Seven University students and recent graduates were named Fulbright Fellows for 2001-02, and are currently conducting research and working in fields ranging from chemistry to comparative literature in Latvia, Germany, Taiwan, France, New Zealand, Nicaragua and China.
University students Zintars B. Beldavs, Jennifer S. Cameron, Anthony E. Clark, Elizabeth B. Cogan, Brandy Nalani McDougall, Joshua D. Morse and Matthew V. Wells were selected through a three-round process conducted by Fulbright panels at the University, in New York and in each of their respective countries.
Tom Mills, University Fulbright Program adviser and director of the Office of International Programs, said less than 30 universities in the country have students selected as Fulbright scholars in any given year. With seven students selected this past year, the University surpassed many larger public and private schools.
“These students are marvelous,” Mills said. “To be in the top 30 universities with seven awards is an indication of not only the success of these seven students but the success of this University.”
Congress established the Fulbright program in 1946 with the goal of increasing communication between nations through educational and cultural exchange. Students are selected for their academic and professional qualifications as well as their ability to share ideas and experiences with diverse cultures. Each Fulbright Fellow will spend 9 to 12 months in one of more than 100 countries around the world studying and conducting research.
Since 1970, the University has had 152 Fulbright Fellows. Roger Adkins, graduate teaching fellow for the Office of International Programs, said that while the University has had at least one or two students selected for the program every year, seven students is an exceptional number for the prestigious scholarship program.
“The University will receive recognition as an excellent international learning environment,” he said.
Jennifer Cameron, who received a bachelor of arts degree in comparative literature and a certificate in European studies from the University in Spring 2001, is currently studying at the University of Potsdam in Germany, researching European and Jewish Literature.
Ken Calhoon, director of the comparative literature program, called Cameron an “absolutely exceptional student.”
“She is assured of a successful scholarly career,” he said.
Elizabeth Cogan, who graduated from both the chemistry and French honors program, is attending the University de Paris VI conducting research on DNA. While at the University, Elizabeth spent more than two years working under chemistry Professor Hayes O. Griffith participating in his research project.
“Elizabeth took on a challenging project at a higher level than is expected of undergraduates,” Hayes said.