UNF health science major earns prestigious Fulbright UKSI scholarship

This summer, University of North Florida junior Kendrall "KJ" Green Jr. will travel across the Atlantic to Northern Ireland as a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright UK Summer Institute (UKSI) scholarship. He is only the second student in UNF's history to be selected for the program.

The Fulbright UKSI program provides U.S. undergraduates with limited to no international travel experience the opportunity to engage in academic coursework while exploring United Kingdom (UK) culture and history. Through a highly selective process, the US-UK Fulbright Commission annually chooses up to 60 U.S. undergraduate students from hundreds of applicants to take part in intensive academic and cultural summer programs at leading institutions across the UK.

Green, an honors student majoring in interdisciplinary health studies with minors in leadership and health administration, will study abroad at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) from June 13 to July 4. While there, he will learn about Irish history and culture, leadership development and explore healthcare data initiatives.

The proud Osprey looks forward to his first trip abroad and is ready to experience life in the UK.

"I'm extremely excited," said Green. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

He chose QUB for its strong programs in health information and data science, which closely align with his academic and professional goals of working in health informatics.

Interest in Health Science and Choosing UNF

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Green relocated with his family to Jacksonville several years ago so his mother could receive specialized medical care at Mayo Clinic.

"The reason we had to move was because there was a lack of health information and infrastructure where we were," he said.

That experience shaped his academic goals and his desire to improve access to health information worldwide, realizing that many people around the world are faced with similar circumstances daily.

After completing his high school education as a homeschooled student and earning an associate's degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) last year, Green enrolled at UNF in fall 2025 with financial aid from the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and a federal Pell Grant. He chose UNF citing the opportunities afforded to students through the Hicks Honors College (HHC), which he first learned of while enrolled in the FSCJ Honors Program, and a desire to earn a graduate-level degree in health science after he completes his undergraduate degree.

"UNF is one of the only universities that I've been able to find that offers a master's degree in health informatics," Green said.

Applying for the Fulbright UKSI Program

During his first semester at UNF, he learned about the Fulbright UKSI program while taking an honors colloquium course titled "American Coming of Age: Boundaries and Belonging." At the encouragement of a fellow HHC student and friend, Green applied for the program earlier this year with help from Dr. Tiffany Kershner, HHC instructor and director of global and national awards. He received his acceptance email in March.

"Dr. Kershner has been extremely helpful," said Green. "She helped with the application from reviewing my essay to getting references to securing a private room for me to do the interview."

Kershner compliments Green for his willingness to seek personal, academic and professional growth opportunities.

"KJ embodies the spirit we seek and hope to foster in Hicks Honors College," said Kershner. "In just one year, he has taken advantage of several opportunities to learn and grow. We are excited about KJ's success and believe he has a bright future ahead!"

During his upcoming travels, Green, a self-described "history buff," plans to explore as many historic sites as possible throughout Northern Ireland, including the area's various castles and the world-renowned Titanic Belfast museum. He also hopes to visit state-of-the-art facilities such as the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology.

"I'm excited about meeting new people and gaining exposure to new things that I've never had the opportunity to experience," Green said.

Despite earning one of the nation's most competitive undergraduate scholarships, Green attributes his success to the support of others and his faith. He credits his faith in God for granting him opportunities to better himself and serve others through health science research and acts of service.

Campus Activities and Future Plans

A student leader driven by service and personal growth, Green is actively involved across campus. He is a Swoop Squad campus tour guide and an active member of The Awakening, a campus ministry. He also participates in intramural sports, including basketball and flag football.

Green has been accepted in the Hicks Honors peer facilitator program, serving as a Hicks Honors Facilitation Fellow beginning fall 2026. Facilitation Fellows are among the most successful students and distinguished graduates of UNF. He will work as a peer mentor under the leadership of Dr. Leslie Kaplan, director of the HHC.

Through his participation in various clubs and programs across campus, Green finds joy and purpose in building connections with fellow Ospreys and offering encouragement whenever possible.

"I encourage other students to take advantage of every opportunity and try to make a positive impact on someone's life. You never know where that can lead you."

Scheduled to graduate in spring 2027, Green plans to participate in a health informatics internship at Mayo Clinic and earn a full-time position there. His long-term goal is to establish a health information organization that delivers critical data to countries and regions with high mortality rates stemming from limited health data.

Reflecting on his experience at UNF thus far, Green says he has received incredible support from faculty, staff and fellow students.

"We have great people here at UNF," said Green. "In the Hicks Honors College, they really care about the students. If you're willing to put yourself out there, they are more than willing to help you grow and succeed."