The Bassett Scholars
Named after the ardent crusader for free speech and academic freedom in the early 20th century, John Spencer Bassett Scholars are committed to exploring, engaging, and articulating specific views and epistemologies—enhancing cultural, religious, intellectual, and political diversity.
Bassett Scholars receive funding to conduct faculty mentored research on or off campus, as well as to present or attend a research conference. In addition to the research grant, Bassett Scholars benefit from learning and engaging with their fellow scholars who learn from each other's similarities and differences. The Scholars participate in cohort-specific programming, and upon completing their Bassett research experience, present a poster on their activity at a research symposium on campus.
In a society where differences have led to antipathy and division, John Spencer Bassett Scholars are encouraged to develop radical empathy, find unity in diversity, and identify shared values and interests. This program is administered by the Office of University Scholars and Fellows and the Undergraduate Research Support Office.
The following students from the Class of 2028 were named inaugural Duke University John Spencer Bassett Scholars.