Phi Kappa Phi is proud to feature 2024 Ruth Brasher Fellow, Elizabeth DuDevoir. DuDevoir, a graduate of the University of Maine, is pursuing a doctorate in anthropology with a focus on food justice, racial equity, and community-based research.

Growing up in Maine, nearly 3,000 miles from her birthplace of Celaya, Mexico, DuDevoir found comfort in her mother’s Mexican chicken noodle soup. Food became a way for her to embrace her heritage and find a sense of belonging. In college, she connected with other minority students through shared meals and conversations, which deepened her understanding of identity and community.

Her academic journey led her to work as a field assistant at the University of Maine Archaeological Field School in Machias. There, she learned excavation techniques and engaged in indigenous research practices under the guidance of Jason Brough, a member of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. The experience reinforced the importance of intentionality in research and influenced her commitment to ethical methodologies.

These experiences solidified DuDevoir’s passion for anthropology and advocacy, inspiring her to focus her research on serving communities and using diversity to enrich others' lives. Embracing the ΦKΦ motto of "Learn Forward," she believes learning forward means "we have a responsibility to share the knowledge we learn with our greater communities—learning with and for others." 

The Ruth Brasher Fellowship is awarded to a graduate student at Brigham Young University when the qualifications apply. Secondary preference is given to a graduate student whose record of service is exceptional and/or whose major or academic interest is related to domestic and family science. Ruth Brasher is a long-time member, volunteer, and supporter of ΦKΦ. Professor Emerita at Brigham Young University, Brasher served for nine years as Director of Fellowships at ΦKΦ. Since its inception, Ruth's generous endowment has awarded Fellowships to exceptional and deserving students for more than 20 years.

The deadline to apply for one of 48 Fellowships is April 15, 2025. Applicants must apply through their local chapter. Chapter deadlines vary, typically two weeks prior to the national deadline. Check with your chapter. 

For more information about the Fellowship program, including eligibility and selection criteria, visit www.phikappaphi.org/fellowship or contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org. 

If you are interested in learning more about making a planned gift or naming an endowment, please contact Elizabeth Kline, director of development, 225-923-7733 or ekline@phikappaphi.org.