation a cappella group, volunteers for the Lawrence Community Shelter, and is pursuing a creative writing minor. His parents are Man and Sue Kong, of Lawrence.