Meet our UKSI Participants

Sabrina Espinoza

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute

Sabrina Espinoza is an undergraduate at the University of Utah majoring in Health, Society, and Policy, where her work focuses on the intersection of public health, institutional systems, and health equity. She has conducted research on refugee resettlement and poverty, presented at a national conference, and worked with international participants through global exchange programs. Her interests include population health and maternal and women's health outcomes. Outside of academics, Sabrina enjoys hiking and running and has spent her summers working at Grand Teton National Park.

At King's College London, Sabrina will examine how governmental and legal systems shape population health outcomes, with a particular interest in comparing UK and U.S. institutional frameworks to understand how policy design influences health equity. She looks forward to exploring the historical and political context of the UK and gaining firsthand insight into how different societies approach inequality and governance. Ultimately, Sabrina hopes to apply what she learns toward advocating for healthcare systems where access is prioritized and the needs of patients, providers, and institutions are all considered.

Eshaal Ubaid

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute

Eshaal is a sophomore transfer to the University of Pennsylvania. She studies Political Science on the pre-medical track, hoping to use that interdisciplinary lens to create equitable initiatives within the healthcare industry. Currently, she assists with neurobiological research at UPenn's Betley Lab, leads a free mentoring program for high schoolers, and spends a significant amount of time supporting accessible initiatives in speech & debate (e.g., nonprofit work to start teams at underserved schools) after the activity changed her life in high school. Her upbringing in New York City has instilled in her a deep love for diversity along with the desire to better public infrastructure for all. Thus, Eshaal is excited to study "Britain; Institutions, Power & People" and "Critical Approaches to Sustainability & Development" at King's College this summer. She aims to learn about how centres of innovation can keep development sustainable alongside other driven students. She is also particularly excited to explore London's history as the forefront of the industrial revolution (something she is very passionate about) while encountering artifacts of a European past in practice today (e.g., art museums and the historic St. Bartholomew's Hospital).

Cata Krznarich

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute

Cata Krznarich is an undergraduate at Portland State University, Oregon, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Indigenous Nations studies. Cata has long been an environmental advocate, hoping to merge the worlds of sustainability, human use, and restoration. They are a long-standing local non-profit organizer for trash clean-up projects, urban planting, restoration projects, and orchard care. 

They aim to become a habitat restoration specialist in the majestic forests of the Pacific Northwest, with an approach of wonderment and environmental justice. Through tactile internships with Native organizations to repair harm and heal the landscape, they work towards the sustainable adaptive management of our urban and natural worlds. In the Fulbright program at King's College, Cata is excited to examine the political ecology of Britain and climate change initiatives that create structures for adaptation in an ever-changing world. 

During their time in London, they will become immersed in the expansive research institutions at King's College and create connections with fellow academics in the field. Building their cultural experiences of dynamic climate and sustainability adaptation through exploration of current research, they will bring together the theoretical and practical for the furtherment of justice in habitat restoration.

Beitris Boyreau-Millar

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute

Beitris Boyreau-Millar is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As an undergraduate, Beitris studies Public Health and minors in Accounting and Business Administration, strengthening her understanding of healthcare systems and their structural challenges. Beitris aims to pursue a career in healthcare administration, focusing on expanding access to care in rural communities.  

Her academic interests centre on healthcare equity, insurance systems, and how policy shapes patient outcomes, particularly for women and underserved populations. Outside the classroom, Beitris is a member of her college volleyball team and works with local community leaders to advocate for expanded public transportation, reflecting her commitment to improving access to essential services.  

At King's College London, Beitris will explore global healthcare systems and policy differences, building her experience into insurance barriers and access to care. She looks forward to engaging with diverse perspectives and fully immersing herself in London’s academic and cultural opportunities. Through this experience, Beitris hopes to apply these insights toward advancing equitable healthcare access. 

Caroline Maschke

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute

Caroline studies neuroscience at American University in Washington, D.C. Inspired by her father’s battle with advanced stage cancer when she was 11, Caroline has made it her mission to help other children and families impacted by this devastating disease. She founded Students Against Cancer at American University to create a supportive community on campus for students affected by cancer. She also volunteers with Fight Colorectal Cancer, going to Capitol Hill each year to share her family’s experience with policymakers, emphasizing the need for colorectal cancer research funding at the federal level. Caroline played a key role in establishing Fight CRC’s “Junior Advocates” program, built to empower kids in sharing how colorectal cancer has impacted their lives. 

Outside of school and volunteering, Caroline enjoys playing beach volleyball and golf with her family in Florida or exploring D.C.’s many museums and vibrant neighbourhoods. Caroline is extremely grateful and excited to study at King’s College London this summer. She looks forward to comparing U.S. and UK policies and bringing the lessons she learns back to improve health equity in the U.S. She is eager to engage with people of diverse backgrounds and to explore London and its surrounding areas!

Sofia Parisotto

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute

Sofia Francesca Parisotto is a Film and Television Production major at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Raised in Santa Barbara and Oakland, her passion for visual storytelling took root through the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) and a lifelong love of classic cinema.

Sofia has built an impressive early filmmaking career. Her short film Happy Trails (2024) premiered at SBIFF and received the Best Screenplay Award from a jury of industry professionals. She was selected twice for SBIFF's competitive 10-10-10 mentorship program and has directed two additional independent shorts, each earning international festival recognition and accolades for her work as a rising female director. She has also interned with SBIFF's educational outreach and Cinema Society departments.

At LMU, Sofia serves as Vice President of the Residence Hall Association and sits on the board of the Lion Production Company, a student-led collaborative that funds and mentors non-academic film projects. At Lancaster University, she looks forward to deepening her craft, expanding her understanding of international cinema, and connecting with fellow filmmakers from around the world.

Alishba Murad

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute

Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Alishba Murad moved to the United States at the age of 10 and is currently a student at New York University’s (NYU) Gallatin School of Individualized Study. At Gallatin, Alishba has rooted her concentration in Diversity in Multimedia, focusing on the relationships among different media, especially film, and how they affect how people feel seen, heard, and represented, and how they influence one's identity. Alishba’s love for filmmaking started at a young age. Graciously, thanks to her dad, you can find countless childhood videos of her; a video camera has been in her life since the day she was born. Now, Alishba is more passionate about being behind the camera, figuring out how to direct, edit, and use storytelling as a tool for social change, especially to ensure that South Asian stories are told around the world without being stereotyped or “othered.”

In the United Kingdom Alishba wants to find Oxford Reading Tree’s Biff, Chip, and Kipper books. Books that made her fall in love with reading and storytelling while growing up under the British curriculum in Pakistan. In Lancaster, Alishba is looking forward to expanding her knowledge of cinema and the impact of different cultures and regional narratives, and to making new friends. Alishba hopes that this opportunity at Lancaster University serves as a stepping stone in helping women, especially South Asian women, realize that belonging in cinema and the space of filmmaking doesn’t just have to be a dream; it can be reality.

Gabriel Woodcock

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute

Gabriel is a freshman attending Middle Tennessee State University and resides in the town of Beechgrove. Majoring in Audio Production, he loves to immerse himself in the creative department at MTSU and was elected to office for the Society of Electronic Music in his first semester. Gabriel strives for academic excellence as an honour student, always seeking new topics to learn and grow from. His love for storytelling and art has been prevalent throughout his life, from winning first in state for a creative writing contest, to making short films and social media content for his schools and music projects.

In a world that can be divided by regional, cultural, and linguistic barriers, Gabriel hopes to contribute to the universally understood language of storytelling. As someone who has read books and watched movies inspired by and set in the United Kingdom since childhood, Gabriel is eager to further appreciate the history and culture of the UK in person at Lancaster University and experience the place that has fuelled his and many others' inspiration for centuries. Being able to study film abroad in an academic environment is an opportunity he is honoured to take into his future career as a storyteller.

Annelise Mesa

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute

Annelise Mesa is a sophomore at Smith College, double majoring in Film and Media Studies and American Studies. Annelise is particularly interested in popular culture and audience involvement with contemporary media content. Her scholarship includes projects on reality television, the political roles of celebrities, and influencer cryptocurrencies. While at Smith, she has become experienced with media studies methodology through the lenses of video games studies and film theory, for example. She also represents the Film and Media Studies Department as a student liaison and manager for social media content. 

As a Fulbright UKSI participant a part of the Lancaster University Film Programme, Annelise is eager to expand her media knowledge, developing production skills along with a fuller understanding of the collaborative production process as she builds towards a career in casting. Annelise is looking forward to exploring Lancaster and the surrounding English countryside while getting a feel for the UK through the local arts scene. She hopes to visit Lancaster’s many museums and landmarks during her time in July. Outside of academics at Smith, Annelise is a leader in her residential house’s community as an elected House President. She also spends her free time tap dancing with Smith’s Tap Ensemble.

Preston Baer

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute

Raised in the desert landscape of Arizona, Preston Baer is a freshman at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, studying Artificial Intelligence in Business. With over six years of experience in video editing, he currently contributes as a visual effects artist and editor for ASU’s Admission Services. He is eager to expand his work into filmmaking. He aspires to produce his own films and build a sustainable creative career centred on visual storytelling. At Lancaster University, Preston will study film, focusing on cinematic techniques and the art of cinematography. He is especially interested in exploring Direct Cinema. While learning, Preston is excited to experience the natural beauty of Lancaster and explore the rich theatrical history of England. He hopes to form meaningful connections with his cohort and immerse himself in both the academic and cultural environment. Beyond film, Preston has a strong interest in music and health and wellness, with a background in physical therapy education. He aims to bring his expanded knowledge of cinema back to the United States and apply it to his own filmmaking projects.

Chandler Paulk

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Chandler Paulk is a second-year student at Georgetown University, where he studies History and English. Originally from Eastman, Georgia, he brings a strong interest in literary history and cultural exchange to his academic work, with a particular focus on the early novel and its legacy across Britain and Ireland. His studies have deepened his engagement with questions of narrative form, historical development, and the evolving relationship between literature and national identity. At Georgetown, Chandler is actively involved in student media and campus publications. He manages WGTB student radio as well as being involved with The Anthem literary magazine and the Georgetown Undergraduate Journal of International Politics, where he participates in writing, editing, and collaborative production across creative and analytical spaces. These experiences have strengthened his interest in storytelling across multiple genres and platforms. 

He is especially excited about the opportunity to immerse himself in Irish culture and intellectual life, both academically and personally, and to engage directly with the literary traditions he studies. On a lighter note, he is equally enthusiastic about experiencing everyday Irish life, particularly his first anticipated encounter with a Belfast bap.

Eleanor Ensign

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Ellie Ensign is a rising sophomore at Syracuse University studying Journalism and Marketing Management. Born and raised in the small town of Homer in Central New York, Ellie’s passion for journalism started while interning for her local newspaper. She wants to use her future career as a journalist to help lessen the social and political divides she saw growing up and that impact many communities in the US today.

By attending the Fulbright Summer Institute at Queen’s University Belfast, Ellie is eager to learn about how communities in Northern Ireland persevered through division and what role journalists played in this process. Ellie has never been abroad, and is looking forward to experiencing life and culture beyond the United States. Outside of her professional interests, Ellie is an avid reader and a fan of European football. 

She is looking forward to engaging with these interests while in Belfast. She is also excited to explore Belfast and the surrounding area, and to learn about the rich history scattered across the city. She can’t wait to learn from her peers and professors, bringing her newfound knowledge of Northern Ireland back to her own community and using it to inform her future career.

Kendrall Green Jr

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Kendrall (KJ) Green Jr is a student at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL and is studying Health Sciences. KJ is also a part of UNF's Hicks Honors College and is pursuing a career in Health Informatics. KJ enjoys playing basketball, participating in community and club events, and giving campus tours as a UNF Swoop Squad student tour guide. 

At Queens University Belfast, KJ will be studying Leadership, and he looks forward to exploring the greater city of Belfast. He desires to see real historical castles for the first time and exploring the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology as well. KJ is also very excited to meet other Fulbright recipients and experience a new country and new people with his cohort. He hopes not only to achieve an amazing experience in the UK through academics but also through one-on-one encounters with professors, lecturers, students, and members of the Belfast community.

Taylor Thelen

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Taylor Thelen is a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, pursuing a degree in Marketing alongside a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Campaign Consulting. After completing her undergraduate degree, Taylor plans to attend law school, with aspirations of working in diplomacy and international law. At the Summer Institute at Queen’s University Belfast, Taylor is most looking forward to the International Relations and Diplomacy program. She is eager to learn more about foreign policy, international law and global peacekeeping strategies.

While in Belfast, Taylor plans to work on a project detailing her learnings of Northern Irish history, culture, and politics, how diplomacy and international relations function in the United Kingdom today, and how this information can inform solutions to issues facing the American government.

After returning to the United States, Taylor plans to present this project to her university’s Honors program. Aside from academic pursuits, Taylor looks forward to exploring Belfast and learning about the city’s rich culture and heritage. She hopes to leave the Summer Institute with not only knowledge that will aid her in her future career, but a deeper, wider understanding of the world and the people in it.

Amanda Barajas

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Born and raised in Montgomery, Illinois, Amanda Barajas is a junior at Carnegie Mellon University pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Fine Arts and Humanities Analytics. Amanda’s experiences working in curation and archives have nurtured her interest in exploring local and global histories – namely, how access, preservation, and political forces shape which stories are shared, and which voices are lost in the vernacular. These inquiries are reflected in Amanda’s art practice, where she has spent the past year exploring her mixed family heritage and community-focused storytelling through print, digital media, GIS mapping, and installation-based work. Through her artwork, as well as her contributions to academic and digital humanities research, she is inspired to work on projects that can help others document and grow closer to their communities.

At the University of Bristol, Amanda is excited to explore historic sites and the local music scene, soak in the culture of the UK alongside her peers, and learn how she can translate her passion for creative and archival work into direct action and community engagement. When she’s not writing papers or reorganizing files, you can find Amanda crocheting, doodling in parks, and listening to Cocteau Twins on repeat.

Dean Legend

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Dean is a second-year Honors Mechanical Engineering student at Austin Community College and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS).  

This summer, Dean will pivot from his technical studies to research Arts, Activism, and Social Justice at the University of Bristol. He looks forward to immersing himself in the United Kingdom’s rich history of social movements and exploring how creative expression influences community reform. He is especially excited to engage with perspectives beyond engineering and bring those insights back to his education and community. 

Following his return home, Dean will attend the Chautauqua Institution Summer Scholars Program in New York, US, where he was selected as one of twenty-four students nationwide to explore themes of civic engagement.  

Outside of school, Dean serves as a volunteer firefighter and is working towards his Private Pilot License and SCUBA rescue certification. After completing his associate degree, he intends to transfer to the University of Central Florida to pursue a B.S. and eventual PhD in Aerospace Engineering on an astronautics track. Dean aims to become a Mission Specialist for NASA, contributing to space exploration and scientific discovery for all humanity. 

Nehtia Hazelwood

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Nehtia Hazelwood is a junior from St. Louis, Missouri double majoring in Sociology and Political Science. She believes that studying social justice is about more than the institutions it is about the people and is
passionate about how her work will influence and impact her community.

Nehtia mentors the younger generation and prioritizes building community to ensure equitable access to proper educational and extracurricular resources. As as part of Hanover College’s Social Justice Leadership Program, she is encouraged to examine the world critically and drive meaningful social
change. She hopes the University of Bristol’s Arts, Activism, and Social Justice summer program will bridge her previous knowledge with a deeper understanding of how art intersects with social justice and plays
a significant role in building community. She looks forward to exploring Bristol’s history and culture through artistic practitioners, educators, community leaders, and local cuisine alongside her cohort.

Beyond her studies, Nehtia serves as a 3D Design Studio Assistant in the ceramic’s studio and a First-Year Residential Assistant in the residential halls. In her free time, she can be found reading, playing card games with her friends, or creating a ceramic piece.

Oluwademilade "Demi" Egunjobi

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Oluwademilade "Demi" Egunjobi is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Health and Societies with a minor in Political Science. She is interested in education, community health, and political engagement, particularly in how policy and law can advance more equitable health outcomes. On campus, she is involved in social impact consulting, philanthropy, and student government. She also tutors students ages 6 to 19 in early reading, college essay writing, and freshman writing seminars.

Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Demi has long been committed to youth empowerment and community advocacy. She has worked with organizations focused on civic education, student rights, and participatory budgeting, ensuring young people have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Through the Netter Center, she worked with third and fourth graders while helping improve their internship program.

At the University of Bristol, Demi hopes to deepen her understanding of activism, history, and policy beyond a U.S. context. She looks forward to learning from local artists, activists, and peers, and exploring what it takes to create sustainable change. She hopes to return better prepared to pursue a future in law, policy, and public service.

Emma Childress

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Emma Childress is a third-year student at Western Kentucky University from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. She is a first-generation college student double majoring in English and Environmental, Sustainability and Geographic Studies. Her research interests focus on how to make environmental science communication and public education more engaging through effective, creative, and art-based information.

With WKU Faculty member, Dr. Jessi Thomsen, Childress has been working on a research project to develop a framework of sustainable language through analysing the rhetorical practices used by farmers and farming organizations. At the University of Bristol, Childress is excited to explore the intersection of her interests in the environment, language, and people’s relationships to the land they live on. She is eager to see how different forms of art have propelled change throughout history and in different environmental justice movements. She is particularly looking forward to seeing how Bristol’s sustainability efforts are communicated with the community, and the real-life impacts of that communication.

This will be Childress’s first time traveling abroad and she aims to make meaningful connections with other programme and community members. She hopes to maintain these connections and bring back lessons she learns from Bristol and the programme to her Kentucky hometown.

Shiv Patel

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Shiv Patel is an undergraduate student at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, with a strong interest in public health, health equity, and community-based advocacy. Raised in North Florida, he has worked in clinical and community settings serving uninsured and marginalized populations, including volunteer medical assistant roles and leadership in student health advocacy and community health initiatives.

Shiv is also interested in how research, policy, and communication can be translated into practical change for communities that face persistent barriers to care. As a Fulbright UK Summer Institute participant at the University of Bristol, Shiv will study the intersection of arts, activism, and social justice, with particular attention to racial justice, legacies of slavery and colonialism, strengths-based community development, migration, and environmental sustainability.

He looks forward to engaging in Bristol’s academic seminars and hands-on workshops with artists and activists, as well as learning from the city’s history and civic culture. During the Institute, Shiv hopes to develop stronger skills in advocacy, media, and campaigning, and to return to Florida better equipped to build trust, strengthen community voice, and advance equitable health access.

Moyosola Adedoyin

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Moyosola Adedoyin is a Nigerian-American undergraduate student at the City College of New York’s Sophie Davis BS/MD program from Queens, New York, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Passionate about healthcare and social justice, she aims to delve deep into the intersection of the two as a future physician. Her commitment to social justice and activism is rooted in her participation in several non-profit organizations throughout her four years of high school. By bridging the gap in the quality of healthcare underrepresented patients receive due to the social factors that marginalizes them, she aims to rectify such issues through the lens of the social determinants of health. At the University of Bristol, Moyosola has a strong desire to discuss with people from different backgrounds.

From her peers to her community leaders, she hopes to better understand the impact of colonialism and slavery on the current political climate and the ways in which it has shaped social justice through different communities. Moyosola is incredibly excited to explore the city of Bristol, hoping to see the similarities between the city and her hometown of NYC. She will continue to engage in her hobbies of walking, reading, and trying different cafes in a newfound space.

Ashley McGarrah

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Ashley McGarrah grew up in the small town of Hermann, Missouri. She attends the University of Missouri as a sophomore, where she majors in social work and minors in sociology. Ashley plans to earn her master's degree in social work, where she will focus on policy work, and hopes to advocate for legislation surrounding healthcare access. 

Ashley is part of the Honors College, serves as a College of Health Science Scholar, and works for the Office of Undergraduate Research. She currently researches criminogenic risk individuals with traumatic histories, including adults with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system. 

Ashley is excited to participate in the University of Bristol Summer Institute Program and immerse herself in Bristol’s profound history in social justice initiatives. She is excited to engage in hands-on, interactive opportunities, learn directly from others, and gain valuable skills to apply later in her career. Ashley is also passionate about social work initiatives in the UK in comparison to the United States. With this knowledge, she hopes to improve social justice efforts at the local level. 

As a lover of all things food, Ashley is especially eager to explore Bristol’s food scene while understanding its historical roots and maritime influence. 

Tyron Martin

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute

Tyron Martin, from St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, is a freshman Broadcast Journalism and Documentary major at Chapman University. As a member of the Black Global Diaspora and Black Student Union, he is deeply committed to social change and amplifying underrepresented voices. He also plans to pursue a double major in theatre, which first sparked his passion for storytelling. Studying at the University of Bristol feels like a natural extension of his journey. Growing up in an environment where conversations about race, queerness, and history were often silenced taught him the limitations of one perspective. Bristol’s history as a former port city shaped by the transatlantic slave trade, alongside its vibrant arts culture, strongly resonates with him. Having primarily learned about slavery through a Southern American perspective, he is eager to explore Britain’s role.

He is especially excited to learn alongside peers in his cohort whose diverse lived experiences will challenge and expand his perspective as a storyteller. At Chapman, Tyron has already begun this work by reporting on efforts to bring Alpha Kappa Alpha to campus, highlighting issues of representation. In the future, he hopes to become a journalist and documentarian who ensures overlooked stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

Anthony Viola

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute

Anthony Viola was born on Long Island and grew up in the small town of Altamont, New York. After graduating high school, he served four years in the Air Force before returning to pursue his education. He is now a sophomore at Syracuse University studying Information Management and Technology with a concentration in Information Security. On campus, he works at the Syracuse University Office of Veteran Success and is a member of the Student Veterans Organization.

Outside of academics, Anthony enjoys hiking with his dog, spending time with friends and family, and attending live entertainment such as orchestras, plays, and musicals. He has always had a deep passion for history, and growing up attending his local Scottish games every summer instilled in him a lasting appreciation for Scotland's people, culture, and identity.

At the University of St Andrews, Anthony is excited to experience Scottish life firsthand - from its iconic landscapes to the historical events that shaped the nation into what it is today. He looks forward to getting to know his fellow participants and making the most of this opportunity alongside them.

Allie Godfrey

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute

Allie Godfrey is a first-year undergraduate at the University of Idaho studying Electrical Engineering. She volunteers at outreach events that encourage young girls to pursue STEM and works as a tutor. In her free time, you’ll find Allie throwing pottery and spending time in the great outdoors. She is passionate about using engineering to solve real-world problems and about creating opportunities for others in technical fields.

Having never travelled outside the United States, Allie is ecstatic to explore Scotland and study at University of St. Andrews. She looks forward to learning more about Scotland’s rich history and culture while experiencing life in one of the world’s most historic university towns. Through her academic and cultural experiences, she is excited to engage with new perspectives, meet students from diverse backgrounds, and immerse herself in local traditions and communities.

 During her time in the UK, Allie hopes to grow both personally and professionally by stepping outside her comfort zone, becoming a more globally minded engineer, and bringing home a broader understanding of how culture can connect people across borders.

Miranda Churchill

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute

Miranda Churchill is a student at Pomona College in Claremont, California, where she plans to double major in Art History and Chemistry with a minor in French. Raised in Dallas, Texas, she developed an early awareness of disparities in access to the arts, shaping her commitment to expanding cultural accessibility. As a first-generation, low-income (FLI) scholar and active member of the 5C community, she brings both academic rigor and a strong sense of purpose to her work. 

Her academic interests lie at the intersection of visual culture and science, particularly in art conservation and curation, where she's interested in how material objects preserve and construct cultural identity. As a professional tap dancer back home, she also engages art as an embodied practice. 

At the University of St Andrews, Miranda will study Scotland’s evolving national identity through its visual and material heritage. She looks forward to engaging with museums, archives, and historic sites to better understand how cultural narratives are preserved and transformed. She hopes this experience will deepen her desire to pursue a career expanding access to art and cultural education in underserved communities.  

Emily Wiebke

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute

Emily Wiebke was born and raised in Connecticut, and is currently a Junior at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland. She is majoring in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences. Once Emily finishes undergraduate and graduate school she would like to either work in a nursing home with dementia patients or in a hospital. During high school she interned at a nursing home working with Alzheimer patients and absolutely loved the thought of doing this for the rest of her life.

During her time in Scotland, Emily is looking forward to experiencing both the academic and cultural life of Scotland. She is also eager to explore Scottish culture and learn more about the communities she will be living among during her time abroad.

While in the UK, Emily hopes to strengthen her academic interests and broaden her understanding of speech, language, and communication across cultures. She aims to build meaningful relationships, gain skills that will support her future career, and bring home new ideas that will help her better serve the patients she hopes to work with one day. Emily’s goal is to return with more confidence in her abilities and experiences that will shape her both personally and professionally.

William Dinh

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute

William Dinh is a student at Bowdoin College studying economics and history, with a focus on how identity, access, and opportunity are shaped across communities. Originally from Houston, Texas, he is a first-generation college student from a Vietnamese immigrant family, experiences that have deeply shaped his intellectual curiosity and commitment to equity. He is passionate about how economic systems and historical narratives intersect, particularly in communities whose contributions are often overlooked.

At Bowdoin, William works in the Student Aid Office to help students and families navigate financial aid, and mentors prospective QuestBridge applicants through the scholarship process. Outside of academics, he stays active through a wide range of sports and outdoor activities, and is drawn to community-building and creating spaces where others feel encouraged to explore new experiences.

Through the Fulbright UK Summer Institute at the University of St Andrews, William hopes to explore how Scottish identity has been shaped through history, culture, and place. He looks forward to engaging with history through lived experience and bringing those perspectives home to foster greater cross-cultural understanding.

Clara Hasegawa

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute

Clara Hasegawa is from Syracuse, New York, and is a first-year student at Syracuse University majoring in film production. She is honoured to be participating in the film program at Lancaster University. Hasegawa has long been interested in storytelling, collaboration, and global engagement. Following her class trip to Montreal in high school, she developed a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural connection and its influence on visual media. Clara is especially interested in story development, concept art, and camera work. 

During her time abroad, she aims to develop these interests by exploring the characteristics that make UK cinema distinct, while also learning from the perspectives and experiences of her peers. Clara is also eager to travel throughout the UK, engaging with its history, culture, and historic landscapes. A fantasy enthusiast and detail-oriented traveller, she is particularly drawn to the UK’s architecture and visual history. Through her studies, she aims to approach new experiences with creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. Overall, she is thrilled to take part in this opportunity and is looking forward to applying what she learns abroad to her future work!

Agatha Rivero

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Agatha Rivero is a sophomore at the University of Miami, where she is pursuing a double major in History and Political Science. As a Fulbright Summer Institute participant at Queen's University Belfast, Agatha will immerse herself in the study of Irish history, politics, and culture. Through this program, she aims to investigate Irish history and the continued impact of the Troubles on contemporary community identity, exploring how historical conflict shapes modern social structures. Outside of her academic pursuits, Agatha is an active member of her university’s community radio station, 90.5 WVUM, where she enjoys exploring diverse narratives through broadcast. An avid hiker, she also hopes to explore the natural landscapes of Northern Ireland during her time abroad. 

Obse Abebe

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Obse Abebe was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but she moved to the United States at a young age, settling in Silver Spring, Maryland. As an undergraduate, Obse studies Human Rights and Political Science, a combination that deepens her understanding of power dynamics and countermeasures to these dynamics. Grappling with power dynamics in the context of migrant and incarcerated populations especially interests Obse and propels her to aid organizations like the Asylum Support Clinic.

Obse hopes to enrich how she contends with these dynamics by discussing rectification for historical injustices and vehicles for social change with fellow UKSI participants and Bristol community members. She also looks forward to learning about and creating fond memories with these participants and community members, especially by enjoying local art and music scenes, natural attractions, and community programming. When not out and about, Obse anticipates enjoying her favorite pastimes, such as reading, writing poetry, and practicing yoga.

However, Obse knows her enjoyment will not end at the conclusion of the Bristol Summer Institute because she will forever carry the lessons, relationships, and memories she experienced thanks to this institute. She believes these gifts will enable her to further develop as a scholar, organizer, and human.

Humza Ahmed

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute - Understanding Northern Ireland

Humza Ahmed is a first-year Architecture major at Virginia Tech, currently calling Allen, Texas home. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Humza’s life is stitched across cities, which fuels his curiosity about how place, identity, and design intersect. This summer, he’ll continue that exploration at Queen’s University Belfast, studying Identity and Intergroup Relations in Divided Societies.

Through the lens of Belfast’s intricate history, Humza plans to investigate how architecture and the built environment influence, and are influenced by, social division and reconciliation. He is particularly interested in how cities like Belfast embody their histories in physical form and how thoughtful design can support healing and unity.

Outside the classroom, Humza looks forward to immersing himself in the rhythms of Belfast’s cultural scene. From food and art to music and local traditions, he hopes to experience the city beyond the surface. He aims to return with a deeper understanding of Northern Ireland, enriched design perspectives, a solid foundation in international exchange, and a renewed commitment to creating inclusive spaces that bring people together.

Noor Atkinson

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute - Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People

Noor Atkinson is an undergraduate student entering her sophomore year at Syracuse University, majoring in History and Law, Society, and Policy. Her commitment to social justice and equity is deeply rooted in years of experience working within underserved communities, both as a tutor in the Syracuse City School District and as a long-time volunteer with Harlem Grown in New York City—a role she’s held since childhood.

With a passion for ensuring that powerful institutions serve rather than exploit the public, Noor aspires to become a public defender, advocating for those too often overlooked by the legal system. She is particularly driven to dismantle structural barriers and elevate underrepresented voices in law and policy.

Through the Fulbright program, Noor looks forward to examining the British political and judicial systems firsthand, immersing herself in London’s dynamic legal institutions. This opportunity will allow her to broaden her understanding of global justice systems and deepen her commitment to community-centered legal advocacy.

Beyond academics, Noor is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments wherever she goes and is eager to continue championing equity, both at home and abroad.

Maria Balhara

Fulbright University of Birmingham Summer Institute - British Cultural Heritage

Maria studies philosophy and religion at the University of Pennsylvania, learning from Professors Quayshawn Spencer and Steven Weitzman.

Her favorite work is being an Americorps teacher and mentor to 5-7th grade students each summer. She also volunteers with the National Publications Committee of the Latino Medical Student Association.

Since 2021, Maria has pursued research on SDOH related to food and housing. She also worked on hypertension in the lab of her mentor, Dr. Annet Kirabo. She is now working on a university-funded project to link homelessness and philosophy findings under her mentor, Dr. Jennifer Morton.

Maria’s interest in philosophy and religion first took root after classes with Professors Matthew Congdon and Adeana McNicholl, respectively. She is building on these interests through Clinical Pastoral Education under Rev. Liam Robins.

Maria volunteers with Philly House, a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. She contributes remotely to the UK-based Nutrition Society, working with Cassandra Ellis.

Maria is excited to explore British culture and learn more about innovations in compassionate patient-centered care, particularly within the National Health Service (NHS), where chaplaincy has long been integrated into patient support. She’s excited to bring what she learns in the UK back home to the US.

Ava Barton

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute - Film

Ava Skye Barton grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, where she still formally resides when not at school. She attends Elizabethtown College as a Stamps Scholar where she majors in philosophy, politics, and economics and minors in family business & entrepreneurship, public heritage studies, and marketing. An internationally awarded filmmaker, Ava’s work has been recognized by groups such as The Breakthrough Prize, Khan Academy, WHYY, and the Congressional Family Business Caucus. Ava is passionate about using filmmaking as a mode of communication to share stories that are often overlooked or under researched.

At the Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute, Ava looks forward to investigating how cinema reflects, responds to, and influences the political, cultural, and social landscape of a country. She’s equally excited to delve into the more technical conventions of cinema which will culminate in a collaborative film project at the end of the program.

Ava will be the first in her family to study abroad and she cannot wait to gain a deeper understanding of UK history and the culture which informs it. She is beyond excited to work with similarly passionate individuals in her cohort and learn about their perspectives and backgrounds.

Audrey Bird

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute - Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Audrey Bird was raised in Brecksville, Ohio and is a rising junior at Miami University. She is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Economics and Public Health. At Miami University, Audrey is involved in Women Who Invest, Butler County Stream Teams (a local environmental conservation group), and Club Broomball. She has also served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Computer Science as well as the Center for Student Success, and looks forward to assisting as a Peer Career Coach next fall.

Audrey is passionate about human behavior and dedicated to advancing social mobility by addressing systemic barriers to economic advancement. Coming from a small town in Ohio, she is eager to study at Scotland's oldest university and to soak up the rich historical context while gaining a deeper understanding of social dynamics and global awareness.

In her spare time, Audrey enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors, either hiking, hammocking, or skiing. Never having traveled outside of the US, she cannot wait to bridge connections with individuals of diverse backgrounds and explore the beauty of Scotland.

Lindsay Bitner-Mitchell

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute - Film

Lindsay Bitner-Mitchell, raised in Plainfield, Illinois, is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Communication. For the past 5 years, Lindsay has been a video editor and content creator of film and media. On campus, she is a marketing intern for her school’s student-run media company and is also a part of many organizations in her community.

Passionate about film and popular culture, Lindsay hopes to pursue a career in entertainment and public relations while also continuing video editing and social media management. With an interest in intercultural communications, she plans to explore the connections between cinema and culture on a broader scale in hopes of including more underrepresented groups on the big screen.

Excited to learn more about the history of the UK and film production, Lindsay will be able to bring back valuable knowledge to further apply in her professional and academic career. The University of Lancaster Summer Institute will allow her to create new connections abroad and create a project that will display both theoretical and practical film techniques.

Demetrist Booker

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Demetrist Booker was born in Walterboro, South Carolina, and raised in a military family that moved frequently across the U.S. He is a sophomore at Duke University, majoring in Public Policy with a minor in African & African American Studies. His interests include racial justice, combating systemic disenfranchisement, and the intersection of policy and community empowerment.

He is excited to attend the University of Bristol Summer Institute and to explore how arts, activism, and global history shape social movements. This experience will deepen his understanding of transatlantic racial histories and the role of cultural expression in political change. The Summer Institute aligns with his academic goals and his long-term aspiration to attend law school and pursue civil rights advocacy.

On campus, Demetrist is the incoming Vice President of the Black Student Alliance, Secretary of the Black Pre-Law Society, and a representative on Duke’s Presidential Council on Black Affairs. He also works as a research assistant at Duke Law and at the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture. A Spring 2025 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he serves through community advocacy.

In his free time, Demetrist is a passionate vexillologist, collecting world flags and gaining a deeper appreciation for global cultures.

Michael Bryant

Fulbright University of Birmingham Summer Institute - British Cultural Heritage

Michael Bryant is a first-year undergraduate at the University of Michigan studying Economics and International Studies. He currently writes for the Michigan Foreign Policy Council and Michigan Journal of Economics, serves as captain of the Michigan Ethics Bowl team, and works as a campus tour guide. In his free time, you’ll find Michael playing chess, reading history books, and watching Manchester United.

Having never traveled outside North America, Michael is beyond excited to participate in the University of Birmingham’s British Cultural Heritage Program this summer. He looks forward to exploring historical sites across the UK and taking classes at the university. He is also excited to explore Birmingham with fellow summer institute and full-time students. Michael has never studied in a big city and can’t wait to see all of the amazing things Birmingham has to offer. Through his experience in the program, Michael aims to become a more thoughtful and globally-engaged thinker.

Cecelia Escobar

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute - Understanding Northern Ireland

Cecelia Escobar was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and is currently a rising Junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Latina/Latino Studies. She is deeply invested in exploring the relationship between political polarization and the histories that are and are not shared within mainstream school curricula. As she continues on in her educational journey, she aims to learn more about how the inclusion of diverse stories can discredit biased narratives and rhetoric.

Cecelia is passionate about making education accessible for everyone and utilizing it as a valuable tool in inducing positive change in society. In her time at the Queen’s University Belfast Summer Institute, she is excited to learn more about Northern Ireland’s history and politics. Through this experience, she hopes to take the skills and lessons she gains with her into her future career in order to uplift her community.

Cecelia will be the first person in her immediate family to study abroad, and she looks forward to learning from her peers and the experts at Queen’s University Belfast. She is incredibly grateful to the Fulbright Commission for this opportunity and cannot wait to explore Belfast.

Mo Fahad

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute - Understanding Northern Ireland

Raised in Long Island, New York, Mo Fahad is an upcoming sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University, pursuing a double major in Technical Writing and Literature & Culture. His interest in civic engagement began while working in local government within the Town of Babylon, supporting veterans affairs and constituent services under his councilman. There, he assisted with database management, outreach, and day-to-day operations.

Mo is a Humanities Scholar, part of a selective interdisciplinary fellowship that emphasizes exploratory learning, community development, and intellectual engagement across the humanities. He has conducted research in digital humanities, contributing to conversations around the impact of technology on culture and human expression. Outside the classroom, he serves on the Salon team at TEDxCMU, helping to connect the greater Pittsburgh area to the Carnegie Mellon community through events and public discussions.

This summer, he will attend the Fulbright Summer Institute at Queen’s University Belfast, where he will explore identity and intergroup relations in divided societies. Through this program, he hopes to examine how storytelling and personal narratives can serve as powerful tools for reconciliation, social cohesion, and reimagining identity in post-conflict societies.

Lloyce Frimpong

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Lloyce was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in both Ghana and Maryland. She is a rising junior at Towson University, double majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. Passionate about research, she is involved in nanotechnology work, synthesizing metal nanostructures. She is a STEM peer mentor to incoming freshmen and volunteers at her local hospital’s infusion center. Her interests lie at the intersection of environmental and human health, particularly in addressing unhealthy food systems and their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

As a first-generation college student, Lloyce values education and strives to bring an integrated perspective to medicine and healthcare. She aspires to become a physician committed to building communities that support holistic healing. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and running.

Traveling to the UK for the first time, Lloyce is excited to participate in the University of Bristol Summer Institute Program and immerse herself in Bristol’s vibrant arts and historical scene. She looks forward to exploring the curriculum, gaining social and historical context on global issues, and learning about effective strategies for change. She hopes to carry these insights into her future career and is eager to connect with and learn from the 2025 cohort.

Ace Farris

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute - Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People

Ace Farris is a rising junior currently enrolled at the University of Louisville. He is pursuing a double major in history and political science with minors in classical studies and criminal justice. At the University of Louisville, Ace is heavily involved with the history honors society, Phi Alpha Theta, serving as the organization’s treasurer. Additionally, he is a member of his university’s Honors Scholar program.

Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, Ace realized his passion for various issues afflicting citizens throughout his region such as homelessness and substance abuse. After he moved to Louisville, he realized that these issues touched more than just his region and affected all of Kentucky, which only served to intensify his passion.

By studying abroad at King’s College London, Ace hopes to broaden his worldview and meet new people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, he hopes that creative solutions to the problems facing Kentucky can be found by studying British politics. Significantly, by studying the English roots of the common law system, Ace seeks to gain a firmer understanding of American jurisprudence, which would support his aspiration to become a lawyer.

Nik Gillaspie

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute - Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Nik is a rising junior at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Born and raised in central Massachusetts, Nik has had the opportunity to experience and appreciate the cultural diversity of the United States having moved across the country for college. While at Baylor, he is double majoring in History and Political Science, and enjoys studying Chinese. After Baylor, he is planning on attending law school, then beginning a career in law and politics.

Nik’s passion for history and politics began from a love of reading, and has only grown exponentially as he spends much of his time in college digging through archives for primary sources. Nik just recently completed research on media reforms in the Soviet Union, and is currently working on research regarding Hispanic media sources in Waco, Texas. Nik is excited to be immersed in the history and culture of Scotland, and is especially looking forward to studying the power, propaganda, and print of Renaissance Scotland.

In his free time, Nik has a passion for fitness and is working on plans to make the sport of rowing more accessible to marginalized groups. He is excited to meet new people from diverse backgrounds who share similar passions and drive.

Carter Johansen

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Carter Johansen is a student at the University of Tulsa majoring in English Literature with minors in Psychology, Philosophy, and Historical Trauma and Transformation from Edmond, Oklahoma. Ever sense Carter can remember, he has been enamored with the inherent power of storytelling, and he aims to better understand the sociocultural impact of the emersion of the British novel.

At the University of Tulsa, Carter is a committed student in the Honors College, which specializes in classical studies. Additionally, Carter is a University Ambassador (UA); in this position, he gives campus tours and encourages high schoolers to explore a future in Higher Education. Carter’s role as a UA has blossomed into a greater, long-term goal, for he hopes to spend his career making Higher Education more accessible and welcoming to people from all cultures, economic classes, and historical backgrounds.

The Fulbright Summer Institute will be an integral part of Carter’s academic and personal progression, as it will give him the tools to better understand cross-cultural perspectives concerning Higher Education and allow him to experience the cities that inspired a plethora of great literature. With this Fulbright, Carter has been launched into a future filled with academic activism and unending passion.

Sophie Glenn

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Sophie Glenn is a rising second-year student from Cincinnati, Ohio, double majoring in English Literary and Cultural Studies and Latin American, Caribbean, Latino/a/x Studies at the University of Cincinnati. As a lifelong nerd, she looks forward to intense study at the University of Bristol’s institute in Arts, Activism, and Social Justice.

Her academic interests include decolonization, ethnic studies, critical theory, and translated literature, and she is overjoyed to apply an interdisciplinary lens to these interests at such a prestigious institution as the University of Bristol. She plans to attend graduate school and have a career as an educator of underserved populations outside of the academic mainstream.

Sophie intends to engage fully with the culture of Bristol by spending her free time visiting its variety of incredible artistic and historical sites. In her free time in Cincinnati, she works with Cincinnati Community Aid and Praxis, a revolutionary mutual aid and political development organization. She is excited to learn from grassroots organizers in Bristol so she may bring their diversity of knowledge back to her beloved Cincinnati community. She knows that her time at the Institute will affirm her belief that hope for the future lies in the study of the past.

Theresa Lindberg

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Theresa Lindberg is a student at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin studying English, Spanish, Justice, and Peacebuilding where she has received a full ride scholarship for students interested in social justice. On campus she holds several leadership positions including Vice President of the Student Government Association. Outside of school, she is on the board of a nonprofit that fundraises for potable water for indigenous populations in Guatemala, volunteers at the Wauwatosa Health Department, and is interning with a national political advocacy organization.

While at the University of Bristol, Theresa aims to strengthen her education in activism and gain clarity on how she can influence public policy in the United States through studying past movements. This Fulbright will give her the opportunity to integrate learning from the classroom and community to influence meaningful dialogue surrounding social justice change in the United States.

Armed with the skills she has learned at Mount Mary and at the University of Bristol, Theresa hopes to pursue law school and eventually work in public policy, affecting life-giving change for all community members in the United States.

Brunella Meini

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute - Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Double majoring in Finance and Marketing at the University of Miami, Brunella Meini is a Peruvian American passionate about advocating for a more equitable and compassionate society, striving to create opportunities for underserved communities. Although she embraces Peruvian and American culture, she has always dreamed of broadening her perspective by exploring the UK's cultural diversity, vibrant cities, and historical landmarks.

Being the oldest University in Scotland and third oldest University worldwide, studying at the University of St Andrews will allow her to learn about Scotland's captivating history within the real-life historical locations across St Andrews, filled with stories of heroes, villains, and everyday people who shaped the country's destiny. She will explore complex themes like identity, power, culture, and nationhood, which will offer her a rich and nuanced understanding of Scottish heritage.

By participating in a cultural and academic programme at UK Summer Institute, she is determined to leave her comfort zone, navigate unfamiliar situations, and become a globally-minded individual who, beyond her cultural-awareness, is able to foster positive change from her cultural knowledge.

Chloe Lu

Fulbright University of Birmingham Summer Institute - British Cultural Heritage

Chloe Lu was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a rising sophomore at Ohio State University and a Stamps Eminence Scholar majoring in architecture, double minoring in business and city and regional planning.

Deeply involved in community-based organizations and projects, Chloe is passionate about exploring how the built environment tells stories of people and place. As an aspiring architect, she hopes to design spaces that prioritize sustainability, cultural preservation, and social impact. Her goal is to become a licensed architect with a practice rooted in community and environmental resilience.

During her time at the University of Birmingham, Chloe will study British cultural heritage and investigate how architecture, history, and arts intersect to shape identity and place. Growing up closely connected to her Chinese heritage, she is eager to learn from other cultural narratives and share her own.

Outside of academics, Chloe enjoys dance, photography, and sketching. She looks forward to trying new cuisines, visiting historic sites, and engaging with peers from across the world. She hopes to return to the U.S. with broadened perspectives and fresh inspiration to guide her studies and creative practice.

Sensi Messner-Baker

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute - Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Sensi Messner-Baker is a rising junior at American University in Washington, D.C., where she studies Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Legal Studies. Originally from Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, she is passionate about education and disability advocacy, gender justice, and the role of law in advancing equity. She is committed to reforming and building systems that recognize and support the full complexity of people’s identities and needs

At the University of St. Andrews, Sensi is looking forward to exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and colonialism, with a particular interest in Scottish Gaelic language revitalization and cultural preservation. She is particularly interested in comparing U.S. and Scottish approaches to disability legislation and educational accommodations, analyzing how cultural attitudes shape the implementation of legal protections. She also hopes to draw connections between the cultural marginalization of the Scottish Highlands and her home region of Appalachia.

During the Summer Institute, Sensi looks forward to engaging in academic seminars, cross-cultural dialogue, and community-based learning. She hopes to return to the U.S. with a broader global understanding of advocacy, identity, and legal systems, insights she plans to carry into a future career in family, reproductive rights, and education law.

Joey Pallmann

Fulbright University of Birmingham Summer Institute - British Cultural Heritage

Joey Pallmann is a current honors undergraduate majoring in International Business at the University of North Florida. Joey was adopted from La Ciudad de Guatemala at a young age, and growing up in the United States, Joey cultivated an immense interest in understanding his background and culture. Joey would like to use his business degree to reconnect with his Hispanic heritage and form a nonprofit for Guatemala.

Throughout his life, Joey encountered abuse and violence that tested his core values. Joey learned from an early age that he had to step up and speak up to survive and ignite change. With a supportive community at UNF, Joey persevered and wants to use his experiences to remain firm against challenges and to advocate for others.

This Fulbright experience at the University of Birmingham will provide Joey with the opportunity to support his community even further. As an agent of change, Joey will gain valuable experience studying British Cultural heritage, learning how to contextualize, and promote intercultural appreciation on an international level. Outside of the classroom, Joey is active in the UNF Hicks Honors College on the board of Honors Student Union and enjoys working at a Jacksonville nonprofit serving refugees.

Jake Richfield

Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute - Understanding Northern Ireland

Jake Richfield is a rising junior from Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and is pursuing a major in Political Science at Saint Joseph’s University. Jake is passionate about diplomacy and conflict resolution.

In his community, Jake has served as a Global Smarts Mentor with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia where he worked with students from under-resourced schools and prepared them for Model UN. Jake has also served as the Vice President of Commuter Students on campus and worked to advocate for the specific needs of the community. Jake is also the Opinions Editor of The Hawk Newspaper and is committed to promoting interest in international affairs.

In his first time traveling abroad, Jake is excited to gain first-hand experience with the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland and hopes to gain a better understanding of Northern Irish history and culture. He also hopes to immerse himself within the community and engage with diverse perspectives. Through this opportunity, Jake hopes to learn more about how conflicts can be successfully resolved through dialogue and negotiation, and how to ensure that a successful reconciliation process can ensue in the aftermath of conflict.

Hays Romano

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute - Film

Hays Romano, born in Alabama, is a rising junior at Mississippi State University. Hays is double majoring in Political Science and Asian Studies and pursuing minors in Film Studies and Pre-Law.

Hays Romano is doing much more than just pursuing his degree. When not in class, he serves as the Student Association's Elections Commissioner, competes with the Debate Team, and writes and directs plays for the Honors Onstage organization. He is also a proud member of the Shackouls Honors College.

Film is one of Hays's greatest passions. Whether it be writing screenplays or standing behind the camera, there is not a single aspect of filmmaking that does not fascinate him. He is particularly interested in the medium's ability to present diverse perspectives to those who otherwise would not be exposed to them, and by doing so, change their hearts and minds.

Through his study at Lancaster University, Hays hopes to gain a better understanding of film theory, the filmmaking process, and the broader impact film can have on society as a whole. He also very much looks forward to diving into the culture and history of Lancaster and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Eduarda Silva

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute - Film

Eduarda Silva was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey and is currently a rising sophomore at New York University (NYU). She is majoring in Drama and studying in the Meisner Studio at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. As a Drama major, Eduarda is passionate about using performance and visual mediums to explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice.

As a proud first-generation Brazilian-American, Eduarda dedicates her academic work to researching the intersections of film, cultural identity, and access to education. One of her research focuses examined how the portrayal of Latin Americans in film influences first-generation adolescents' self-perception.

During her participation in the UK Fulbright Summer Institute at Lancaster University, she hopes to experience the craft and perspective necessary to create narratives that foster empathy and connection on an international scale.

While at Lancaster, Eduarda looks forward to engaging with local artists and scholars, exploring the UK’s rich cultural and theatrical history at venues such as The Dukes, and collaborating with peers on cross-cultural artistic projects.

Brynnan Smith

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute - Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People

Brynnan Smith is a Mass communication major attending the Xavier University Of Louisiana. His hometown is Minneapolis, Minnesota and has come to Louisiana to pursue a career in public affairs.

While in London he will be a student at King College University where he will study Power, People, and institutions of modern Britain. He is extremely excited to attend Kings college and get an in depth look into the current state affairs of Britain. He also looks forward to trying all the diverse and tasty food London has to offer! 

Over this summer he is certain he will walk away with a deeper understanding of not only Britain, but global affairs as a whole. He also looks to foster genuine connections and bonds with peers from across the globe.

Jayson Smith

Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute - Arts, Activism and Social Justice

Jayson Smith was born in Ashland, Kentucky, and raised in the countryside outside of Ironton, Ohio. A rising sophomore in the Ohio University Honors Tutorial College, Jayson studies Political Science, with a concentration in education policy. As a lifelong resident of the Appalachian region and a graduate of a small, rural public school in Southern Ohio, Jayson is no stranger to the struggles in both education and everyday life that many in Appalachia face.

At the University of Bristol, Jayson aims to learn more about movement building and the intersection of activism and the arts—specifically, how activism takes shape in different contexts and how music, art, and literature serve as powerful vehicles to drive positive social change.

Jayson looks forward to immersing himself in the UK’s rich cultural heritage, engaging with an entirely new context of activism, and procuring a deeper understanding of transnational approaches to social justice. Jayson hopes to return with insights that will inform his long-term goal: advocating for policy reforms that expand opportunity and equity for rural and underserved communities, particularly in Appalachia.

Ryan Smith

Fulbright Lancaster University Summer Institute - Film

Originally from Schaumburg, Illinois, Ryan Smith is a freshman student at Marquette University studying Digital Media and Writing-Intensive English. Post-graduating, Ryan dreams of earning his MFA in Directing at NYU with the ultimate goal to direct his own feature films.

At Lancaster University, Ryan will study film techniques and the wider conventions of cinema through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops. During his time in Lancaster, Ryan hopes to hone and expand on his technical skills, and is extremely excited to collaborate with students from a variety of different cultures, lives, and experiences compared to his own. He can’t wait to meet and learn from new people, build new friendships, and to explore the UK—especially London as he is a massive Chelsea fan!

Outside of his academic pursuits, Ryan spends his free time writing short stories and screenplays, listening to his favorite artists Frank Ocean and Mac Miller, playing soccer and basketball, thrifting clothing, reading at coffee shops with his friends—and of course, going to the movie theater.

Rei Tedoco

Fulbright University of Birmingham Summer Institute - British Cultural Heritage

Rei Tedoco is a sophomore at Arizona State University studying journalism and mass communication. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Rei is a storyteller with a deep love for culture, sports, and community. On campus, she helps lead a culture and sports media network, spotlighting stories that bridge identity and innovation. She also serves as the student body vice president-elect, working closely with students from all backgrounds to expand access to academic, career, and wellness resources.

This summer, Rei is ecstatic to join the British Cultural Heritage program at the University of Birmingham. With an interest in metropolitan life, local businesses, and the intersection of culture and community, she’s excited to explore how journalism operates in the U.K. — especially within the world of sports.

Rei hopes to use this global experience to build a more inclusive and dynamic campus community back in Arizona. She plans to document her time in Birmingham through a journalistic project that captures the city’s lifestyle, values, and voices.

Madison Thompson

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute - Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People

Madison Thompson was raised in Greensboro, NC, and is currently a second-year student at North Carolina State University. She is double-majoring in Computer Science and Science, Technology, and Society, with minors in Biological Sciences, Genetics, and Mathematics. Her research centers on applying computational methodologies to push the boundaries of biomedical innovation. Academically, she seeks to understand health sciences through a social lens—particularly how diverse communities impact and are impacted by scientific development.

Madison is the Co-President and Co-Founder of Students Leading Collaborative Computing Education (SLCCE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit expanding access to computer science and engineering education for underresourced and underrepresented high school students, while also supporting university students from similar backgrounds. She is an undergraduate researcher with the Bioelectricity Lab and holds active leadership roles within the Goodnight Scholars Program, Greenhouse Scholars, and the NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program.

Madison is thrilled to study at King’s College London, where she aims to deepen her understanding of how social structures influence engagement with research and healthcare. She looks forward to learning from her Fulbright peers and UK communities, applying that growth to advance equity in engineering, medicine, and education in the United States.

George Tom

Fulbright King's College London Summer Institute - Modern Britain: Institutions, Power, & People

George Tom was born and raised in Manhattan, New York, and is a rising third-year student at the Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Hunter College. A proud first-generation student, George is studying Political Science and Women and Gender Studies with a Certificate in Business. Inspired by NYC's diverse communities, he remains committed to uplifting underrepresented communities through policy and intersectional advocacy.

Having served in student government since his first year of college and explored how politics, law, and society intersect through experiences in judicial courts and American government, George understands the value of mentorship and civic engagement—both of which fuel his passion for public service. He is eager to dive deeper into the political and legal frameworks that have shaped Britain's institutions within a global context. With its dynamic culture and diverse communities, London offers a setting that echoes his hometown of NYC and inspires him to broaden his understanding of transatlantic governance and equity-driven policymaking. In his free time, George enjoys trying new cultural cuisines, building plastic model kits, and mentoring high school students as they navigate the college application process.

Gray Zeisse

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute - Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Gray Zeisse is a student at the University of South Florida majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Aging Sciences. Gray is interested in researching about identity and how it’s constructed, specifically in the St. Andrews LGBT+ community. Scotland has a vibrant history of notable queer activists that advocated for the LGBT+ community despite anti-LGBT+ rhetoric and policing.

Something he hopes to gain from researching at this university is how LGBT+ citizens in St Andrews continued to advocate for their community despite this rhetoric. He is also interested in exploring how Scotland has pivoted to becoming such a haven for LGBT+ people. By studying the history of St Andrews this will bring him a wholistic understanding to how wellbeing and identity sit together. This applies to Gray’s future goals as physician as he believes medicine and humanities should work in tandem to create meaningful change in patient care.

During his time in St. Andrews he hopes to learn more about the intersection of identity, wellbeing, and history and he would like to write a paper on how St Andrews and Scotland embraced the LGBT+ community and what policy implementation occurred to make this change.

Cooper Bertschi

The Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Cooper Bertschi is a rising Junior from Hartville, Ohio pursuing a double major in History and Political Science at Kenyon College. Cooper’s diverse academic interests are firmly rooted in the liberal arts. He is focused on the intersection of politics, history, and public service in academia and society. As such, he is especially excited for the Summer Institute at Queen’s University Belfast, which embraces academic excellence across multiple varied disciplines.

Cooper is also dedicated to activism and community engagement. As an Associate at the Center for the Study of American Democracy at Kenyon, he collaborates with students and community members to register voters each year and craft nonpartisan voter education resources. He also sings with the Kenyon College Chamber Singers, traveling across the country to perform on tour each spring.

Cooper is excited for the academic and extracurricular opportunities presented by the Summer Institute in Belfast. He is eager to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds in his first trip abroad, and he seeks to connect with others through shared interests in academics, activism, and music.

Keona Bukhari-Adams

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Keona Bukhari-Adams is a rising sophomore at Syracuse University who was born and raised in Springfield, New Jersey. Prior to starting college, she was a dancer who trained at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. While her love for dance is infinite, she has always aspired to pursue a career in the medical field.

Currently, she is on a pre-medical track with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon or pediatric oncologist. At her university, she is currently a member of Phi Delta Epsilon (an international medical fraternity) and serves as a peer mentor for the Syracuse International Student Success Program.

Keona is thrilled to travel outside of the United States for the first time and participate in the Technology, Innovation, and Creativity program at the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow School of Art. She is eager to explore the intersection between medicine and technology and learn from individuals who are constantly pushing the boundaries for greatness. In addition, she is excited to explore the beauty and culture of Scotland and meet other highly passionate students from across the nation.

Zoey Cambley

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Zoey Cambley was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a rising junior at the University of Nevada, Reno, double majoring in English Creative Writing and Gender, Race, and Identity with an emphasis on women and sexuality. Additionally, she has plans to major in English Literature. Outside of class, Zoey applies an intersectional decolonial feminist lens to her writings for Insight Magazine, combining both areas of study.

Along with writing, she enjoys painting and applies feminist theory to the art she creates. The Fulbright-University of Bristol course material presents the perfect intersection of Zoey’s lifelong avocations: art, activism, and social justice.

Being immersed in Bristol’s rich history and taking part in real-world activism will further solidify her resolve to improve the lives of others. Zoey cannot wait to experience the blending of art and social justice within the city, and looks forward to her chance at an immersive education with the University of Bristol. This is a life-changing opportunity for her to go abroad for the first time and one where she can bridge the gaps between academia and social justice.

Campbell Christensen

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Campbell Christensen was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, and is currently a rising Junior at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Campbell is the recipient of the Provost Scholarship and is a Murphy Scholar of Literature & Language. Campbell is majoring in Studio Art with a double emphasis in textile printmaking and film photography.

Campbell has always been passionate about creating through various mediums, taking particular interest in neglected processes. From crafting dyes sourced from natural botanicals to delving into alternative historic photographic methods like cyanotypes and anthotypes, Campbell's repertoire extends to sewing, silkscreen, linoleum, and woodblock printing.

This commitment to revitalizing forgotten art forms mirrors her dedication to supporting forgotten and marginalized communities. Campbell wants to learn more about the way empathy can become a universally connecting communicator during her immersion abroad. She is excited to be inspired by Scottish culture, stories, and the beauty of the natural world while studying in Scotland.

Campbell is equally as passionate about social justice and wants to utilize her strengths to create and facilitate interdisciplinary projects to further advocate for underrepresented groups. She is eager to bring back her knowledge from studying abroad in Scotland to her college in Arkansas.

Jonah Espinoza

The Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Jonah Espinoza was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jonah is majoring in Politics & Law and Economics. Jonah is deeply interested in exploring how the intersection of economics, politics, and the rule of law shapes policies. As he aspires to enhance his leadership skills, he seeks to evaluate how effective leadership influences others to drive change.

Jonah is passionate about advancing educational equity. Through his various experiences and community stakeholder involvements, he is interested in supporting public education so that youth, especially those from marginalized and nontraditional backgrounds, have equitable access to opportunities. Jonah is excited to apply the skills and knowledge he learns from this Summer Institute to better serve his home community while acting as an advocate for quality public education for all students.

Jonah will be the first in his immediate family to study abroad for an extended period. He looks forward to exploring the unique cultural and historical contexts of Northern Ireland, as well as engaging with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Steven Fitz-Henley

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Steven Fitz-Henley was born and raised in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and is currently a rising sophomore at Emory University. He plans to double major in Psychology and Business with a concentration in marketing. He is excited to experience the University of Bristol and UKSI Fulbright program, as he continues in his search to find an intersection in which he could pursue marketing while still finding a way to continue strengthening a deepening commitment to give back to underprivileged youth.

He hopes to apply the skills and knowledge gained from this Summer Institute to improve his global perspective and leadership abilities, as well as find other ways to serve his community.

Above all else, Steven is ecstatic to meet and work with individuals from all types of backgrounds, hoping to form life-long connections while studying at the University of Bristol. He cannot wait to learn more about social movements outside the U.S. and engage with the Bristol community and everything it has to offer throughout the program.

Luca Gee

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Luca Gee, a rising sophomore at Ohio University, was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are currently studying Art History (Honors) with plans to minor in both Studio Arts and African American Studies. They are overjoyed to represent the Buckeye State in Bristol, UK.  When they are not writing poetry or playing alto saxophone, they are probably in the printmaking studio.

A lot of their craft has shifted to becoming political commentary. This coincides with what they are learning in their Art History courses. When they are back home in Cincinnati, you can find them volunteering at the local cat shelter at least once a week. This is one of their favorite ways to give back to the community.

As an Art History (Honors) major, Luca is interested in developing their understanding of art as a means of activism. They look forward to further exploring the intersection visual and performing arts have with social justice at the University of Bristol. They are excited to meet the diverse cast of people both in their cohort and in the local community.

Alexandria Groves

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute on Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Alexandria Groves is from the University of Louisville where she is in the prestigious Brown Fellows Program. She is a double major in history and political science with minors in Philosophy and Classical Studies. At her home university she is involved in the President’s Council Mentoring Program, Honors Book Club Council, is the Honors Student Council Historian Chair, and serves as publicist for Phi Alpha Theta.

Alexandria is passionate about finding a solution to the child abuse crisis facing Kentucky. She recently served as an intern at her state capitol where she gained the opportunity to work with three state representatives during this upcoming legislative session on her own bill.

She enjoys reading, baking, and all things fashion. She is currently conducting research on how clothing throughout history has been used to convey power. She even recreates these garments, which is a skill she plans to use as a Smithsonian Leadership for Change Intern. Through this opportunity at St. Andrews University, Alexandria hopes to learn more about the material culture of Scotland while gaining a better understanding of her ancestry.

Eva Guillory

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Eva Guillory was born and raised in Los Angeles and is an upcoming sophomore at Loyola Marymount University. Eva is majoring in Art and Design and she hopes to work with arts organizations to improve art accessibility to underserved communities. Eva continues to hone her artistic skills and has received awards and scholarships from her university, local politicians and art organizations.

When she isn't creating art or playing the flute in her university jazz band, she works at LMU Children's Center as a Student Caregiver. Here she learns how creativity unlocks confidence in young minds and teaches lessons of expression and communication.

Eva is ecstatic to explore the intersectionality of art and social justice at the University of Bristol. She hopes to learn about her mixed African American, white and Guatemalan identity by studying the global effects of slavery and migration. Eva is excited to apply her experiences at the Summer Institute to her activism for arts education and social justice. Never having traveled outside of the US, she is thrilled to explore the creativity and unique history of Bristol.

Katarina Guy

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood 

Katarina Guy was born in Nogales, Arizona and raised in nearby Sahuarita, Arizona. Currently, Katarina is a rising junior at The Ohio State University and is double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) with a specialization in Inequality and Justice. As a Comparative Studies minor, Katarina is excited to spend time in Wales and to gain an understanding of Welsh culture, politics, and economics.

Furthermore, Katarina is interested in pursuing an undergraduate thesis project about the politics of identity and thinks her experience in Wales will provide her with a more global perspective. Katarina looks forward to exploring identity through the lens of Wales and working with her peers to create connections across cultures.

Katarina is also passionate about access to education and advocating for marginalized communities. As a deputy director of the Undergraduate Student Government, Katarina has worked with her peers and other student organizations to highlight the experiences of immigrant students and to connect them with resources for academic and social success. Katarina is excited to learn about the migration patterns and immigration practices of Wales, and is eager to apply the knowledge obtained from this Summer Institute to better serve the immigrant and undocumented communities around her.

Finally, in addition to the academic experiences at the Summer Institute, Katarina hopes to meet and make life-long friends during the program. Katarina is thrilled to meet her cohort, to explore Wales together, and to make many memories along the way.

Krishna Hariprasad

The Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute 

Krishna Hariprasad was born and raised in San Francisco, California and is currently a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas. Krishna is majoring in Biology with a minor in Government. Krishna is passionate about reproductive justice and addressing sexual health disparities.

Through advocacy organizations on campus and taking leadership at a nearby student-run free clinic, he has been able to implement initiatives that support sexual education and equitable resource allocation for marginalized communities.

Krishna plans to leverage his experiences navigating the intricacies of reproductive healthcare in Texas to deepen his understanding of politics and history in Northern Ireland at Queen's University Belfast. He aims to spark meaningful conversations and learn about advocacy efforts for change during his time at the university.

Krishna is also a fervent advocate of live music! During his time in Belfast, he looks forward to immersing himself and fellow Summer Institute members in the city's vibrant music scene, further enriching their cultural experience and fostering lasting friendships.

Coral Hatch

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood 

Coral Hatch was born and raised in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently majoring in Social Work with a minor in History, and plans to earn her Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. She is a member of her university’s chapter of Tri-Alpha Honor Society for first-generation college students pursuing leadership and demonstrating academic success.

She is employed on campus with the University Center for Academic Excellence in the role of a Students Obtaining Success Peer Mentor, where she pursues student advocacy and leadership. Aside from her studies, she has been a dancer since she was two years old, and continues to perform with the student organization, Range of Motion Dance Ensemble.

She is excited to combine her love of history and her passion for social work while studying the combined themes of Identity and Nationhood at Aberystwyth University. Having never traveled outside of the United States, she is thrilled to immerse herself in new cultural experiences while continuing her studies.

Jakob Highducheck

The Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Jakob Highducheck was raised in Inman, South Carolina, and is currently a rising sophomore at The College of Charleston in South Carolina. Jakob is majoring in Biology, and minoring in both Spanish and Environmental Sustainability. As a Biology major, Jakob is interested in learning about ecological interactions around the world and particularly the climate change issues facing southwest England.

Outside of regular classes, Jakob is a passionate filmmaker and has worked to promote change in his local community with documentary storytelling. He hopes to combine his passion for science and the arts to help make a difference in the world using effective environmental communication.

Additionally, as a member of the Bonner Leadership Program Jakob is actively engaged in serving his local Charleston community. He is excited to use the knowledge he learns at The University of Exeter to help better serve communities in the United States. Having never traveled abroad before, Jakob is very excited to experience new cultures and meet people from a diverse set of backgrounds while in England.

Jack Hinrichs

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute on Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

John “Jack” Hinrichs was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is currently a rising sophomore at Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University majoring in Politics and Economics. Jack is also an Eagle Scout and a two-time national speech and debate finalist.

Jack is studying to become an environmental lawyer with the National Parks Service or an NGO focused on protecting America’s natural wonders. Jack's time as a member of Scouting BSA taught him that the solitude and majesty of nature holds a special healing and imaginative power. In his career, Jack is committed to preserving that power for future generations.

While studying at the University of St Andrews, Jack hopes to indulge his passion for history while learning about how physical, social, and political environments can affect the development of a nation, and how the development of a nation can, in turn, shape those environments. The opportunity to study how history, nationhood, and the environment interact will assist Jack in his goal of helping preserve America’s protected spaces.

Ayush Jain

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood 

Ayush, originally from Mount Prospect, IL, has moved 10 times in his lifetime. He is currently a rising junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, pursuing a major in Neuroscience alongside obtaining his Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. With a focus on public health, Ayush is keenly interested in understanding the healthcare system of the UK and the role of government within it.

Eager to delve into the background and identity of Wales, Ayush sees this as an opportunity for personal reflection given his diverse background. He hopes to gain insights into the economic and social dynamics of Wales through hands-on experiences, addressing local community issues in the process.

In collaborative discussions with peers who share his passion, Ayush aims to broaden his perspective and develop as an active leader in society. He aspires to use his knowledge and experiences to advocate for societal needs and inspire others to take meaningful action. This program presents a means for Ayush to contribute positively to society while furthering his understanding of public health and social dynamics.

Asiyah Jilani

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art 

Asiyah was born in Boston but has spent most of her life in Dallas, Texas. A rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin, she is majoring in Informatics with a minor in computer science.

Asiyah is interested in the intersection of social science and technology; she wants to utilize design to create technologies that are accessible and ethical, especially within the healthcare field. Asiyah is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and seeks to learn how she can leverage technology to address barriers in mental health care.

Outside of her studies, Asiyah loves creative media. She is a lifelong writer and has written for various publications such as UT’s Orange Magazine.

Asiyah looks forward to gaining inspiration from a country as innovative and creative as Scotland. She aims to learn about the kind of technological systems that exist there, and she plans to implement this knowledge in her future work. She is especially enthusiastic to explore the vibrant art, architecture, and unique culture that exists throughout Glasgow.

Ja'lyn Jones

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Ja’lyn Jones was raised in the small town of Holly Springs, Mississippi, and is a rising sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. He is a Mass Communications major with a concentration in multimedia. Ja’lyn has interests in utilizing media and music as tools for social justice and change. In addition, he is an active advocate for self-improvement, motivation, and positive affirmation.

He currently holds credentials in journalism, podcasting, music production and performance, and filming. He hopes to gain experience and further his aspirations at the University of Bristol.

Ja’lyn is both excited and eager about the journey that awaits him at the Summer Institute. He hopes to connect with a diverse group of individuals who share similar morals, values, and interests. Most importantly, he yearns to familiarize himself with the knowledge, culture, and history of Bristol.

Kayla Jones

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Kayla Jones is of the Navajo People from Low Mountain, Arizona; however, she grew up in Rock Springs, New Mexico. Her clans are Naaneesht' ézhi Táchii'nii (the Charcoal of the Red Running Into the Water People; her dad is Dzi ł t ł'ahnii (the Mountain Cove People); her maternal grandfather is Tł'ááshchí'í (the Red Bottom People); and her paternal grandfather is Haltsooi (the Meadow People).

She is currently a first-year student at New Mexico State University, majoring in Government and minoring in Native American studies. Kayla intends to devote her career to enhancing Native American quality of life and political status. She is particularly interested in the issues of public health and political representation. She also plans to explore the history and culture of Indigenous peoples across the Americas and the world.

Kayla hopes that being immersed in studying the intersection of social justice, activism, and the arts at the University of Bristol Summer Institute will grant her new perspectives on the issues she hopes to address in the US, including feminism, water rights, and political work generally.

Payton Kelly-Van Domelen

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art 

Payton Kelly-Van Domelen was born and raised in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and is a rising sophomore at Mississippi State University. She is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and will be pursuing a minor in Global Engineering Leadership. They are a member of the Shackouls Honors College at MSU, and also represent some of MSU's highest achieving students as a Presidential Scholar.

Payton has had a passion for science since she was a child, and strives to combine her love for engineering, technology, medicine, and aerospace to develop medical devices for the maintenance of astronauts' health on long-term space missions. Through the Summer Institute, she looks forward to learning about past and current technological advancements in the UK, especially those within the medical field. As this is their first time traveling abroad, Payton is also excited to engage with the community, explore Glasgow, and learn more about Scottish history and culture.

In her spare time, Payton enjoys crocheting, jewelry making, writing poetry, and playing music. She also likes to spend time with her younger brother and her cat, Krispin.

Max Kemats

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art 

Max Kemats, raised in Salem, Ohio, is currently a rising third-year student at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Economics with minors in Innovation and Public Health. He is a NEXT Innovation Scholar (NIS) and a University Honors Program member. Max has embraced a transdisciplinary approach to his education fueled by experiential learning experiences.

During his time in NIS, Max has been able to develop a skill set and passion for human-centered design, innovation strategy, and strategic foresight. Over the past two years, he has had the opportunity to consult for one of the world’s largest beverage manufacturers, facilitate innovation workshops, and take a lead role on the inaugural Future Creators report. In October of 2023, Max was launched as a University Innovation Fellow by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University.

While in Glasgow, Max is eager to learn how Scottish culture influences innovation. He is also excited to learn how his UKSI peers approach creativity and innovation within their disciplines.

Sophia Kopreski

The Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute 

Sophia Kopreski is a rising junior Honors student at Ramapo College of New Jersey majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. Born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey, Sophia is honored to represent her college and state as she embarks on her first ever trip abroad.

At Ramapo College, Sophia displays her passion for effecting positive change through her involvement in organizations such as the Student Government Association and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Her interest in civic engagement inspired her to co-found Project ARCH, a student-led voter activism group that seeks to ensure local voting accessibility and promote involvement in the democratic process. This, in addition to an internship in Washington, D.C., motivated Sophia to become a poll worker as a step toward making a purposeful impact on her local community.

As someone who plans to pursue a career in public service, Sophia believes understanding a community’s diverse cultural perspectives is integral to policy making and effectuating change. Sophia looks forward to learning about Belfast’s historical, political, and cultural heritage with her fellow program participants.

Logan Lankford

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute on Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Logan Lankford is a local resident of Princess Anne, Maryland, and is currently a rising junior at Salisbury University pursuing a degree in Health Sciences on a pre-physical therapy track with double minors in Psychology and Health Humanities.

She’s a firm believer in experiential learning with a fierce desire to travel and see the world. Being from a small coastal fishing town, she jumped at the opportunity to explore somewhere so parallel to her world yet so far away. She’s excited to talk with locals and explore connections between St. Andrew’s and the Delmarva Peninsula which she calls home.

Logan intends to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy post-graduation to further her love of working with and taking care of people. Through an exploration of Scotland’s history, she hopes to better understand how conflict and political climates have worked to shape current healthcare systems, and better yet understand how to navigate them in her future healthcare practices.

Mara Lewis

The Fulbright Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute 

Mara Lewis was raised in Derry, Pennsylvania, and is a rising sophomore at Georgetown University. Mara intends to major in Psychology with a minor in Education, Inquiry, and Justice. She is passionate about working with youth to navigate adversity and empower them to make positive choices.

In her local community, Mara has served as a mentor for three years through her work as a camp counselor and volunteer at the elementary school in her area. Combining her interest in youth development with the law, Mara volunteers in Dr. Woolard’s Community Research Group, which explores family and adolescent experiences within the criminal justice system.

As her first time traveling abroad, Mara is excited to learn the history of Northern Ireland firsthand and explore the culture and dynamics of the country! In exploring identity-based conflicts, Mara aims to deepen her understanding of how divisions form and how to create solutions. She hopes to use this learning experience to foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding. Mara is so grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to meeting others from diverse backgrounds!

Kaleb Love

The Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Kaleb Love is a rising junior studying computer engineering at Mississippi State University and a member of Mississippi State’s Shackouls Honors college. He has an avid interest in exploring the functionality of today’s technology and developing innovative ways to make technology more useful. He enjoys serving his community and explaining computing in a way that is understandable.

Kaleb looks forward to gaining insight on the many great strides the University of Exeter and the UK has taken to become leaders in the areas of sustainability and environmental protection. He is interested in understanding the engineering principles used to implement current sustainability projects and what the future of sustainability could entail.

He plans on using the sustainable practices learned while studying at the University of Exeter to create new technology that protects the environment and improves the overall quality of life. He is both thankful and excited about the opportunity to study at a place that is a leader in sustainability and full of unique culture.

Saadhavi Maskey

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Saadhavi Maskey was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, but raised in Syracuse, New York, and Lexington, Kentucky. Currently a rising junior at the University of Louisville, Saadhavi is pursuing an individualized major in inclusive healthcare studies on a pre-medical track. Saadhavi’s passion lies in advancing health equity, with a focus on LGBTQ+ communities.

He looks forward to caring and advocating for LGBTQ+ patients as a physician while pursuing research to bridge knowledge gaps in the field.

Recognizing that social change is vital to improving healthcare for marginalized groups, Saadhavi hopes to gain insights from the Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute about the avenues used in the city to combat historical inequities. As an enthusiastic artist himself, he is eager to learn how the arts can be used as catalysts for change. He plans to incorporate these perspectives into his own advocacy work in the United States.

In addition to his academic experiences, Saadhavi is excited to connect with other students in his cohort, learn from their unique backgrounds, and explore Bristol’s rich culture while studying abroad for the first time.

Sophia McCann

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Sophia was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and raised in the suburbs of Kansas City, Missouri. She is a rising sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia majoring in Geography. After completing her baccalaureate, Sophia hopes to pursue a Master’s and eventual career in urban planning.

As an urban planner, Sophia intends to help communities preserve their unique identities and increase community engagement in the planning process. To accomplish these goals, Sophia knows she will need an in-depth understanding of the relationships between communities and their local governments. She believes participating in the Aberystwyth Summer Institute will provide invaluable insight into this relationship which she can use to facilitate community involvement at her University and into her career.

Having never traveled abroad before, the list of what Sophia is excited to experience in Aberystwyth is an extensive one. She hopes to view The National Library of Wales’ collection of maps and pick up as many Welsh phrases as she can. Most of all, Sophia is looking forward to meeting new people and exploring Wales’ unique perspective on identity and culture.

Valentina Mendoza Cruz

The Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Valentina Mendoza Cruz is from Columbus, Ohio and is currently a rising sophomore at Denison University where she is double majoring in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. Valentina is an executive member of the campus Green Team as well as La Fuerza Latina among other campus and community involvements.

As a first generation student and the daughter of Mexican parents, Valentina is passionate about education, accessibility, and environmental justice. Valentina enjoys making connections between her Latin American community and academic interests in the environment. She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to expanding her perspective, exploring the ways STEM links to community resilience, and taking what she learns back home to further campus sustainability initiatives at the University of Exeter.

Traveling to the UK for the first time, Valentina is excited to immerse herself in all Exeter has to offer from cuisine, arts, history, and nature. She is eager to share her unique experiences and background, meet the rest of the 2024 cohort of remarkable students, and learn from this new experience.

Chelsea Murdock

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Chelsea Murdock was born and raised in Fishers, Indiana, and is a rising sophomore at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, majoring in Secondary English Education with minors in Multicultural Education and African-American Studies. As an active member of her university and home communities, Chelsea is interested in combining her love of education with activism. She looks forward to exploring the intersection of literature, education, and social justice at the University of Bristol.

Chelsea is also passionate about fighting for education equity. Through her experiences working with educational organizations, her interest in helping youth, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, achieve access to education opportunities has increased. Chelsea is excited to apply the skills and knowledge from this Summer Institute to better serve her home communities while acting as an equitable education advocate.

In addition to the academic experiences at the Summer Institute, Chelsea is excited to meet and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and immerse herself in the vibrant culture. Having never traveled abroad for an extended period, Chelsea looks forward to exploring the charm and history of Bristol.

Yaritza Padilla

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Yaritza Padilla is an Electrical Engineering major with a minor in Engineering Corporate Practice at the University of Notre Dame. She is honored to be an Anbryce Scholar, Galvin Scholar, Gates Scholar, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, and now Fulbright Summer Institute Participant.

As a first generation college student, she is working toward exploring her academic and career interests ranging from software development and cyber security to embedded circuits and signals. Yaritza hopes to inspire other young minority and/or first generation college students to pursue degrees and careers in STEM.

Growing up in a generation that has never known life before technology, Yaritza has become fascinated by the world’s dependence and rapid progression in the advancement of technology and technological instruments. While at the University of Strathclyde, Yaritza will work toward making global connections and advancing her understanding of both research and creativity within the realm of technology.

Tyler Peery

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Tyler was raised in Plainfield, Illinois and is currently a rising junior at Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a major in Elementary Education. Passionate about his role as a preservice teacher, Tyler is an advocate for the students he tutors. He is excited to apply the skills and knowledge gained from this Summer Institute to better serve his current and future students.

As an applied linguistics minor, Tyler is also interested in the relationship between language and identity. Tyler looks forward to gaining an understanding of how people’s perception of their own identity is formed and how politics impacts this perception at Aberystwyth University. This will prepare him to better support and serve people from diverse nationalities and backgrounds different from his own as a teacher of English abroad in the future.

In addition to the academic experiences at the Summer Institute, Tyler is excited to make new friends, explore the beautiful scenery, and enjoy some local bands! Having never traveled to Europe, Tyler is ready to learn more about the culture and history of Wales.

Kaylen Pritchard

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute on Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Kaylen Pritchard is from Fort Mill, South Carolina and a rising junior at the University of South Carolina Honors College majoring in English Literature with minors in History and Art History. She loves to engage with stories in every capacity, whether through literary study or as Editor-in-Chief of her campus magazine.

A history buff since childhood, Kaylen enjoys doing research, most recently working with medieval manuscripts. Upon graduation, she hopes to enroll in a doctoral program to study 19th and 20th century Anglophone wartime and maritime literatures. Kaylen has always had a special place in her heart for Scottish history, particularly the global context surrounding the Jacobite Rebellion.

Kaylen is thrilled for the opportunity to study the Scottish people and national identity broadly but is especially excited to take a closer look at the Scottish soldier identity, which will fortify her research for years to come. Kaylen is beyond grateful to be a part of such an exciting cohort, and she cannot wait to bring the joy of Scottish history back to the United States when she returns.

Amar Rajput

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Amar Rajput from Lombard, Illinois is a rising junior at Elmhurst University. He is majoring in biology with a minor in neuroscience. Amar is currently in an early acceptance program for the medical class of 2026. Through his participation in his university’s South Asian Student Association, he actively works to support new students and cultivate a sense of community on campus.

Additionally, Amar advocates for students embarking on careers within the medical field. Through his volunteer experiences including shadowing several physicians in underserved communities and working in a laboratory during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amar has witnessed the profound disparities in access to services and patient care. He is driven to becoming an impactful physician and patient advocate, and aspires to address these inequities throughout his future medical career.

Amar is excited to explore new perspectives and dive into a diverse environment at the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde. Having never traveled to Scotland, he looks forward to building new relations with global cohorts, exploring Scottish culture, and engaging in a transformative experience.

Mackenzie Saenz De Viteri

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Mackenzie Saenz De Viteri is a rising sophomore at Fordham University Lincoln Center, double majoring in International Studies and Anthropology. She is also part of the CSTEP program at her school, being one of the 2023 CSTEP Summer Scholars.

Mackenzie is from Long Island, New York, and takes pride in her identity as a firstgeneration Puerto Rican college student. Mackenzie is passionate about politics at the local, national, and international levels. She has worked on politcal campaigns, such as Jackie Gordon’s Congressional Campaign, and participates in her university’s Model United Nations team.

During her participation in the UK Fulbright Summer Institute at Aberystwyth University, Mackenzie hopes to broaden her political knowledge through discussions and field trips. When she is not engaging in politics, Mackenzie is engaging in either creative projects or community service. She works as a Digital Content Producer for a student-produced TV Show and participates in Fordham-led partnerships with her local community, such as Urban Plunge. Mackenzie is excited to work with Aber Food, a food pantry partnership through Aberystwyth University, to continue her volunteer efforts.

Shovik Saha

The Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Shovik was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is a rising third-year student at Florida State University. Shovik is majoring in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with concentrations in Public Administration and Geography. Driven by his desire to foster tangible change, Shovik aspires to attend law school after graduation to become an attorney specializing in environmental law.

Shovik looks forward to exploring environmental challenges in the global context at the University of Exeter through the themes of sustainability and civic responsibility. With a passion for environmental justice and conservation, Shovik is dedicated to addressing environmental issues through policy and advocacy.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Shovik is excited to immerse himself in the rich culture and history of the United Kingdom alongside his fellow cohort members. As an avid enthusiast of all things nature, Shovik looks forward to exploring the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the United Kingdom. Through these experiences, Shovik hopes to forge lasting connections with his peers and cultivate a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between culture, history, and the environment.

Adalys Sanchez

The Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Adalys Sánchez Mangual, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is currently a rising junior at Syracuse University, majoring in Earth Sciences with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She is passionate about the intersection of environmental justice and marginalized communities. Through her academic journey she aims to equip herself with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for environmental justice as a lawyer. In her free time she enjoys beach outings, reading and performing arts.

Her anticipation for attending the University of Exeter stems from a desire to explore UK's climate change research and sustainability practices, to hopefully integrate these insights into initiatives back home. Furthermore, she looks forward to sharing her past research on coastal communities and water quality with experts in Exeter who do similar work.

Adalys believes that her participation will help her advocate for a healthier planet who is aware of the major impact of climate change and practices sustainability as a way that creates social equity as well. She's eager to explore Exeter's historical sights and hike the Jurassic Coast to see fossils she learns about in her Earth Science classes!

Avani Sanghvi

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Avani is a rising sophomore at the Honors College of the University of South Florida, majoring in English Creative Writing and Anthropology. At her university, she is a research assistant for The Suffrage Postcard Project, where she explores the history of Trans-Atlantic suffragists of color and gathers their photographs and postcards. Avani is passionate about the intersection of the humanities and feminism in the Latin diaspora. Her ultimate goal is to become a professor at a women's college, teaching Afro-Latin feminist humanities.

As an artist herself—a self-taught musician, artist, and writer, Avani is excited to attend the Arts, Activism & Social Justice Institute at the University of Bristol this summer. There, she aims to learn how artists of color in Bristol use the arts as tools for activism, and she hopes to incorporate these frameworks into her own artistic practice.

Avani is thrilled about her first trip to the UK and is eager to collaborate with artists, professors, and community members. She looks forward to building connections with faculty and peers that will last throughout her academic career.

Emilyn Slemons

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Emilyn Slemons is a native of Gilmer County, Georgia, which is located in the mountains of southern Appalachia. She is a first-year student in the Honors Program at the University of North Georgia. Emilyn is studying American history, with an interest in the region of Appalachia, and minoring in political science and Spanish. Her plan is to pursue a Ph.D. and teach at the collegiate level.

As a social activist and catalyst for change, Emilyn derives her sense of purpose from addressing the needs of her community. She founded the nonprofit organization Women Together Period, Inc. at the age of fifteen to alleviate period poverty in north Georgia.

She currently serves as Executive Director. Given the similarities between Wales and Appalachia, the Summer Institute at Aberystwyth will support Emilyn’s work by enabling her to learn how political and economic systems function in Wales and how this knowledge can be applied to challenges faced in the United States, particularly in her community. She eagerly anticipates immersing herself in Welsh culture and engaging with her cohort.

Parker Stallings

The Fulbright University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Parker Stallings was born in New Jersey and raised in Morgantown, Kentucky. He is currently a Sophomore at Western Kentucky University where he is a part of the Mahurin Honors College. He is pursuing degrees in Professional Legal Studies and English Creative Writing.

When Parker isn’t at one of his numerous student organization meetings or serving as president of his county’s Democratic Party, he can be found in his room playing guitar or writing. Whether that be punk music, his fiction, or the poetry he has had published, Parker is passionate about art as a form of self expression.

He looks forward to seeing how the art he loves intertwines with social justice at the University of Bristol. He is also excited to explore Bristol and is music scene, hoping to photograph some of Bristol’s landmarks with his 35mm camera. Parker’s dream has always been to make the world a better place. He has been diligently working toward a career in public policy so that he can help others, and he is confident the Summer Institute will further this goal.

Caroline Stanton

Fulbright University of St Andrews Summer Institute on Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People

Caroline Paige Stanton has lived throughout the United States, but most frequently in deserts. They are currently a first year student at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota and are a prospective philosophy major. Additionally they are heavily involved in the theatre and classics departments. She also spends her time engaging with campus through her on-campus videography and video editing job, helping nearly every department and student organization on campus. Caroline has always been taken with history, particularly as it relates to her philosophical endeavors.

The present is greatly benefited by a strong understanding of the past, and it is for this reason among many others they are looking forward to learning about Scottish history at St. Andrews University. When Caroline is not studying or at work, they can be found reading plays, directing plays, watching films, directing films, spending time with friends, or performing comedy on Carleton’s campus. They are very excited to study abroad in Scotland and finally garner an understanding of what the color green can be.

Austin Stitz

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Austin Stitz, born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina, is a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Electrical Engineering and planning on pursuing a dual degree program with Physics and a minor in Anthropology.

Austin has a wide range of interests, as can be seen through the clubs and organizations he is involved in. At UNC Charlotte, Austin is a member of the robotics club, participates in Mock Trial competitions, writes and argues legislation through the North Carolina Student Legislature, and competes in various cybersecurity competitions through UNC Charlotte’s cybersecurity club.

Austin ultimately plans to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, focusing on medical imaging and sensing, and is excited to learn more about new medical and technological innovations at the Glasgow School of Art and University of Strathclyde. And as someone who values and enjoys learning about other cultures, he is excited to learn more about historical and contemporary Scotland and explore the vibrant culture there, seeing the places and meeting the people that make Scotland unique.

Reade Ward

The Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Reade Ward lives in Chester, South Carolina, and just finished his sophomore year at Anderson University in South Carolina. Reade is studying Environmental Science, with a double minor in business and vocal performance. Reade looks forward to studying first-hand the agricultural differences between his own country upbringing and the farming practices in the UK.

Reade is passionate about fighting for Appalachian culture, an often overlooked sector of American history. Reade began bow hunting several years ago, and actively promotes sustainable hunting as an integral part of American history. By founding a fly fishing club at his university, and investing in the bluegrass community through his jaw harp and songwriting skills, Reade has fought to do his part in keeping classic Appalachian pastimes alive in a technology-driven generation. Reade also loves beekeeping, which he took up in 2015, growing to an operation of 25 hives in 2020.

Reade enjoys the outdoors, serving this year as president of Anderson's disc golf club, where he finished 89th in the country for D2 colleges last April at the college national championships. He also enjoys volleyball, playing right side for his men's club team. In addition to the academic experiences at Exeter, Reade is excited to befriend and converse with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Besides working in Alaska last summer as a deckhand on a fishing boat, Reade has never been far from home for an extended period of time, and is looking forward to learning from professors and other Summer Institutes participants at the University of Exeter

Jonah Weaver

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Jonah Weaver is a rising sophomore at Saint Vincent College, double majoring in Public History and Liberal Arts/Linguistics and minoring in Chinese Language and Culture. He is a graduate of PA Leadership Charter School and a native of Danville, PA. He is also a Fred Rogers Scholar and was the winner of the 2023 Wimmer Scholarship exam contest, receiving a full scholarship to Saint Vincent.

Currently, Jonah works at the Verostko Center for the Arts as a gallery assistant and has interned at the Saint Vincent College Archives. During his breaks, Jonah works at the Thomas Beaver Free Library and volunteers at the Montour County Historical Society (MCHS). Following the Summer Institute at Aberystwyth University, Jonah hopes to host movie nights and discussions focusing on Welsh films and contribute knowledge about Welsh identity to the MCHS. In his free time, Jonah enjoys photography, reading, and running.

Catherine Adams

University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Catherine Adams grew up in both Denver, Colorado and Westerville, Ohio. Catherine is currently a rising junior at the Ohio State University, where she is majoring in Social and Environmental Geography and minoring in GIS and Creative Writing. In her free time, she loves to draw and write poetry. Catherine is passionate about environmental justice, climatology, political economy, and social movements. Catherine has worked as a climate justice organizer on the national, state, and local level for the past four years. As an organizer, she is particularly interested in the ways in which art and writing can be used to build mass movements for climate justice.

Catherine is excited to explore the science behind climate solutions at the University of Exeter and apply her new knowledge to advocacy work back at home. While in England, she is looking forward to building community with people from around the world in order to address the climate crisis. At the Summer Institute, she is also looking forward to exploring the rich history of industrial development in the United Kingdom.

Nonso Akunwafor

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Nonso Akunwafor is a rising sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Urban Studies with a Spanish minor. At VCU, Nonso is a member of the Honors College, a professional development organization, a book club, and the Global Buddies Program, which partners VCU students and international students on campus to build cross-cultural friendships. Participating in that program has helped Nonso gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Having lived in Richmond, Virginia all of his life, Nonso is excited to explore a new culture and immerse himself in Bristol life. Because of his Nigerian background, Nonso has always taken interest in learning about African history and social movements. For that reason, Nonso is excited to participate in the University of Bristol’s institute, not only to learn new and interesting things but also to apply his newly acquired skills and experiences towards leadership and community service. Upon his return from Bristol, Nonso hopes to encourage more people, especially men of color, to study abroad. In his free time, Nonso likes to read, spend time outdoors, and go to the gym.

Vishnu Alavala

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Vishnupriya Alavala was born and raised in South Riding, Virginia and is currently a rising sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Vishnu is an aspiring surgeon in the Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine Class of 2026 and is pursuing a Biology major and Chemistry minor.

Vishnu is passionate about addressing global healthcare inequities by treating diverse patients and implementing accessible technologies in underserved communities. As an avid researcher, Vishnu hopes to discover more about the body’s response to stressors and advance medical technologies. Vishnu hopes to synergistically combine technology, art, humanities, and design alongside individuals at the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow School of Art.

Through her experiences serving in tutoring and community organizations, Vishnu prioritizes strengthening communication across people of different races, income levels, and demographics. Vishnu is excited to apply the skills learned from this Summer Institute to inspire reform in her home communities.

In addition to academic enrichment, Vishnu is excited to develop her cultural competence and engage with a global community of interdisciplinary scholars. Having never visited the UK, Vishnu is excited build relationships while exploring the food, culture, and history of Scotland.

Joseph Ambrosino

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Black Humanities

Joseph Ambrosino is a 2nd-year student at the University of South Florida (USF) studying Political Science and History with a minor in Psychology. Joseph has a strong interest in the connections between African American history and mental health. Through this, he has created USF’s first Black Wellness Club; a student organization dedicated to bridging psychological concepts and research to the black experience in America.

As a recipient of the Summer for Undergraduates Program at the Florida State University College of Law and as a member of the USF Mock Trial and Debate Teams, he has competed at a high level of oral debate. Using these skills, Joseph has the background to examine how marginalized communities and traditional ideas of justice and injustice are remediable.

Joseph also serves as the Social Outreach Chair for Stonecatchers; a student organization focused on building more empathetic leadership in all walks of life. Outside of academia, Joseph practices the piano for his church, skateboards with his brother back home in Lakeland, FL and sings for the Judy Genshaft Honors College Choir as a bass.

Sarah Belcher

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Sarah Belcher is from Pikeville, Kentucky, and a rising junior at the University of Louisville where she is majoring in Public Health with a track in Professional Health Studies. She is in the university’s Guaranteed Entrance into Medical School Program and a Grawemeyer Scholar focused on undergraduate research.

Interested in the intersection of cardiology and poverty, Sarah hopes to work as a physician, scientist, and public health professional. She is excited to learn more of how others are using creativity and innovation in their scientific endeavors at the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

Growing up in Central Appalachia, Sarah found a love for the culture and natural beauty of the region while also seeing the effects of health disparities related to high rates of low-income. Sarah has worked in policy to improve her region as well as similar areas that are underserved. She hopes to learn more about how Scotland addresses similar issues and use these ideas to inform her own work in the future.

While taking part in these enriching academic experiences, Sarah is excited to be part of a diverse cohort and learn from them while traveling abroad for the first time.

Arionna Bell

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Arionna Bell was born in Oklahoma, but grew up in Lexington, South Carolina. She is currently a rising sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology on the Pre-Med Track.

As a future Neonatal Surgeon, Arionna’s mission is to eradicate the health and societal effects of systematic racism on people of color. She believes that studying history and sociology are imperative complements to her major. While Arionna’s heart is in the medical field, she recognizes a need for fundamental change in American society, as well as the American healthcare system.

She looks forward to taking advantage of this summer program to identify the academic, societal, and health differences between the United States and the United Kingdom. Having never traveled abroad, Arionna is excited to collaborate with student leaders from diverse backgrounds, explore the culture and history of Bristol, and hopes that this is the first of several international opportunities.

Chapal Bhavsar

University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Chapal Bhavsar is from Danbury, Connecticut and is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Connecticut majoring in Finance. Chapal is a member of the University Senate and a writer for the Undergraduate Political Review alongside other involvement on campus. Chapal is interested in the studies of development of sustainable long term infrastructure especially regarding developing nations and economies. Chapal hopes to further explore this intersection of how investment in public works projects can improve quality of life and economic growth for nations in need at the University of Exeter.

Chapal is a proud alumnus of Danbury High School where he has led grant writing initiatives to help improve outdated and failing infrastructure. Chapal is excited to apply skills and knowledge from the Summer Institute to better serve his community and help others advocate for change as well.

In addition to the academic experiences at the institute, Chapal is excited to meet and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and create life-long connections through this program. Chapal also looks forward to exploring the culture and history of Exeter.

Tobey Condon

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Tobey Condon was born and raised in Albany, New York, and has just completed his freshman year at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. At Wabash, he is planning on majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and minoring in Classics. Aside from his studies, Tobey plays the Euphonium in the college's Pep Band and works in the college archives, where he is able to pursue his love of history and literature.

Tobey views the Summer Institute as a great way to hone the valuable skills of leadership, cooperation, and communication, which he believes are vital to finding effective and collaborative solutions to the problems that plague our modern world. Given that this is his first time abroad, Tobey is excited to spend time with his peers in Aberystwyth and learn more about the environment, history, and culture of Wales, and looks forward to embracing the wide range of opportunities that the program has to offer.

Brett Cooper

Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Brett Cooper was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is currently a rising sophomore at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Brett is double majoring in Business and International Studies and is a Brown Fellows Scholar.

Through his academic interests and in his professional career, Brett desires to lead through the business field while maintaining an international scope and looks forward to exploring what business practices look like in Northern Ireland while at Queen’s University. Brett is also passionate about involvement in public service.

As the chair of his college’s Student Government Association Finance Committee, Brett has applied his academic interests to his college community and desires to use his professional career to serve each community he becomes a part of. Brett is excited to bring back the skills learned through the Summer Institute to better serve his local community. In addition to the academic experiences at the Summer Institute, Brett is excited to explore the city of Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole. He is looking forward to interacting with a diverse set of colleagues and making new connections in his travels.

Téa Cushman

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Téa Cushman was born and raised in small towns throughout Nebraska. She is currently a rising junior at Nebraska Wesleyan University and is majoring in Criminology and Political Science with a focus on juvenile Justice.

As a history minor, Tèa is excited to explore the intricate history of Bristol. Téa looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how the arts have influenced past movements with the intention of using that knowledge to improve the Criminal Justice System. Téa is also passionate about advocating for the needs and well-being of all children. Through her various experiences working with students, Téa’s desire to ensure every child has a safe, quality education has increased. Téa is looking forward to applying the skills and knowledge learned from this Summer Institute to become a better advocate for children and their education.

In addition to the academic experiences at the Summer Institute, Téa is excited to learn from and form connections with the fellow students and community partners coming from diverse backgrounds. Téa looks forward to seeing the vibrant art culture and community in Bristol.

Mireille Cypher

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Mireille Cypher, a passionate advocate for health and education, hails from Marietta, GA. As a Kinesiology major specializing in Health and Fitness, she possesses a fervent desire to empower individuals to assume control of their well-being.

Her ultimate aspiration is to serve as an internationally-based Physician Assistant, particularly in regions grappling with high maternal mortality rates, where she aims to provide support and education to both women and healthcare professionals.

Mireille's ardor for technology and its potential to enhance and safeguard lives is unwavering. She endeavors to inspire and contribute to healthcare reform. With a commitment to healthcare and education, Mireille strives to make a lasting impact by empowering individuals, fostering reform, and promoting holistic well-being globally.

She is excited to be challenged academically and hear new perspectives through the Summer Institute. Mireille is eager to meet both new students and Glaswegians. She possesses Scottish heritage, which has kindled an eager anticipation to experience Scotland for the first time. She is particularly captivated by the country's architectural wonders and enchanting countryside.

Neal Daniel

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Neal Daniel is from Douglasville, Georgia, which is about 30 minutes away from Atlanta. He is a rising sophomore at the University of Miami studying Innovation, Technology, and Design, a major at the intersection of entrepreneurship, engineering, and innovation.

At the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde, Neal hopes to learn how Glasgow has evolved in recent years and compare it to the evolution of Miami because both cities are looking to become hubs of innovation.

Neal is passionate about mentoring as both a mentor and mentee at his university, as he believes there is always something to learn from others, regardless of age or background. He hopes to bring his appreciation for others' experiences as well as his own to Scotland to facilitate mutual understanding.

Additionally, Neal is an ardent football fan and would love to enjoy the unparalleled atmosphere of a European match. Considering the Blythswood House sits in the middle of the two largest clubs in Scotland, he hopes his dream will become a reality during his stay.

Abi Dumm

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Abi Dumm is a second year student at The Ohio State University. She is a part of the Eminence Fellowship, a full ride scholarship. She is majoring in health sciences on the pre-occupational therapy track and is pursuing 3 minors in disability studies, American Sign Language, and assistive technology.

Abi is very passionate about working with the disabled community. Through observing her younger brother who had a disability, she saw the effects that assistive technology could have on people’s lives. As a result she co-founded an organization called The Main Menu Project, which partners with local restaurants to create accessible menus using screen reading technology. She also works with a nonprofit called GoBabyGo to adapt toy cars into powered mobility vehicles for young children.

Abi is excited to see the intersection of technology and creativity through this institute, especially within the realm of universal design. She wants to bring back the skills gained from this experience to make her own community more accessible. On top of these academic pursuits, Abi is excited to meet and talk with both her fellow cohort members, as well as individuals at the universities. She loves tea parties, watercolor painting, and trying new foods.

Dagma Getnet

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Dagmawit Getnet was born in Nairobi, Kenya, but at a young age, she moved to the United States, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she spent her formative years. Currently a rising junior at The Ohio State University, Dagmawit is pursuing a major in International Relations and Diplomacy, with a minor in Spanish. Dagmawit’s insatiable curiosity for new cultures, languages, and customs, coupled with a strong commitment to social justice, has led her to discover the perfect intersection between literature, arts, and social justice at the University of Bristol’s Summer Institute.

Dagmawit's passion for international human rights is particularly directed towards improving access to resources in refugee communities. With a deep desire to make a difference, she actively engages with organizations that aid refugees in the United States, with aspirations to expand her efforts globally, especially in refugee camps and other communities in dire need. In addition to the enriching educational and cultural experiences she hopes to gain from her upcoming Summer program, Dagmawit looks forward to cultivating lifelong relationships with mentors and friends from diverse backgrounds, further fueling her personal and professional growth.

Chloe Goode

Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Chloe Goode was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond; Chloe is planning to complete a double major in American Studies and Sociology with a minor in Africana Studies.

She is passionate about civic engagement and is heavily involved in her community. Chloe works alongside several community organizations surrounding mental health and educational equity. She is particularly interested in promoting access to educational opportunities for students from marginalized backgrounds, so she has started a group-mentoring program to encourage post-secondary success. Upon return from the UK, she is excited to share the Summer Institute as a potential opportunity for these students.

Chloe will be the first in her immediate family to travel outside the United States. She is excited to spend this summer learning about the rich history and culture of Northern Ireland. Chloe is looking forward to embarking on this academic and cultural endeavor while engaging with a diverse cohort of peers as well as experienced academics.

Victoria Grigsby

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Victoria Grigsby, born and raised in Fayetteville, Tennessee, is a rising sophomore at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Victoria is majoring in political science with a focus on international relations.  As a German minor, Victoria is passionate about exploring other cultures to further understand international politics. Having never traveled outside the country, she is looking forward to experiencing a new culture and connecting with those at Aberystwyth in addition to her study of Welsh nationhood and identity at Aberystwyth University. 

Victoria’s second minor in economics has inspired her to learn more about the Welsh perspective of economic and social change so she can better understand the diverse economic situations in the city of Murfreesboro and abroad.

Having a special interest in civic engagement after registering voters for the 2022 US midterm elections with the ADP, a nonpartisan university organization, Victoria is looking forward to the opportunity of witnessing the Welsh assembly in action at Cardiff. She hopes to use her knowledge of Welsh politics to increase civic engagement in middle Tennessee.

Melia Henrichsen

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Melia Henrichsen is a 2022-awarded Boettcher Scholar and sophomore at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Melia is majoring in Computer Science alongside minors in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies and Mathematics.

As an Asian-American adoptee in a transracial family, Melia advocates for inclusion and equity in her leadership positions. Melia practices inclusive leadership on the Council Of Student Leaders for the Vice President For Student Affairs, Honors Student Association, and Asian Pacific American Cultural Center. Melia is passionate about hearing people's diverse stories and perspectives and advocates for those who are often silenced. She loves connecting with people through active listening.

Melia has an unquenchable thirst for learning and is a proud nerd. She is passionate about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), drawing, photography, baking, video games, and spending time with loved ones. With the support of her family and friends, Melia has the confidence to pursue her interests and follow her dreams.

Melia is honored to be selected for the Fulbright Summer Institute in Scotland. She is eager to explore Glasgow, experience Scottish culture, and collaborate with fellow Fulbright participants and the people of Scotland. Melia aims to build lifelong connections that span continents.

Rocco Hicks

Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Rocco Hicks was raised in Prattsville Arkansas, and is currently a rising sophomore at Arkansas State University. Rocco is majoring in political science with a focus on pre-law.

As a member of the Student Government Association and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Rocco is interested in making an impact on and off campus. Rocco looks forward to furthering his understanding of politics and history at the Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Rocco is also passionate about fighting for drug reform and education. Through his various courses taken, and real-world experience of what drug abuse can do to a community as a whole, he strives to make everyone educated on a topic so many don’t want to talk about.

Rocco is excited to apply the skills and experiences he will learn from this Summer Institute to better serve his community, college, and country when he decides to pursue a career in public service.

In addition to the academic experiences from the Summer Institute, Rocco cannot wait to meet so many brilliant minds and to really immerse himself in new cultures, beliefs, and ideas that he has never experienced before. Having never traveled abroad in his life, Rocco Hicks looks forward to exploring the culture, history, and city of Belfast.

Christopher Jolivette

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Christopher Jolivette was born in Birmingham, Alabama and is a rising sophomore at Mississippi State University. Christopher is majoring in Psychology and English with a minor in French.

Christopher’s interests do not stop there; however, he is also a member of MSU’s Jazz Ensemble, serves as Drum Major for the Famous Maroon Band, and is a member of the Shackouls Honors College. As a Presidential Scholar, Christopher also represents some of MSU’s highest achieving students.

Christopher has a deep passion for social justice, active participation in government, and a deep interest in the ways in which different cultures can express themselves through music and the arts. In studying how jazz culture across the world, Christopher hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how distinct group aspects permeate the mainstream.

With these traits in mind, Christopher is interested in combining his love of music and artistry with activism. In doing so, he looks to find ways in which self-expression can be utilized by historically disenfranchised groups. Christopher is excited to study these different ideas in his time at the University of Bristol.

Connor Kaufmann

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Connor Kaufmann is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in History within the Glynn Family Honors Program. He was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Growing up in El Paso ignited many of the passions that he continues to fight and advocate for today, especially that of immigration rights.

He strives to apply all of the skills and lessons that he has learned through his experiences working at various migrant shelters, coupled with the knowledge he will acquire during his Summer Institute, to better serve his home community. On campus, Connor is part of the Student Coalition for Immigration Advocacy and the Student Policy Network. Connor is also a member of the Latino Studies Scholars Program, the Transformational Leaders Program, and will be a tutor at the University Writing Center.

Connor has many hobbies including fencing, which he has been doing for over a decade, writing poetry, playing occasional video games, and petting his pet cats named Tat and Peanut. After his undergraduate education, he plans to attend law school to study to become an immigration attorney.

Alexis Keeney

Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Alexis Keeney was born in Killeen Texas and raised in Athens, Georgia. She is currently a rising sophomore at Georgia College and State University and is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Public Health with a Leadership Certificate. Alexis loves service and will be vice president of her chapter of the National Service Sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma. She loves interacting with people and is so excited to meet the people of Belfast through her travels.

Alexis also is very passionate about the education system and volunteers at one of the local primary schools near her college. She works every week with students in the first and kindergarten grades to work on their reading skills.

Alexis is excited to share everything she learns while traveling with both her students and sorority members. While Alexis loves school, she is also excited to meet and work with individuals from various backgrounds. Both of Alexis’s parents have disabilities so inclusivity is one of her core values.

Alexis is so grateful for the opportunity to learn about Belfasts history and culture while she is studying. She is hopeful that it will open her eyes to new views and perspectives.

Benson Le

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Benson Le is from Starkville, Mississippi, and is currently a rising Sophomore at the University of Mississippi. Benson is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Benson is passionate about serving others and community service, so he became heavily involved with the organizations and community surrounding the University of Mississippi.

Benson is an ambassador for the School of Engineering and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Benson also serves as a committee member for the Student Activities Association, a member of the Pride of the South Marching Band, and an MPal for the MPower extended orientation program.

With a passion for photography and assisting underprivileged groups, Benson serves as the Director of Multimedia for RebelTHON, a twelve-hour dance marathon benefitting the only Children’s Hospital in Mississippi. Benson hopes to learn many new things from the Summer Institute, including the process of tech industry projects, communication skills in the workplace, and a broader perspective of different cultures. Going on his first international trip, Benson is excited to explore the culture and history of Glasgow.

Nisha Lerdsuwanrut

University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Nisha Lerdsuwanrut is a rising 3rd year undergraduate student studying Health Promotion and Disease Prevention with a Natural Sciences Minor on a pre-medical track at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine.

Nisha is passionate about environmental health justice and biotechnological research. As a research fellow at the USC Environmental Health Centers and Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles CIBORG Lab, Nisha enjoys exploring not only the groundbreaking technologies shaping the medical industry but also the sociocultural determinants that affect well-being and increasing accessibility to health education and treatment for marginalized communities.

At the University of Exeter, Nisha looks forward to diving deeper into the international efforts to fight climate change and meeting other scholars working in the field. Nisha also loves the arts, particularly dance, and trying new cuisines, and is excited to learn more about UK culture through those lenses. 

Joniel Lewis

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Joniel Lewis, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia. She is pursuing a double major in Molecular Cellular Biology and Public Health on the Pre-Med Track, aiming to become a physician with Doctors Without Borders. Her ultimate goal is to establish a pro bono clinic to advance global and medical health.

Joniel is eager to explore the political and economic structure of Wales and participate in a service-learning project at Aberystwyth University to understand its impact on their nation’s identity. She is deeply passionate about the link between healthcare accessibility and financial constraints, having witnessed individuals' health decline due to inadequate resources. Through her involvement in clubs and organizations, Joniel aims to utilize her skills to establish an environment where prioritizing health takes precedence over financial limitations.

Alongside academic pursuits, she is thrilled about engaging with a diverse group of friends in a different environment at the Summer Institute.

Jasbeth Medrano

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Jasbeth Medrano is a rising sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jasbeth is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Jasbeth has a keen interest in the multidisciplinary nature of migration. Growing up in such a diverse country and neighborhood, she wants to continue to learn about the experiences of migrants in other countries, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Jasbeth is also a Mariachi vocalist and Folklorico dancer at her university. Her involvement in the performing and visual arts have allowed her to explore a new level of activism that Bristol excels at. She looks forward to learning more about how the arts can develop conversation around social issues. Jasbeth understands the importance of working together to find solutions and is excited to be collaborating with other change-makers in this program.

Meredith Perkins

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Meredith Perkins is a rising junior and Presidential Fellow at Miami University studying Diplomacy & Global Politics and English: Creative Writing with minors in History and French.  Born and raised in Independence, Kentucky, Meredith is excited to represent the Bluegrass state in her first trip to the UK.

When she isn’t playing her guitar, working at her local minor league baseball park, or giving Miami campus tours, Meredith is probably writing. As senior editor of the Miami Political Review, an outspoken opinion and food columnist, an award-winning creative nonfiction and fiction writer, and an undergraduate writing consultant at her university library, Meredith loves using writing as a creative outlet, a vessel for political commentary, and an educational tool.

After assistant-teaching a high school summer program on America’s political foundations and researching Russian identity politics, Meredith looks forward to making cross-cultural comparisons at the Identity and Nationhood in Wales Summer Institute. Through this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Meredith hopes to deep-dive into Welsh history, pick up a few phrases in Welsh, explore the Welsh National Library, and learn lessons to implement into her community service at home.

Gregory Perryman

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Gregory Perryman was born in raised in Cleveland, Ohio and is currently a rising second year at University of Virginia. He’s double majoring in Global Sustainability and Politics. His primary academic interest is in understanding how the development of racial capitalism contributes to environmental injustice. 

At UVA he is a staff writer for the Virginia Black Review, the universities only student run African American publication. Additionally, he can often be found giving history tours discussing student activism and memorialization at UVA as a member of the University Guide Service. He looks forward to understanding how writers, artist, and activist have confronted hierarchy and inequality in the built environment of Bristol. 

This past fall he won the UVA entrepreneurship cups social entrepreneurship concept competition for pitching his own climate tech business. He is also a part of an interdisciplinary research group called the Environmental Justice Repair Lab. He is excited to learn skills at the Summer Institute that help him define his future Climate Justice advocacy. 

In his free time he enjoys filmmaking and video production. Having never travelled abroad before Gregory looks forward to immersing himself in the historical, social, and cultural landscape of Bristol. 

Jayden Ramos

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Jayden Ramos was raised in Wallkill, New York and is a rising sophomore at Syracuse University. Currently, Jayden is majoring in Economics with a dual major in Applied Data Analytics.

Jayden is looking forward to learning about the social and economic change at Aberystwyth University this summer as a way to deepen his knowledge about Wales. Back at his home university, Jayden often engages in community service activities and is looking forward to learning from the Aber Food Surplus organization during his time in Aberystwyth.

Lastly, Jayden is very excited to meet as well as work with other students during this program.

Additionally, he is especially ecstatic to be abroad in Wales as he has never traveled outside of the United States before.

Peyton Rodgers

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Peyton Rodgers was born and raised in Marietta, GA and is currently a rising sophomore at Georgia College & State Univerisity. Peyton is majoring in Business Management and plans to declare a minor in Public Health in hopes of getting her master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. 

Peyton is interested in combining her love of business with public health in order to become a Hospital Administrator. Peyton looks forward to further exploring technology's intersection with medicine at the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde so that she can effectively serve her team and patients and provide them with the best experience possible. 

Peyton is also passionate about the costs of healthcare in the United States. After her mother had life-saving brain surgery a few years ago that caused her family great financial hardship, she has been interested in finding sustainable solutions to lower health insurance costs for United States citizens. Peyton is excited to interact with Scottish citizens to learn more about the healthcare system in place in the United Kingdom.

In addition to the academic experiences at the Summer Institutes, Peyton is excited to meet and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Having never traveled abroad before, Peyton looks forward to exploring the culture and history of Scotland.

Nicholas Rugbart

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Black Humanities

Nicholas Rugbart was born and raised in Northern Virginia and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a rising junior at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. He is majoring in International Global Studies (IGS) with an Asia concentration, along with double minors in Asian studies and Political Science. Nicholas is also a member of the Elon College Fellows program.

This undergraduate academic and professional program entails a two-year independently designed research project to explore topics in the arts and sciences. The interdisciplinary structure of his major allows him to take a wide range of classes within the social sciences and apply them to his faculty-mentored undergraduate research. He plans on using his Mandarin-Chinese skills, as well as political and historical knowledge of China, to research the dynamic depictions of international organizations in Chinese films.

Nicholas is also passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially on his predominantly white campus. His role as co-Vice President of Elon’s Black Student Union aims to enrich student life culturally, intellectually, and socially. Even though he has never been outside of the country, Nicholas is thrilled to learn about Black Humanities at the University of Bristol and gain additional historical and literary knowledge to support the holistic value of IGS and to make connections to his regional concentration.

Caedon Spencer

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Cade Spencer, originally from Austin, Texas, is currently a rising junior at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Cade plans to major in English.

As an aspiring English literature educator and/or professor, Cade holds a passion to critically engage with stories that explore social justice, queer faith and love, and disability justice. Through the in-depth study of this important literature, Cade believes incredible contributions to social change can be made. Cade is excited to study the power and beauty of literature as part of his time at Aberystwyth University. 

As a lifelong advocate for himself, his peers, and his community at-large, Cade also cares deeply to support movements in educational equity. Specifically, Cade is passionate to fight for reform in and increased support for learning disability policy within the public education system. As a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia himself, Cade desires to bring attention to the need for increased learning disability support and the many intersectional lenses that the movement requires. Cade is excited to intentionally seek out global insights on disability and queer justice in his time at the institute to implement in his own advocacy efforts back on campus and beyond. 

Alongside the professional and academic experiences of this Summer Institute, Cade eagerly awaits the incredible opportunities to form new friendships, explore the beautiful Aberystwyth, and read exciting literature in the National Library of Wales. Having never traveled abroad before, Cade excitedly awaits this great adventure and looks forward to an amazing summer in Aberystwyth.

Delia Schmidt

University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Delia Schmidt was born and raised in Litchfield Park, Arizona. She is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Montana and is majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a focus in policy, and Political Science with a focus in international relations. She hopes to pursue the intersection of these two fields through a career in global environmental policy.

Also a climate change studies minor, Delia looks forward to exploring environmental challenges and sustainable solutions through a global lens at the University of Exeter. She hopes to bring her policy perspective and experience working with environmental advocacy during Montana’s legislative session to bring a new dimension to the conversation surrounding sustainability. Delia is excited to collaborate with an international cohort at Exeter and bring some of their diverse perspectives on the issue of climate change back to implement in her own community of Missoula, Montana.

In addition to her studies, Delia looks forward to exploring the gorgeous English countryside and visiting some of the historic architecture, as well as getting some hiking in along the coast.

Sophia Stewart

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Sophia Stewart, from Laurel, Mississippi, is a rising sophomore pursuing a Classics major while on a Pre-med track. Sophia is striving to achieve medical equity in the American South. She aspires to reduce the inequities faced in her community brought about by a lack of internet access.

Sophia is also pursuing a minor in screenwriting and is eager to listen to the unique perspectives of the Aberystwyth University Theatre Film and Television Studies. Sophia has spent the first half of her summer in Washington DC as a congressional aide. She is excited to apply her understanding of American politics during her visit to the Welsh assembly in Cardiff.

Sophia is an avid Red Cross volunteer giving presentations to schoolchildren about meth lab home fire prevention in her community. In Wales, she is enthusiastic to volunteer with AberFood and become acquainted with the community of Aberystwyth. Sophia believes there is no substitute for visiting a community in person and experiencing firsthand the unique culture that Wales offers.

Brannan Tisdale

University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Brannan Tisdale, of Saraland, Alabama, is a rising junior at Mississippi State University. He is majoring in Geosciences with concentrations in Geography and Geographic Information Systems.

At the Summer Institute in Exeter, Brannan hopes to gain insight into sustainable practices in the United Kingdom to better serve his present and future communities. He is also looking forward to his first time abroad, where he is eager to absorb British culture, learn new skills, and work with a diverse cohort. Brannan is passionate about urban design and its intersections with environmental sustainability and cultural geography. Recognizing the built environment as a root cause of inequality in the United States South, he is motivated to design and build the communities of tomorrow in the region he calls home. After his time at Mississippi State, Brannan hopes to pursue graduate education in public policy and urban planning and work in the public sector.

Outside the classroom, Brannan serves as the Executive Director of Policy for Mississippi State’s Student Association and as a student worker for the Shackouls Honors College, among other affiliations. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and Ultimate, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Sophia Travis

Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Sophia Travis was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and raised in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She is currently a rising junior at Wellesley College double majoring in History with an early America concentration and American Studies with a religion concentration.

Sophia plans to become a civil rights lawyer and also wants to pursue a Ph.D. in legal history. She is passionate about exploring legal interpretations with the goal of protecting civil rights, particularly for those who do not hold as much political and social power.

Through her studies at Aberystwyth University, Sophia is looking to better understand the political and legal identity of a nation within a larger sovereign body. Understanding how Wales negotiates its power and Welsh citizens’ perspectives on the state’s political structure will inform Sophia’s studies of parallel political issues in the United States.

Sophia is excited to meet and learn from people within different concentration areas. Never having left the United States before, she is also excited about the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and landscape of Wales.

Jennifer Turner

University of Bristol Summer Institute on Black Humanities

Jennifer Turner is from South Florida and is currently a rising Sophomore at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Jennifer is majoring in Painting with a focus in Art History. As a painter, Jennifer is also interested in combining her love for the arts with activism.

She looks forward to further exploring the intersection that the artistic world brings in relation to her community with the Black Humanities program at the University of Bristol.

Jennifer is self-driven and enjoys being in a supportive, focused environment with like-minded individuals. She is excited to apply the skills and knowledge learned from this Summer Institute to better serve her home communities and make contributions to her own academic life and in preparation for her future career. Turner believes that as one of the world’s leading historical capitals for the arts and innovation, Bristol, UK will open up many doors of knowledge and understanding, but also with enrichment towards her artistry as an individual.

Kassandra Vasquez

Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

Kassandra Vasquez was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and will be starting the upcoming school year as a sophomore at New Mexico State University. Kassandra is a double major in Studio Art and Marketing and is a Computer Science minor. Kassandra took an interest in studying these fields to fully understand the importance of art and design in the future of business and technological transformation.

Kassandra is determined to end discrimination and segregation against minorities in the creative industry and provide opportunities for young individuals to expand their expertise in creative development in developing companies.

Kassandra is more than ready to embrace the knowledge she will obtain from the Summer Institute and cannot wait to develop positive ideas fostered by this experience to help her community.

This opportunity excites Kassandra because not only will this experience enrich her education but will allow her to meet diverse like-minded individuals all while learning more about the technology, innovation, and creativity of Scotland.

Annie Whaley

Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute

Annie Whaley was raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and is currently a rising junior at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Annie is majoring in International Affairs with a focus on refugee resettlement and gender inequality spanning the globe.

As a Public Relations double major, Annie is also interested in combining her love of communication and language with conflict resolution to merge cultural barriers. Annie looks forward to further exploring the intersection of interpersonal bonding and peacebuilding at Queen’s University Belfast.

Annie is also passionate about fighting for human rights and international cooperation. Through her various experiences working with refugee community organizations, Annie’s interest in helping youth from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and celebrated has grown. Annie is thrilled to apply the experiences and knowledge learned from this Summer Institute to better serve and understand her home communities.

In addition to the academic discussions at the Summer Institute, Annie is excited to meet and build friendships with individuals from around the country. Having never left the US, Annie looks forward to absorbing the rich culture and setting of Belfast.

Katie Wilson

University of Exeter Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

Katie Wilson, who is currently attending Smith College, is a driven individual with a passion for computer science and sustainability with a commitment to making a difference in the world. She is an avid knitter, baker, and writer, spending her free time exploring her creative side through fiction and playwriting.

As a participant of the Fulbright University of Exeter Summer Institute, Katie is excited to explore the themes of sustainability and civic responsibility for the future of the UK as well as of our planet as a whole. Through Katie’s experiences in various organizations and initiatives, she has developed a passion for using computer science and technology to find innovative solutions to global warming and promote sustainability.

In addition, Katie is dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and climate change. Katie is excited to further develop her skills and knowledge in computer science and environmental advocacy, and to use these tools to make a positive impact in her home communities and beyond.

Katie is also eager to meet and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and explore the culture and history of the United Kingdom together.