Six University of Nebraska-Lincoln students will be among the first recipients of the Yeutter Institute Scholarship, an award to fund student experience abroad. Supported in part by this scholarship, students will be traveling to various destinations, including Kenya, South Korea, Spain, and the U.K. This fund was established by an anonymous donor from rural Nebraska in 2025 to provide scholarships for students who are participating in faculty-led study abroad programs and participate in programs associated with the university’s Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance, or have an interest in increasing their understanding of international trade and global markets.
2026 Yeutter Institute Scholarship Winners
Taylor Mazour
Major & Minor: Accounting & Business Analytics
Hometown: Grand Island, NE
Program Name: Nebraska Abroad: Business, Heritage, and Global Perspectives
Program Destination: Nairobi, Kenya; Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya; Mombasa, Kenya; Washington D.C., United States
I’m passionate about the field of accounting and plan to continue my education by earning my master’s degree after graduation. On campus, I’m involved in the Business Honors Academy, serve as an NHRI mentor, work as a Clifton Strengths Coach and NSE Orientation Leader, and currently serve as the treasurer of Chi Omega. In the future, I hope to return to the College of Business as an accounting professor. Next summer, I plan to travel to Kenya to learn more about international relations and trade!
Sam Lockhart
Major & Minor: Accounting / Finance & Economics
Hometown: Papillion, NE
Program Name: Nebraska Abroad: Business, Heritage, and Global Perspectives
Program Destination: Nairobi, Kenya; Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya; Mombasa, Kenya; Washington D.C., United States
I'm one of the Managing Directors of Husker Venture Fund and have a strong interest in using my majors to understand startups better to make strong investment decisions and an impact on startups in Nebraska. I enjoy the capital structure and investment process of these fields along with working one on one with portfolio companies to help them grow at early stages.
Aidan Ballard
Major & Minor: Marketing & Political Science, Advertising and Public Relations
Hometown: Blaine, Minnesota
Program Name: Nebraska Abroad: Business, Heritage, and Global Perspectives
Program Destination: Nairobi, Kenya; Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya; Mombasa, Kenya; Washington D.C., United States
As a member of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy, I've been able to apply a business perspective to my passions for politics and mass communication. This year, I've combined my marketing background with political engagement through an internship at a purpose-driven ad agency. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue bridging marketing and public service, with the long-term goal of running for elected office or operating nationwide campaigns.
Natalie Abundis-Bizcarra
Major & Minor: Political Science and Global Studies, Communication and Human Rights
Hometown: Bellevue, NE
Program Name: Nebraska Abroad: Korean Global Wave in South Korea
Program Destination: Seoul, South Korea
I grew up in Bellevue, NE and am currently majoring in political science and global studies with a minor in communication and human rights. I would like to expand my knowledge of international laws and how economics, trade, human rights laws, and political relations between nations impact the international community. I aspire to be an attorney, although I am still searching for a specialized field, with deep interest in international law, humanitarian law, and civil rights. Although I have been introduced to international trade through my courses and few projects of its influence on societies and economies, understanding how it works and how it impacts communities’ economy and social infrastructures is something that I look to learn to expand my knowledge of laws and impacts on developing countries. As an aspiring attorney, getting the opportunity to grow through my experiences is a fundamental way to pursue my interest in law and learn more about the ways I can contribute to my community in the protection of rights through learning more about what factors such as trade, international relations, law, economy, and social structures, impact our communities.
Nathan Leibbrandt
Major & Minor: Economics and Accounting
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Program Name: Nebraska Abroad: Nebraska at Oxford
Program Destination: Oxford, United Kingdom
Nathan Leibbrandt is an Economics and Accounting double major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from Lincoln, Nebraska, with a strong interest in economics and international trade. He is particularly interested in how well-structured trade frameworks can promote economic stability and long-term growth, especially in developing regions. Nathan’s academic coursework in international trade has provided him with a strong foundation for understanding how trade policy shapes economic outcomes globally. His role as a Project Finance Intern at The Hope Venture has provided him with firsthand exposure to international and cross-cultural initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunity. Together, these experiences have shaped his interest in pursuing work that strengthens global trade systems and supports sustainable development.
Elizeh Tarkian
Major & Minor: Finance and Economics
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Program Name: Nebraska Abroad: Nebraska Summer in Barcelona
Program Destination: Barcelona, Spain
Elizeh Tarkian is a sophomore studying finance and economics from Lincoln, Nebraska. At UNL, she is a member of the Business Honors Academy, Husker Venture Fund, and Chi Omega sorority. Off campus, Elizeh interns for the Nebraska Startup Academy, assisting in founder-facing operations and engagement. Looking forward, Elizeh aims to pursue a career in venture capital, analyzing startups to allocate capital and synthesizing industry knowledge and global trends to make informed decisions.
