Record Number of UH Fulbrights
Puts Coogs on the Map
The Fulbright Program has put many students' names on the map ... quite literally.
Each year, this distinguished scholarship initiative supports the academic and professional journeys of more than 8,000 U.S. scholars, professors, students and artists.
Recently, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awarded scholarships to 14 University of Houston students and alumni, who will soon travel worldwide to impart knowledge gained at their alma mater while supporting global populations.
These 14 awards mark a record number of Fulbrights for UH students and demonstrate the institution’s international reach.
"I'm tremendously proud of this year's 14 recipients,” said Ben Rayder, executive director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards. “They are the largest and one of the most accomplished Fulbright cohorts that has ever been selected. Their accomplishments show that UH continues to produce incredible students who are ready to go out and engage with the world.”
For the first time, UH Fulbrighters will visit Poland, Vietnam, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Brazil, and Belgium. Other destinations include Taiwan, Spain, Kosovo, Bulgaria and Germany.
Many of the Cougar Fulbright recipients will serve as English teaching assistants while others will engage in research at noted universities across the pond.
“The University of Houston is proud to send so many of our students out across the globe on these prestigious Fulbright programs,” said Amb. Michael Pelletier (Retd.), executive director of UH’s Institute for Global Engagement. “They will use their experiences, education, and global competencies to forge partnerships and friendships internationally to tackle the tough issues facing all of us.”
Over the past seven years, 68 students and alumni have earned the distinction of receiving Fulbright scholarships. In addition to the record breaking 14 awards this year, three UH students were named as Fulbright alternates.
The following are insights from some of the 2024 UH Fulbright students:
Poland - Photo by Arun kuttiyani on Unsplash
Poland - Photo by Arun kuttiyani on Unsplash
“The Fulbright award offered an opportunity to travel abroad and engage in a research opportunity. I get to immerse myself into a foreign culture and gain skills unique to my field of interest, which is chemistry.”
“I am confident that this experience will also help me better connect with others on a professional level because I will have gained knowledge and experience in the art of global exchange.”
Melanie Adhikary
Melanie Adhikary
Taiwan - Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash
Taiwan - Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash
Germany - Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Germany - Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Indonesia - Photo by Iswanto Arif on Unsplash
Indonesia - Photo by Iswanto Arif on Unsplash
Adeena Ali
Adeena Ali
“I liked the values that Fulbright held in their English Teaching Assistants which is to promote global diversity and what better way than to have people who are interested in teaching and promoting education.”
This year’s record number of Fulbright students exemplifies its status as a Fulbright Hispanic Serving Institution Leader. UH also has previously been recognized as a Top Producer of Fulbrights.
“The best way UH prepared me for living abroad was by surrounding me with people of incredible diversity. I feel confident working as a cultural ambassador in Spain because of my introduction to cross-cultural experiences at UH.”
Kayla Alexander
Kayla Alexander
Additional 2024 Fulbright recipients include:
Cameron Cochran, English Teaching Assistantship Grant – Poland
Isaac DeBerry, English Teaching Assistantship Grant – Belgium
Veronica de Quastenit, English Teaching Assistantship Grant – Germany
Sofia Poznansky, English Teaching Assistantship Grant - Georgia)
Thalia Sevajanes, English Teaching Assistantship Grant – Taiwan
Tammy Tran, English Teaching Assistantship Grant – Vietnam
Mallory Walters, English Teaching Assistantship Grant - Spain
Leonard Wang, University of Strathclyde Award - United Kingdom
Lucas Giannetti, English Teaching Assistantship Grant – Kosovo
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program seeks to broaden the cultural and academic perspectives of young scholars. Named for iconic senator J. William Fulbright, the program has long focused on creating lasting connections between American students and communities throughout the world. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This year’s record number of Fulbright students exemplifies its status as a Fulbright Hispanic Serving Institution Leader. UH also has previously been recognized as a Top Producer of Fulbrights.
UH’s student Fulbright recipients were supported by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards OURMA. Based within The Honors College office assists students in identifying academic scholarships and fellowships. It also prepares them for their respective application and interview processes. Additionally, OURMA promotes the importance of research opportunities for UH’s undergraduate student population to prepare them for graduate school and their professional careers.
“The incredible faculty in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards provided immense support and resources that critically advanced my application process and my knowledge of the program,” Adhikary said. “Faculty and staff members in the office, such as its director Rikki Bettinger, graciously provided me with one-on-one assistance and constantly encouraged me to keep going.”
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