From STEM to social impact: U-M scholars go global with Fulbright awards

(Press-News.org) Images of the students and researchers

Twenty-seven University of Michigan students and faculty scholars have been awarded Fulbright grants for the 2025-26 academic year, putting the university among the top-producing institutions in the country.

 

The grants—one of the U.S. government's most prestigious awards—will fund overseas research of 25 students and 2 faculty scholars from the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses for 6-12 months.

 

A recent graduate of U-M's Biomolecular Science and Spanish programs, Ava Kuiper is spending nine months in Puebla, one of Mexico's most important and historic cities, as a Fulbright English teaching assistant. Given her STEM background, she also teaches general and organic chemistry to first-year engineering students. 

 

"My role is to expose students to scientific concepts and STEM vocabulary in English in these classes," Kuiper said. "I feel so fortunate to be able to teach science because this responsibility is unique in comparison to other Fulbright ETAs, most of whom primarily focus on teaching English."

 

Outside the classroom, Kuiper is conducting three research studies—two in chemistry education and one in basic science—alongside a Fulbright community engagement project. She aims to publish her research by the conclusion of the current school year.

 

"For my community project, I am collaborating with some of my colleagues to put on science fairs at local middle schools," she said. "Our goal is to facilitate learning and spark interest in STEM through experiments that students can recognize and digest. So far, we have held five fairs with 5-6 stations each, including one that uses cabbage as an acid-base indicator and another that extracts banana DNA. 

 

"Seeing students develop a better understanding of the science behind the natural phenomena they encounter every day—and for some, a newfound interest in STEM—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

 

Before starting her Fulbright grant, Kuiper hadn't considered incorporating teaching into her future career. 

 

"Fulbright changed that," she said. "I learned that I love the classroom. I gain great value from interacting with my students, witnessing their progress, and being challenged by their questions, which in turn helps me learn more about the topic. I plan to pursue a career as a physician in academic medicine. Aside from seeing patients or conducting research, though, I want to work in medical education to help teach the next generation of clinicians."

 

Far and wide

 

Other U-M students and scholars are already or will be studying in Germany, Austria, Fiji, Norway and Italy, among others. Their interests range from detecting microplastics in sea ice to the archaeology of the early Iron Age to the effects of social determinants of health on ischemic heart disease.

 

U-M has received more than 600 U.S. scholar awards and more than 1,000 U.S. student awards since the Fulbright Program's inception, according to the International Institute Fellowships & Grants Office.

 

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's premier international academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science and industry through international exchange and collaboration.

 

Fulbright alumni achieve distinction and are recognized as leaders in government, business, science, technology, research, education and the arts. They work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors and the world. 

 

Among the Fulbright alumni network, there are 44 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows and several leaders across all sectors and industries in the United States and around the world. 

 

Since arriving in Vlorë, Albania, last September for a nine-month teaching residency, U-M Ford School alum Zeinab Alhashemi has immersed herself in the local culture. Her engagement with students and the broader community has profoundly deepened her perspective on connection, civic responsibility and global impact.

 

"My Fulbright year has stretched me in the best ways," Alhashemi said. "This Fulbright experience has reinforced my belief that community can be built across languages, cultures and histories. 

 

"The most meaningful lesson has been that bridge-building begins with humility and consistency. When you show up, day after day, with patience and genuine effort, trust forms, creating space for vulnerability and deeper understanding."

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