The Fulbright program provides opportunities for international exchange and collaboration. Recent Fulbright scholars and students found that the program allowed them to conduct cutting-edge research, form lasting professional and personal relationships, gain new cultural perspectives, and make important contributions to their fields on a global scale. The Fulbright experience profoundly shaped their academic and career trajectories.

1. “ I learned to combine the minute details of my research with a larger perspective
of international collaborations. In the world today, mutual exchange, curiosity, and
introspective diversity have become more important than ever. I have learned
that one thing that underscores the political and intellectual relationship between
the United States and France is the physical placement of American and French
Fulbright scholars who engage in international exchange.”
- Samantha Avila, Advanced Student in Biochemistry 2017-2018

2. “ There is no more powerful weapon against ignorance than travel to foreign lands
in the name of Knowledge’s pursuit, and I believe that this is one notion that the
Fulbright program has seized in its essence.”
- Zain Alattar, Advanced Scholar in Philosophy 2017-2018

3. “ I began this year with an idea and a project, I’m ending
the year with a solid network of collaborators and a strong
vision for future work that engages a global community in
addressing local issues. The scope of the conversation has
widened, cross-border cooperation makes everyone
stronger in their own endeavors.”
- Marie-France Baveye, Adanced Student in Translation Studies
2017-2018

4. “ The Fulbright program made it possible for me to
conduct the necessary archival research for my
dissertation. Not only did I collect the data I need to
finish my degree, I also forged both professional and
personal relationships that will last throughout my
career as a medieval historian. Thank you, Fulbright!”
- Jillian Bjerke, Advanced Student in History 2017-2018

5. “Thanks to Fulbright, I was able to push myself out of my
comfort zone and integrate myself into the Paris
community - something I would not have been able to do
during a study abroad trip.”
- Megan Burton, Advanced Student in Genetics

6. “My Fulbright fellowship in France facilitated the foundations of research,
friendships, professional connections, intellectual curiosity and cultural
inspirations, important social and political and aesthetic reflections, and an
endless sense of possibility for our year of study here in France. The bond of
the Fulbright community will last a lifetime.”
- Matthew Fisher-Post, Advanced Student in Economics

7. “ I am incredibly grateful to the Fulbright program for giving me both independence and structure to
help me design and execute a project incorporating the research fields I am most passionate about. In
addition to providing me with many professional and personal resources to support my work,
Fulbright has also been an incredible community during my time in France. I am not sure that I will
ever again be surrounded by a group of people with such genuine and profound intellectual curiosity,
and so much of my learning in France has been a result of the conversations and interactions that I
have had with other Fulbright grantees.”
- Julia Kerbs, Advanced Student in Social Work 2017-2018

8. “ The Fulbright grant is a gateway to professional opportunities and personal
growth; I am forever grateful for the support of this grant that has shaped
the future course of my career. My hope is that many other scholars will be
able to benefit from this legacy of research and cultural exchange.”
- Sonita Moss, Advanced Student in Sociology

9. “ I am better connected with major scientists in my field, have a clearer
perspective on how my work fits into the current state of knowledge,
and have new ideas about where to go next in my career. Science relies
on global collaborations more than ever, and international fellowship
programs like Fulbright ensure that U.S. scientists will continue to play a
prominent role in future developments.”
- Logan Rand, Advanced Student in Geochemistry

10. “The Fulbright experience provided me with excellent opportunities and viable chances to
grow as a scientist, thinker, and globally-aware world citizen. I have a confidence to take on
new challenges in my professional and personal life and will do so with vigor and
enthusiasm. Fulbright is now a part of my life-long adventure with good memories to hold
dear and abilities and skills to guide me through rough waters and calm seas ahead.”
- Anna Payne, Fulbright Advanced Student in Astrophysics 2016-2017

11. “Fulbright has given me the chance to experience invaluable
growth in all dimensions of who I am, and I look forward to
taking these lessons and experiences with me as I begin my PhD
at Stanford University in the fall. Additionally, doing science
research in France has opened doors to a whole new world of
future colleagues and collaborators whom I admire and will
forever inspire me to good work that I am passionate about.”
- Nisha Gopal, Fulbright Advanced Student in Biochemistry 2016-2017

12. “Having the opportunity to spend a year in France through Fulbright has
been more challenging and more rewarding than I could ever have
anticipated. Experiencing the language, history, and culture of the
French people first hand, on such a deep and sustained level, has
changed my personal and professional outlook, and I welcome the
chance to share that experience with others through my scholarship and
teaching upon my return to the U.S.”
- Emily Rap, Fulbright Advanced Student in History 2016-2017

22. The Fulbright program allowed me to jump straight to the most cutting edge institution in my field, an
international collaboration that hopes to revolutionize the world by developing fusion energy. It has been
an absolute pleasure learning every day here how the French live, speak, and see the world, and at the
very least, I hope to keep in touch with those I have met here throughout my career. But more than that, I
hope to be back.
-- Robert Rozansky, Fulbright Advanced Student in Physics, 2015-2016

23. Discovering paintings that have been long hidden in museum storage, conducting research
in private collections in Paris and Monaco, meeting an art critic in her 90s who personally
knew the artists I'm researching – these are just a few of the incredible opportunities the
Fulbright afforded me. At the same time, I made invaluable connections with professors,
curators, and scholars in France. The experience has not only shaped and enriched my
dissertation; it has helped to prepare me for an international career as an art historian.
-- Lauren Jimerson, Fulbright Advanced Student in Art History, 2015-2016