From the bustling streets of South Korea to the serene landscapes of Norway, a group of University of Arizona students is set to embark on an international journey as Fulbright Scholars. This esteemed program aims to foster mutual understanding and showcase the academic prowess of U of A across the globe.
The Fulbright Program, a flagship initiative of the U.S. State Department, facilitates cultural exchange by supporting American scholars in their research or teaching endeavors abroad for up to a year. It also invites international students and faculty to U.S. institutions, promoting global cooperation and academic collaboration. For students, the program offers opportunities in over 140 countries, focusing on two main areas: English teaching and research.
“We are proud of our Fulbright students, who represent the University of Arizona on a global stage as they continue their education and pursue their passions,” expressed President Suresh Garimella. “These Wildcats are building global connections and gaining invaluable experience. The skills they acquire through the Fulbright program will serve them well as they become the next generation of leaders and innovators.”
Related: Seven U of A educators named 2026-2027 Fulbright Scholars
Prospective Fulbright scholars at U of A collaborate with the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships housed within the W.A. Franke Honors College to navigate the application process. Leading this initiative is Karna Walter, the office director and assistant dean for student engagement. Besides Fulbright, Walter and her team help students from diverse academic backgrounds apply for prestigious awards such as the Goldwater, Churchill, and Rhodes scholarships.
“I love not only helping our students see the ways their experiences, skills and strengths set them up for success – but helping them tell their own, authentic stories,” Walter shared. “There are a lot of enjoyable aspects of this job, but my favorite part is helping a student unlock an opportunity. It’s really humbling and delightful to be part of moments like that.”
According to Walter, the Fulbright Program transcends being merely an international scholarship by allowing participants to act as informal American ambassadors, fostering long-term personal and professional relationships worldwide.
The University’s 2026 cohort of Fulbright Student Scholars includes:
- Zoe Bertino, with dual bachelor’s degrees in molecular and cellular biology and philosophy, politics, economics, and law, will apply her tutoring skills as an English teaching assistant in Taiwan.
- Henry Calkins, a mechanical engineering graduate, will utilize his STEM expertise as an English teaching assistant in Indonesia.
- Lady Dorothy Elli, a master’s student in public health, will address tuberculosis stigma through community-based educational strategies in Cavite, Philippines.
- Ariel Heinrich, a microbiology graduate, will join experts in Tromsø, Norway, to evaluate romsacin, an antimicrobial compound, for clinical treatment against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
- Deizha Saenz, a Spanish graduate, will draw on her previous study abroad experience in Jeonju as an English teaching assistant in South Korea.
- Stella Salmon, who earned degrees in ecology and evolutionary biology, Arabic language, and Judaic studies, will pursue a master’s in global health leadership at the University of Haifa, Israel, gearing up for a medical career.
- Rory VanGorder, with degrees in political science and economics, will serve as an English teaching assistant in Bulgaria.
- Kizil Yusoof, a doctoral student in epidemiology, will explore how religious and cultural practices impact awareness of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccine decision-making in Mysore, India.
For more information on Fulbright Program fellowships and the application process, faculty and students can visit the university’s Fulbright website.
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