Nine Northeastern Huskies Earn Fulbright to Create Lasting Global Impacts

Each year, an estimated ten thousand US student applicants aspire for the Fulbright US Student Scholar Program. This federally funded program is nearing its 80th anniversary, and this merit-based award’s mission has not changed—to send a wide swath of the most talented young Americans out into the world as ambassadors of this country. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program broadens perspectives through academic and professional development, as well as cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the most prestigious and impactful scholarships in the United States, with an outsized impact on American culture, given its relatively modest price tag. Former Fulbrighters have won MacArthur genius grants, Nobel Prizes, and Pulitzer Prizes. Fulbright grantees also receive non-competitive hiring status to work for the Department of State, so the benefits of their awards often directly flow to the U.S. government. This invaluable program has notable Congressmen who were all part of it, including: Chris Coons (DE), Ben Cardin (MD), Cory Booker (NJ), George Whitesides (CA), Tom Cole (OK), and John Sarbanes (MD).

At Northeastern, the Fulbright Scholar program has been a significant research tool for our faculty, with 198 recipients since 1958. It has also shaped the trajectory of our recent graduates: 75 students have participated in the U.S. Student Program since 1973. Monetary value varies depending on the host country and the project, but the award offers transportation to the host country, a living stipend, and a small allowance for books and materials. Students pursuing graduate study abroad also often have tuition fees waived. The student award has profoundly shaped the career trajectories of previous Huskies who have gone on to leadership roles in academia, industry, international policy, public service, and health care.

We are delighted to announce that nine of our Northeastern family will join this time-honored tradition and look forward to seeing their impact in the world.

Emily Aliotta COS’24, PSYC/Psychology || Fulbright ETA Spain
Mentors: Anthony Padrazo, Kristen Puntieri, Michelle Bartley

Kiran Bajaj COS’25, MARB/Marine Biology || Fulbright S/R Switzerland
Mentors: Paul McElhany, Tara Duffy, Kathleen Lotterhos

Kavya Bansal CAMD’25, BNDS/Behavioral Neuroscience/Design || Fulbright ETA Thailand
Mentors: Danette Somers, Danette Somers, Mackenzie Bumpus

Sofia Churkin DMSB’23, International Business || Fulbright ETA South Korea
Mentors: Christopher Vail, Gregory Collier, Carol Joyce McCaullley

Merysa Drapeau DMSB’25, IAIB/Intl Affairs/Intl Business || Fulbright ETA Taiwan
Mentors: Hua Dong, Veronica Paricio, Denis Sullivan

Rupsa Jana COS’25, BIOC/Biochemistry || Fulbright S/R Germany
Mentors: Needa Brown, Ralph Weissleder, Vaso Lykourinou

Amil Khattar DMSB’22, BACS/Business Admin/Comm Studies || Fulbright ETA Czech Republic
Mentors: Kayla McEwen, Bess Brodsky Goldstein, Frankie Gonzalez

Yueting Lu COS’24, Behavioral Neuroscience || Fulbright S/R Cambodia
Mentors: Michael Trisolini, Isaac Chiu, Jennifer Ingemi

Diana Turrieta COS’25, BIOC/Biochemistry || Fulbright S/R Italy
Mentors: Tovah Day, Veronica Godoy-Carter, Jonathan Levy

In addition to the mentors, Undergraduate Research and Fellowships would also like to recognize the outstanding work of the Northeastern Fulbright Committee. These are faculty members and administrators who graciously volunteered their time to guide students throughout the process: Yunrong Chai, Girlie Delacruz, Linda Dunleavy,  Julia Hechtman, Jeff Howe,  Miriam Leeser, Patricia Lin, Rebecca Riccio, Sandra Shefelbine, Justin Silvestri, and Boris Yelin.