Two Michigan State University students have been awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2021-22 academic year; eight other candidates have been named as alternates. 

As Fulbright participants, grantees will study, conduct research and teach abroad for the 2021-22 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected in an open, merit-based competition that considers leadership potential, academic and/or professional achievement and record of service. This cycle was the most competitive in the program’s 75-year history. The Institute of International Education, which administers the student Fulbright program, received a record 11,728 applications.

Following is information about MSU’s Fulbright U.S. Student Program grantees:

• Andrew Carpenter recently graduated with a B.A. in international relations from James Madison College. He was awarded an English teaching assistantship for Turkey.
• Emily Van Dyke-Mathews received her B.A. in arts and humanities from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities and has been awarded an English teaching assistant award for Spain.

The following students have been designated alternates and have an opportunity to be offered a Fulbright if funding becomes available:

• Caitlin Barker, doctoral student in history, College of Social Science
• Emma Dodd, 2021 graduate in international relations, James Madison College
• Anthony Luongo, 2021 graduate in international relations, James Madison College
• Emily McHarg, 2020 graduate in international relations, James Madison College
• Isabel Petrescu, 2021 graduate in genomics and molecular genetics, Lyman Briggs College
• Spencer Price, 2021 graduate in education, College of Education
• Benjamin Ramey, 2020 graduate in international relations, James Madison College
• Mary Stout, 2021 graduate in education, College of Education

“These finalists and alternates can be deeply proud of their achievements, having made it through a rigorous selection process in Fulbright’s most competitive cycle to date,” said Joy Campbell, Fulbright program adviser at MSU. “Our Spartans have shown resilience and optimism, applying for awards at the height of a global pandemic in the hope of being able to travel safely later this year.” 

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program. Celebrations throughout 2021 will highlight the impressive accomplishments and legacy of the program and its alumni over its first 75 years, both in the United States and around the world. A dedicated 75th Anniversary website — fulbright75.org — is being updated throughout 2021 to showcase anniversary events and to facilitate ongoing engagement.  

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants from over 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 88 Pulitzer Prize recipients and 39 who have served as a head of state or government.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program at MSU is administered through International Studies and Programs. For more information about the program, visit isp.msu.edu/fulbright.

For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit eca.state.gov/fulbright.

This story was originally featured on the International Studies and Programs website.