Fulbright Students 2023-2024

From teaching in Romania to researching in Sri Lanka, thirteen recent graduates, graduate students and alums are studying, researching and teaching around the world as part of the U.S. Fulbright Student Program.

Laura Phillips-Alvarez - Brazil

Laura Phillips-Alvarez, a 2022 alumna with a BA in Anthropology and Government & Politics (International Relations), was selected to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Brazil. While abroad, she hopes to participate in the local environmental justice movement and organize monthly culture nights in her host community. At UMD, Phillips-Alvarez was the Director of Cultural Programming for Global Communities, a living-learning program that aims to bring students from diverse backgrounds together to engage in cross-cultural learning and friendship. Upon her return, she plans to pursue a graduate teaching degree and teach English in an international setting in which she can use her passion for environmental justice to inspire social and environmental awareness through language learning.

Candace Quander - Colombia

Candace Quander, a 2022 alumna with an MA in Education, was selected as an English Teaching Assistant in Colombia. In Colombia, she hopes to volunteer at a STEM program and become involved in a national Afro-Colombian organization to learn more about Afro-Colombian culture. During her time at Maryland, Quander completed a year-long teaching internship. After returning to the U.S., she plans to continue working as an elementary school teacher.

Tiffany Melgar - Honduras

Tiffany Melgar, a 2021 alumna with a BA in Criminal Justice and Criminology as well as Spanish Language and Literature, was selected as an English Teaching Assistant in Honduras. In Honduras, she plans to volunteer with local organizations and shadow a lawyer at a local law firm to better understand how the legal and criminal justice system works. At UMD, Melgar participated in the College Mentors for Kids, Terps Against Hunger, The Language House, Students Helping Honduras, and more. Upon her return, she hopes to pursue a career in immigration law and work for a nonprofit such as the Central American Resource Center.

Colette Smith - Israel

Colette Smith, a 2023 alumna with a BA/BS in Government & Politics (International Relations) and Psychology was awarded a Fulbright grant to pursue a master’s degree in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the University of Jerusalem in Israel. In Israel, she will complement her academic studies with intensive study of the Arabic language and participation in nonprofit groups. At UMD, Smith served as an Honors Ambassador and teaching assistant. After returning to the U.S, she plans to pursue a career in international affairs.

Angela Sun- Spain

Angela Sun, a 2023 alumna with a BS in Bioengineering, was selected to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Spain. While there, she hopes to volunteer clinically with nonprofit organizations, get involved with an Instituto Confucio, and join a naturalist group. At UMD, Sun was a part of the Maryland Family Literacy Program, American Medical Student Association, American Chemical Society, The Every Child Project, and more. After returning, she plans to attend a medical school with strong medical Spanish and Chinese programs and work as a pediatrician at a large academic teaching hospital afterwards. 

Renee Paulraj - Ireland

Renee Paulraj, a 2023 alumna, was awarded a Fulbright grant to pursue a master’s degree in the Dublin City University’s Master’s Program in “Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Computing” in  Ireland. While abroad, she hopes to volunteer for non-profit organizations and become a cultural ambassador by joining student organizations and participating in cultural social activities. During her time at UMD, Paulraj founded the American Civil Liberties Union at UMD and was a part of Girl Up United Nations Foundation, University Student Judiciary, Mock Trial, Moot Court, and more. After finishing her studies in Ireland, she plans to apply to law school in the U.S. and specialize in civil rights law with a focus on data privacy and technology. 

Sasvi Kulasinghe - Sri Lanka

Sasvi Kulasinghe, a 2023 alumna with a BS in Biological Sciences and Global Public Health,  was selected to research adherence to oral diabetes medications in the outpatient clinic setting in Sri Lanka. While abroad, she hopes to connect with the locals through music and join a women’s workout group. During her time at Maryland, Kulasinghe co-founded MedSurplus United Inc and was a part of the UMD Student Health Advisory Committee, UMD Anokha Acappella Team, and more. Upon completion of the Fulbright grant, she plans to pursue an MD/MPH in global public health. 

Marcella Finelli - Romania

Marcella Finelli, a 2023 alumna with a BA in Secondary Education World Languages and Italian, was selected to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Romania. In Romania, she hopes to organize conversation programs and join clubs related to dancing and cooking. At UMD, she was a part of the Italian Club, Teacher Education Association of Maryland Students, The Every Child Project, Language Partner Program, and more. Upon her return, she aspires to seek a position teaching Italian language and culture at the elementary or middle school level and apply to the TESOL Master’s program. 

Nhaya Vaidya - Germany

Nhaya Vaidya, a 2023 alumna with a MA in International Relations, was selected as an English Teaching Assistant in Germany. While there, she would like to share her Indian heritage as well as American culture through food, clothing, and music. At UMD, Vaidya was a member of the Student Judiciary Committee, Multi-Ethnic Student Education Academic Excellence Society, etc, and held roles in The Campus Trainer and Unwind Magazine. After her Fulbright experience, she plans to pursue a career that utilizes her degrees in International Relations and Journalism.

Gillian Boyce - Italy 

Gillian Boyce, a PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering, received a Fulbright grant to research atomic layer deposition coatings for the protection of cultural heritage in Italy. While abroad, she will join an English-Italian conversation club as well as a kayaking and rowing sports club. At Maryland, Boyce serves as a writer for HeritageBites.org and is a member of the Women in Engineering Society. After concluding her research in Italy, she plans to finish her PhD studies and obtain a postdoctoral position before becoming a cultural heritage materials scientist.

Stephanie Bent - Barbados

Stephanie Bent, a PhD student in Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy, received a Fulbright grant to study youth perspectives on current issues in Barbados. In Barbados, she plans to continue her  engagement with the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association (CTLPA) and pursue leisure activities such as reading and hiking. At UMD, Bent is heavily involved in several committees at the Student Affairs Office. Upon her return to the U.S., she will complete her PhD and teach a global classroom course at the University of Maryland before seeking out a faculty position.

 Mariah Campbell - Taiwan

Mariah Campbell, a 2023 alumna with a BA in Agricultural and Resource Economics, was awarded a Fulbright grant to pursue a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at the National Taiwan University in Taiwan. In Taiwan, she plans to serve as a cultural ambassador by volunteering for Taipei’s Garden City Program and educate others on African American culture and history. At UMD, Campbell served as an ambassador and representative for the Agriculture and Natural Resource Department and Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect, respectively. After finishing her program, she aspires to become an agricultural economist analyzing data trends for international or country specific policy solutions.

Maya Rosenberg - Colombia

Maya Rosenberg, a 2022 alumna with a BA in Journalism and Public Policy, was selected as an English Teaching Assistant in Colombia. While abroad, she plans to create a weekly podcast focused on pop culture topics in the U.S and Colombia to encourage students to discuss their passions in informal settings and facilitate the sharing of cultures. At UMD, Rosenberg was a part of the Diamondback and Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Fraternity. After completing her Fulbright grant, she hopes to work as a bilingual journalist in English and Spanish.