2017 Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors

Current City: Salt Lake City, Utah
University of Utah
L.Basin.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In the small town of Santa Rosa, located in the heart of Argentina's pampas, Lyuba assisted in the English Teacher Training program at the National University of La Pampa. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, she focused on the development of academic and creative writing skills through the use of literature, art, and meaningful cross-cultural discussions. Lyuba encouraged students to engage locally and globally by introducing them to contemporary authors whose literary works fostered intellectual and social movements. In addition to working at the university, Lyuba was able to travel throughout Argentina and South America, spending some time to better understand the language and culture. Her unique experiences abroad allowed her to develop her own creative essays and writing in the form of book arts, which she eagerly shared with her colleagues and students. Lyuba is now on the way to receiving her MA in World Languages and Literature at the University of Utah.

Current City: Seattle, Washington
University of Montana
R.Bell.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

Ryan traveled through Russia and Kazakhstan visiting cattle ranches built with the help of cowboys from the United States. His research aim was to examine food security laws aimed at rebuilding agriculture in the post-Soviet era. The journey was a homecoming of sorts. In 2010, Ryan was among the first wave of cowboys to work in Russia, where he helped build a ranch in the Black Earth region of Voronezh. By returning five years later, he saw what has become of the cattle industry he helped to create. His research took him up and down the food supply chain, from pasture to plate, writing along the way for NationalGeographic.com. The reporting from his fellowship won a Gold Award at the 2016 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. Ryan now works as a freelance writer and photographer specializing in food and agriculture. Learn more about his work at: ryantbell.com.

Current City: Rochester, New York
Bowdoin College
D.Bernstein.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, David earned a Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Luxembourg. As part of his degree program, David interned at Silicon Luxembourg, a rapidly growing media and event planning startup designed to highlight the blossoming entrepreneurial spirit within the country. He further supported the growth of the entrepreneurial environment within Luxembourg by partaking in a number of business initiatives at the U.S. Embassy Luxembourg, including as host of a talk show with a distinguished American entrepreneur and as the emcee of numerous high school startup competitions. David believes that the entrepreneurial spirit drives innovation, including within his main passion - healthcare. Indeed, he has published a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals analyzing healthcare trends and looking at innovative ways to improve patient care. Currently, David is a dual MD/MBA student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry and Simon Business School in Rochester, New York, as well as the Association of American Medical Colleges Organization of Student Representatives (AAMC OSR) National Chair-Elect.

Current City: San Francisco, California
University of Puget Sound
B.Cohn.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

Benjamin spent just under a year researching and writing about Ghana's rich musical history, culture and educational infrastructure. He wrote articles for Afropop Worldwide, OkayAfrica, SIT and his own music websites, while mtvU also featured his video web-series called 'Da Hip Life,' showcasing some of the talented artists he met. After connecting with Dr. Royal Hartigan, another Fulbright alum, he signed on to help shoot a documentary that combined traditional Ghanaian regional music with Western Jazz. The final component of his fellowship featured a fundraising campaign for The Bizung School for Music and Dance in Tamale, Ghana. Bizung was eventually able to purchase a new van and expand their reach drastically! Ben, having returned to his hometown of San Francisco, continues to write about music and arts for BayArea.com, Da-What.com, VIVA Lifestyle among others.

Current City: Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University
S.Costello.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Azerbaijan, Samantha was a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at the Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy (ADA University) in Baku, where she taught English for Academic Purposes to college freshmen. Along with her local colleagues at ADA, Samantha designed and implemented coursework for students across a variety of language skill sets. In addition to her work in the English Language department, Samantha helped to establish a student-led debate team at ADA. Though it started with a small group of students, the debate team quickly grew to include students from universities throughout Baku, and eventually created an informal network of American Parliamentary debate programs in the city. Upon completion of her Fulbright year, Samantha stayed on at ADA University as a full-time teacher. She worked with her local counterpart to found the university's Public Speaking and Debate Program, designing a series of foundation public speaking and business negotiation courses. Samantha also continued on as a coach for the university's growing debate team, proudly watching on as her students competed in international competitions. Samantha is currently an M.S. candidate at Syracuse University's iSchool, where she is pursuing a degree in Information Systems Management. After graduation, she hopes to return to the Caucasus region to use her skills as a debater-turned-teacher for educational policy development.

Current City: Washington, DC
Rochester Institute of Technology
H.Estill-Varner.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

While in the Dominican Republic, History investigated and assessed the current sign language interpreting services available to the Dominican Deaf community. Collaborating with the country's national interpreting association, as well as the national Deaf association, she contributed to the ongoing endeavor of establishing an interpreter training program. Through her research, she identified service deficiencies and provided the interpreting association with recommendations that would enable interpreters to better serve and empower the Deaf community. Outside of her research, she was involved in community events and volunteered her interpreting services. She also advised a local organization, Instituto Dominicano de Desarrollo Integral, on how to adapt their presentation on climate change to meet the needs of Deaf audiences. Upon returning home, History relocated to Washington, DC to work as an American Sign Language Interpreter and was hired as a Program Director with Discovering Deaf Worlds, a non-profit organization that focuses on advancing the self determination of signing Deaf communities by strengthening local capacity in developing countries.

Current City: Eugene, Oregon
University of Oregon
M.Jackson.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In 2015-2016, as the inaugural recipient of the Fulbright-National Science Foundation Arctic Student Research grant, M Jackson conducted doctoral research on the south coast of Iceland in the Austur-Skaftafellssýsla region to better understand the geographies of glaciers. Interviewing 196 Icelandic men and women living around the town of Hofn, M researched how local glaciers were continuously contested, imagined and re-imagined, negotiated at diverse scales, and transformed by individuals and communities living near ice. Icelanders have been interacting with glaciers since the island was settled in the ninth century; however, in present times, the country's glaciers are rapidly disappearing. Iceland is not alone-glaciers worldwide are changing at unprecedented rates. Examination of the human aspects of glacial change acts as a key point of departure to better understand not only local climatic changes, but also the transformation of the world's cultural landscapes. This research builds on M's previous 2011-2012 Fulbright U.S. Student grant to Turkey. M is currently an Arctic Expert for the National Geographic Society and a PhD candidate at the University of Oregon.

Current City: Washington, DC
DePauw University
K.Kraska.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

Katie's longstanding interest in animals and the social dimensions of science led her to conduct a Fulbright Study/Research grant in Indonesia about wildlife tourism, conservation ethics, and the politics of national parks. Each of the four national parks in which she worked harbored a different charismatic megafauna species: Javan Rhinoceros, Komodo Dragon, Bornean Orangutan, and Sumatran Elephant-as well as a unique socio-political relationship between stakeholders in the area. The research Katie conducted contributed to policy planning and best practices for the Indonesian government and NGOs. She continued her studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, completing a master's degree in philosophy and public policy, with an emphasis on bioethics. She currently works in the Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights, and Law program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on ethics and rights based approaches to people, animals, and the environment.

Current City: Baltimore, Maryland
Morgan State University
S.McCargo.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Malaysia, Shondrea developed and implemented English lessons at a secondary school in Pahang, Malaysia. During her grant, she became actively involved in a weekly workshop, focused on developing confidence, self-awareness, and expression through poetry writing and performance. In addition to classroom engagement, she coordinated and led weekend English camps. These camps helped to further develop educational and interpersonal skills among students. Shondrea considers her Fulbright experience as the most memorable in her life thus far. Currently, she lives in Baltimore, Maryland and is teaching elementary school and pursuing a master's degree in sociology.

Current City: Washington, DC
University of Georgia
A.Sayama.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Timor-Leste, Aaron served as a Special Assistant in the Office of the National Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice. Aaron was the lead writer for Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report, coordinating among the Ministries of Justice, Health, and Education. Aaron also assisted the Good Governance Directorate in developing training sessions and a training manual on governing standards for public servants on topics such as fiscal responsibility and maladministration. He completed an independent situational analysis on community policing in Timor-Leste and presented at the 2016 Fulbright ASEAN conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. Aaron is currently the Manager of Programs and Business Development at the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA).

Current City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rice University
S.Sengupta.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In India, Shayak studied the potential of more stringent air pollution control from the country’s coal-fired power plants. While they are still used to meet India’s growing energy demands, coal power plants contribute to climate change and deteriorate air quality through largely uncontrolled air pollutant emissions. For his Fulbright, Shayak was based at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) where he used one of the most powerful supercomputers in India to simulate the impacts of Indian coal power plants on the country’s atmosphere. In addition to his time at IIT Kanpur, Shayak also conducted field visits to several coal power plants in the eastern state of West Bengal. During his field visits, he had the opportunity to speak with operators and engineers and understand how the industry complies with India’s environmental laws, including new proposed regulations announced during his grant period. Additionally, Shayak also contributed to an English-teaching program and a rural technology development organization on campus. Shayak is currently a PhD student in the Department of Engineering and Public Policy and the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies at Carnegie Mellon University, where he studies the connections between energy, air pollution, and climate change.

Current City: Los Angeles, California
University of Southern California
L.Shi.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

As a retirement actuary helping employers plan for their employees’ retirement, Lin noted the industry’s trend of employees taking on an increasing amount of risks and responsibilities to ensure their own retirement. This, coupled with international population aging trends and the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis, inspired Lin to study pension systems in more detail internationally. As a Fulbright-Schuman grantee to the European Union, Lin conducted research in the Center of Research in Public Economics and Population Economics at the University of Liège (in Belgium) and the Erasmus School of Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam (in the Netherlands). She co-authored two published papers regarding workforce exit trends and the diversity of pension fund governance with her professors and fellow researchers in Liège and in Rotterdam. Additionally, she was invited to present her research at the annual Fulbright Berlin conference. Lin is currently a researcher and consultant in the financial wellness specialty group at Mercer Consulting, working to provide innovative ways to help her clients’ employees improve their financial health.

Current City: College Station, Texas
Carthage College
B.Simington.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In India, Benjamin conducted his research on the rituals and social dynamics of the renunciants of the Kabir Chaura Monastery in Varanasi, India. Kabir Chaura is one of the most important sites of the Kabir Panth, a religious community of India. Benjamin focused on the significance of memory and the ways in which Kabir, the medieval poet-saint who inspired the creation of the Kabir Panth, is remembered in both ritual and everyday life. In addition to his research, Benjamin studied Advanced Hindi with his beloved Hindi Guru, Mr. Virendra Singh. He also made it a goal to visit a variety of pilgrimage centers throughout India, such as Bodh Gaya, which is the place where the Buddha reached enlightenment. Benjamin is currently a Program Coordinator for National Fellowships and University Scholars at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Current City: Los Angeles, California
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
G.Talley.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In the Kingdom of Morocco, Gwyneth conducted preliminary doctoral research on women’s participation in the traditionally, male-dominated equestrian display tbourida at local festivals. She focused on understanding how women get involved with this tradition, how they train to ride horses and shoot gunpowder rifles, and how they interact with their male counterparts. The growing presence of women in this cultural practice demonstrates the intersection between tradition and modernity, women’s roles in a Muslim patrilineal society, and human and animal relationships in equestrian heritage. Gwyneth exhibited her photographic work of the women horseback riders entitled “Gunpowder Girls.” In addition to her grant fieldwork, she volunteered at the American Fondouk, an equine charity hospital in Fes, where she acted as a translator between Moroccan donkey, mule, and horse owners, and University of Glasgow veterinary students. On her return from Morocco, Gwyneth was invited to her undergraduate university to speak about Fulbright opportunities and her research since graduation, and to encourage more interest in the program. Gwyneth is a PhD candidate at the University of California–Los Angeles. Follow her on Instagram: WanderinGwyneth

Current City: Attleboro, Massachusetts
Bridgewater State University
M.Verlezza.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Canada, Michael conducted a comparative economic policy analysis of veteran mental healthcare at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research. Working closely with colleagues at the Royal Military College and Queen's University, his research in this area focused on the effects of government spending on returning veterans, finding that how dollars are spent (rather than how many) have a more significant impact in controlling PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and suicide. In addition, he completed a Master of Science in Mathematics and Statistics in the field of Game Theory at Queen's University. Since returning from Ontario, he has entered private industry.

Current City: Albuquerque, New Mexico
North Carolina State University
Y.Veytskin.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Melbourne, Australia, Yuriy spent 12 months on the Fulbright Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) postgraduate scholarship, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, investigating the role of nanotechnology and the future of unconventional resources through his shale research. He used microscale techniques such as atomic force microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and other ultra-high precision methods to characterize shale by linking microstructure and mineralogy to bulk material properties and performance. The goal was ultimately to provide insights into how to improve the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing technology by understanding how fracking fluids flow through fractured gas shale reservoirs and how the various chemical additives affect the accessibility of fracking fluids to the fracture network. Another broad impact was understanding the significant global competition to be 'first in line' when it comes to research and development, and large-scale application for sustainable energy sources and energy harvesting practices. Collaborating with CSIRO, the University of Melbourne, and the Australian Resources Research Centre gave Yuriy both invaluable topflight research connections and the versatility to position his future career in various potential directions by incorporating a broader theme into his research. When not in the lab, Yuriy traveled across the country, learned about Australia's rich history and sporting culture, and made lifelong friends from all walks of life. Yuriy is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Current City: Medford, Massachusetts
Drexel University
S.Lightfoot-Vidal.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Concepción, Chile, Sarah conducted biomaterials research at el Centro de Investigación de Polímeros Avanzados (CIPA) in collaboration with la Universidad de Concepción. Under the advisement of Dra. Saddys Rodríguez-Llamazares and Dra. Mónica Pérez Rivera, she synthesized and characterized nanoparticles from a biologically-derived polyester, polyhydroxybuytrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV), which encapsulated quercetin, a polyphenol with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ultimately, the nanoparticles could be used as a model system for encapsulating Chilean vegetable extracts. The work Sarah conducted through Fulbright was recently published in the Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers. Apart from her Fulbright studies, she apprenticed with a jewelry designer and learned to silversmith -an incredible experience – during her grant. Currently, she is a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University where she is developing an in vitro, full thickness human skin model.

Current City: Brooklyn, New York
Northwestern University
M.Warren.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In Peru, Mia concentrated her research within the Japanese Peruvian (nikkei) community in Lima. At the Japanese Peruvian Cultural Center, she conducted interviews with elderly members of the nikkei community about their experiences during WWII, a time of intense xenophobia against Japanese Peruvians. Based on these interviews, Mia collaborated with sociologist and actor Eric Aso on a theatrical play script, 'La Lista Negra,' which later placed as a winner in a local playwriting competition. Mia currently works as a Facilitator for StoryCorps, a nonprofit oral history project based in Brooklyn, NY.

Current City: Storrs, Connecticut
University of Connecticut
T.Williams.alumniambassador@fulbrightmail.org

In South Africa, Tanisha's research focused on how indigenous flora will respond and adapt to climate changes throughout the Cape Floristic Region. She was the first Fulbright U.S. Student to have ever conducted research at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and was well received as a part of the postgraduate and university community. She conducted germination experiments on select species within the Pelargonium genus, as well as, genetic sampling of Pelargonium populations throughout the country. During her grant period, she propagated over 1,500 plants that are now growing in reciprocal transplant gardens at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden (Cape Town, Western Cape) and at Rhodes University (Grahamstown, Eastern Cape). She also led two field trips throughout the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape provinces with undergraduate and graduate students. These trips focused on ecological and environmental field collecting techniques, specimen preparations, and data analysis. Separately, Tanisha has collected hundreds of Pelargonium specimens across 15 field expeditions throughout South Africa. During the duration of her grant, Tanisha's cultural engagement activities took on many forms. She volunteered with two environmental nonprofit organizations, SEED and GreenPop, performing greenhouse maintenance trainings, permaculture trainings, assisting in the Rockland's Primary School Litter Program, and planting orchards at an orphanage during Nelson Mandela's Day of Service. She also worked with girls from an improvised township to provide math, science and computer tutoring, life skills, and empowerment to young girls growing up in unstable conditions. Tanisha is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Connecticut in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.