Huntington Times

Three students from Marshall University have been recognized as semi-finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. This marks a crucial step towards obtaining the international research grant. Among them, two undergraduates are vying for the Fulbright Open Study/Research Award.

Rafael Alfonso, a senior Yeager Scholar with majors in computer science and creative writing, has applied to conduct research in the Philippines. His project aims to explore Filipino and American cultural intersections through creative writing. Anna Perella, another senior majoring in geology and biological sciences, has proposed conducting paleontology research in Argentina. Her plans include collaboration with researchers at dig sites, museums, and laboratories.

The third semi-finalist is Katherine Germann from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. A current member of the U.S. Navy, Germann has applied for a Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowship in Public Health to contribute to infectious disease research in Peru.

Being named a semi-finalist means their applications will be reviewed by committees in their intended host countries and by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The announcement of finalists is expected later this spring.

The Fulbright Program is an initiative by the U.S. government aimed at fostering mutual understanding between nations through educational exchange. It operates in over 160 countries worldwide and is funded mainly by Congress via the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Selection criteria include academic merit, professional potential, and leadership qualities.

Marshall University’s Office of National Scholarships supports its community members applying for Fulbright awards among other opportunities. For further information, Heather Smith can be contacted at ons@marshall.edu.