Fulbright Grant Sends Alumna to Finland

Anh Nguyen '22, a graduate of UNH Manchester's mechanical engineering technology program, has received a Fulbright grant to pursue a master's in automation and electrical engineering at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.

The Fulbright Program was proposed by Sen. J. William Fulbright to help increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those in other countries. President Harry S. Truman signed the legislation into law in 1946.

Nguyen, who was born in Vietnam, was drawn to the opportunity in Finland thanks to the country's emphasis on gender equality, work-life balance and the progressive approach to education, she says, because "I aspire to promote these values in the community." She graduated from UNH Manchester with a degree in mechanical engineering technology and spent time working as an engineer during the past two years. She is also a graduate of Manchester Community College and received the NH BioMade Transfer Scholar Scholarship.

Her master's in automation and electrical engineering at Aalto University will focus on control, robotics and autonomous systems. She described receiving the Fulbright grant as "an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my academic journey."

"The grant will provide me with access to world-class education and cutting-edge research facilities and will allow me to gain invaluable knowledge and skills," she says. "I am particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and engage in innovative research projects."

Beyond the educational work, Nguyen says she is excited about the chance to immerse herself in Finnish culture, learning from a society "that values equality and technological advancement." She says she views the opportunity as a way to broaden her perspective and foster personal and professional growth.

She hopes to pay that forward, as well, as one of her goals is to become a Fulbright ambassador, promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in future endeavors.

"I hope the experience will prepare me to mentor and inspire women in STEM," she says.