Two Columbia College Graduates Named John & Daria Barry Scholars

Congratulations to Karolina Nixon CC’23 and Gabrielle Epuran CC’24, both named John & Daria Barry Scholars, recognizing their commitment to the pursuit of truth within academia!

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Gabrielle Epuran CC'24

Gabrielle Epuran CC'24

Gabrielle Epuran CC’24 will read the MSt in Greek and Latin Languages and Literature at the University of Oxford. At Columbia, Gabrielle pursued a BA in classics, while serving as the chairman and historian of a philosophy debating society. Next year at Oxford as a Barry Scholar, she intends to research the use of humor and fabulation, building towards a larger project on ancient philosophy of history, as well as ancient emotion (how notions and experiences of joy, pain, in the ancient world differ from our own). Prior to departing for the United Kingdom this fall, Gabrielle will spend her summer in Greece working on her writing and finishing a short film script as a visiting artist under the Henry Evans Traveling Fellowship.

Karolina Nixon CC'23

Karolina Nixon CC'23

Karolina Nixon CC'23

Karolina Nixon CC’23 will read the BPhil in Philosophy at Somerville College, University of Oxford. She graduated from Columbia University with degrees in philosophy and economics, and is pursuing a career as an academic and public philosopher. Her research interests include Ancient Greek philosophy, epistemology, and ethics. Outside of her studies, Karolina is a competitive épée fencer. She fenced for the USA National Team and served as captain of the Columbia Fencing team, and plans to continue fencing with the Oxford University Fencing Club. In 2023, Karolina launched “Philosopher Fencer,” a social media venture aimed at bringing academic philosophy to general audiences through short-form videos.

The Barry Scholarship, funded by the John and Daria Barry Foundation, is an annual academic prize awarded to those who display admirable dedication to the academic vocation and the pursuit of truth. The scholarship provides funding for graduate study, including living, travel, and research expenses, at the University of Oxford for at least two years, and is provided through the Canterbury Institute, which serves as the home of Barry Scholars while in Oxford.


Columbia students and alums interested in learning more about the Barry Scholarship and other fellowship programs are encouraged to connect with advisors at Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.