Thirteen GW Students and Alumni Receive the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award

July 29, 2024

Authored by:

Greg Varner

Thirteen George Washington University students and alumni have received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award for 2024-25, and six more GW students were named alternates who will be moved to finalist status if funds become available. The awards enable recipients to teach, study or conduct research abroad. Just over half of this year's GW student awardees received research grants.

According to Jacob English, director of the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research (CUFR), this year marks the first time GW candidates have been selected as scholars in Hungary, Lithuania and Namibia and for the Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowship in Public Health.

The CUFR, located in Gelman Library, introduces students to undergraduate research opportunities and national awards such as Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, Truman and Gilman, and provides mentorship to candidates before, during and after the application process for the award(s) they seek.

"Throughout the rigorous application process, which included multiple essay drafts, several one-on-one discussions, and endorsement committee meetings, these emerging global leaders showcased their profound knowledge, innovative thinking, and adaptability," English said. "Pursuing a Fulbright grant demands courage and dedication. Being vulnerable, accepting feedback, and condensing years of experience and learning into a compelling two-to-three-page narrative requires remarkable skill, maturity, and determination. It's a testament to their hard work and perseverance."

Learning about the impressive achievements of GW students and alumni through one-on-one meetings has been inspiring, English added, and given him hope for the future.

"These individuals will become the visionary teachers, researchers, doctors, lawyers, artists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who will drive positive change in our world," he said. "On behalf of CUFR, LAI, and the GW Fulbright Endorsement Committee, I extend warm congratulations to the 2024-2025 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award recipients and alternates. Your achievement is a remarkable feat - job exceptionally well done!"

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship program for international academic exchange. An initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, it is among the largest and most diverse exchange programs in the world, awarding approximately 9,000 merit-based scholarships in the United States and more than 160 countries every year.

Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 persons from all backgrounds have participated in the Fulbright Program and returned home with an expanded worldview, a deeper appreciation for their host country and its people, and broader professional and personal networks.

The 2025-26 competition for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is now open. Applications must be submitted by the national deadline of 5 p.m. EST Oct. 8, 2024.

The 2024-25 class of GW student recipients and their fellowship countries:

• Erin Cieraszynski, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Colombia, Bachelor's
• Mavetjiua Haimbodi, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Namibia, Master's
• Dylan Kassin, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Germany, Bachelor's
• Isabella Nieminen, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Georgia, Bachelor's
• Jillian O'Hara, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Uruguay, Bachelor's
• Alexandra Ravano, Elliott School, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award - Roma Student Initiative, Hungary, Bachelor's
• Sezin Sakmar, CCAS, Fulbright-Nehru Open Study/Research, India, Bachelor's
• Niyati Shah, Milken Institute SPH, Fulbright-Nehru Open Study/Research, India, Bachelor's
• Lalitha Shanmugasundaram, Elliott School, Fulbright-Nehru Open Study/Research, India, Bachelor's
• Natalie Snelson, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Thailand, Bachelor's
• Caleb Torres, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Colombia, Master's
• Meredith Wells, SMHS, Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health, Peru, Doctorate
• Desiree Winns, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Lithuania, Master's

Alternates

• Kyra Chamberlain, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Uzbekistan, Bachelor's
• William Chaudoin, CCAS, Open Study/Research Award, Italy, Master's
• Caroline Clough, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Israel, Bachelor's
• Sara Llopis-Guevara, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, United Kingdom, Bachelor's
• Tappy Lung, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Malaysia, Bachelor's
• Gary Zeron, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Honduras, Master's

Earlier this year, several members of the GW faculty and English himself received Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards. The group includes:

• Eric Cline, professor of classics, history and anthropology (Israel)
• Jacob English, director of the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research (Germany International Education Administrators Program)
• Ashwini Tambe, professor of women's, gender and sexuality studies (WGSS) and history (India)
• Allyson Vieira, assistant professor of foundations (Greece)
• Sidney Monroe Williams, assistant professor of theatre & dance (Colombia)