(Photo Caption: COVID times group photo with fellow SAPAs; Kaitlyn is second from right)
The University of Florida is delighted to share that Kaitlyn Brus (Class of 2022) has been awarded a Princeton in Africa Fellowship with the Baylor Eswatini Clinical Centre of Excellence in Mbabane, Eswatini for the 2025–26 fellowship year.
Princeton in Africa (PiAf) is an independent, non-profit organization affiliated with Princeton University. Since its founding in 1999, PiAf has placed over 750 Fellows with more than 130 host organizations across 37 African countries. Its mission is to develop future leaders dedicated to African affairs and to build a strong network of alumni connected to the continent both personally and professionally.
For the 2025–26 cohort, 19 Fellows will be working with 14 host organizations in 9 countries. Through their fellowships, participants contribute to impactful projects while gaining invaluable experience in areas such as business and economic development, education and youth capacity building, public and community health, and more.
In a letter to UF President Dr. Kent Fuchs, Executive Director Damilola Akinyele Wolfgarten expressed Princeton in Africa’s excitement in welcoming Kaitlyn to the program and emphasized the positive impact Fellows have on their host organizations. Wolfgarten also highlighted the organization’s eagerness to continue fostering strong connections with UF students in the years ahead.
Kaitlyn graduated from the University of Florida in Spring 2022 with degrees in Anthropology and Microbiology, and Cell Science. In Summer 2019, she studied abroad in Botswana on a Community Public Health program with CIEE. Based in Gaborone, the program introduced her to key healthcare challenges in Botswana through coursework, a community health practicum, homestays, and immersion in a dynamic social environment—providing her with a deeper understanding of public health and healthcare systems in the region.
Upon her return, Kaitlyn served as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor (SAPA) with the UF International Center. In this role, she joined a group of students who shared their study abroad experiences with peers and provided guidance on topics such as academics abroad, travel logistics, and cultural adjustment. As a SAPA, Kaitlyn helped fellow Gators navigate the study abroad process while encouraging global engagement and cross-cultural learning.
The UF International Center proudly congratulates Kaitlyn Brus on this prestigious honor and looks forward to following the meaningful contributions she will make in Eswatini and beyond as part of the Gator Nation.
Congratulations, Kaitlyn! Go, Global Gator!