17 University students and alumni have been named U.S. Fulbright scholars, winning the prestigious award from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, this program offers grants to conduct research, study and teach abroad.

Every year since 1994, at least one student from the University has been selected for the award. The University has also been listed among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars for more than a decade. In addition to the 17 recipients, eight other Villanovans were selected as alternates, and 21 Villanovans were recognized as semi-finalists.

“These amazing Villanovans have dedicated themselves to becoming globally-connected leaders, joining the lengthy list of alumni who are using their gifts to serve others,” Director of the Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF) Michael T. Westrate, Ph.D., said. 

The CRF administers the Fulbright competition and provides applicants with one-on-one consultations and group support throughout the application process.

“The Fulbright Student Program gives Villanova students and alumni the opportunity to bring our Augustinian Catholic values to life by using the knowledge, experiences and skills gained at the University to ignite change around the world,” University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, Ph.D said. “Through study, research, teaching and engagement with communities across the globe, these remarkable individuals use their talents to make a positive impact on society.”

The Fulbright Program allows recipients to meet, work with and learn from the people of the host country. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction in the classroom, field, home and in daily tasks. These experiences allow the recipients to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs. 

The 17 Villanovans awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Grants are:

• Mark Brady ’20 CLAS, History, Economics, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Amanda Burau ’19 CLAS-Master’s, Human Resource Development, English Teaching Assistantship in Bulgaria

• Christa Cook ’20 COE-Master’s, Sustainable Engineering, Study-Research in Brazil

• Nora Cowley ’20 CLAS, Communication, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Christopher Deucher ’20 CLAS, Political Science, Economics, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic

• Elizabeth Einig ’16 VSB, Marketing, English Teaching Assistantship in Poland

• Isabel Forward ’20 CLAS, English, Education, English Teaching Assistantship in Colombia

• Caraline Gammons ’20 CLAS, Biology, Royal Veterinary College Award in United Kingdom

• Jillian Haggard ’20 CLAS, Spanish Literature & Language, Psychology, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Michelle Kimura ’20 CLAS, Peace and Justice, Study-Research in Kenya

• Nathalie Leonardo ’20 CLAS, Psychology, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Caleigh Manyak ’20 CLAS, Global Interdisciplinary Studies: Arab and Islamic Studies, English Teaching Assistantship in Brazil

• Benjamin Moy ’20 CLAS, Environmental Science, Study-Research in Indonesia

• Christina Prinssen ’20 CLAS, Global Interdisciplinary Studies: Asian Studies, Political Science, English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea

• Clare Reckner ’20 CLAS, English, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic

• Nkiambi Sokolo ’18 CLAS, Mathematics, English Teaching Assistantship in Taiwan

• Jasmine Thornton ’20 CLAS, Political Science, English Teaching Assistantship in Greece

Villanovans recognized as Fulbright U.S. Student Alternates are:

• Kylie Brinson ’20 CLAS, Psychology, English Teaching Assistantship in Malaysia

• Caitlin Donahue ’20 CLAS, Philosophy, Political Science, Study-Research in Netherlands

• Ryan Harkin ’20 CLAS-Master’s, Mathematics, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Erin O’Shea ’20 COE, Civil Engineering, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Christiaan Reynolds ’21 CLAS-Doctorate, Philosophy, Study-Research in Netherlands

• Julianna Ricigliano ’20 CLAS, Communication, Political Science, English Teaching Assistantship in Bulgaria

• Sarah Santorum ’20 CLAS, Psychology, English Teaching Assistantship in Ukraine

• Anna Yoo ’20 CLAS, Psychology, English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea

Villanovans recognized as Fulbright U.S. Student Semi-Finalists are:

• Jadyn Anczarski ’20 CLAS-Master’s, Physics, English Teaching Assistantship in Netherlands

• Katherine Costanza ’20 CLAS, Communication, English Teaching Assistantship in Malaysia

• Kimberly Dawes ’19 CLAS, Individually Designed Major, Global Interdisciplinary Studies, Study-Research in China

• Bailee Deshler ’20 CLAS, Biochemistry, Study-Research in Philippines

• Emily Ellis ’20 CLAS, Biology, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic

• Emily Gilmore ’19 VSB, Economics, Study-Research in Italy

• Blake Leonard ’20 CLAS, Global Interdisciplinary Studies: Arab and Islamic Studies, English Teaching Assistantship in Indonesia

• Cali Loblundo ’20 CLAS, Biochemistry, Study-Research in Sweden

• Sureatha Longstreet ’20 CLAS, Liberal Arts, English Teaching Assistantship in Indonesia

• Claudia Macpherson ’19 CLAS, Biochemistry, English Teaching Assistantship in Brazil

• Leanna Marciano ’20 CLAS, Economics, English Teaching Assistantship in Laos

• Katherine McMahon ’20 CLAS, Education, History, English Teaching Assistantship in Netherlands

• Gregory Morrison ’20 VSB, International Business, Economics, Study-Research in Mexico

• Felicity Petruzzi ’20 CLAS, Humanities, Psychology, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic

• Michael Podgorski ’20 CLAS-Master’s, Public Administration, English Teaching Assistantship in Germany

• Ammy Rodriguez-Quizi ’19 CLAS, Communication, English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea

• Arman Salem ’20 VSB, Accountancy, Finance, English Teaching Assistantship in Spain

• Paul Sarles ’20 COE, Chemical Engineering, Study-Research in Taiwan

• Brett Schratz ’20 CLAS, Political Science, Philosophy, Study-Research in United Kingdo

• John Shindelar ’20 CLAS-Master’s, Political Science, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic