The George Washington University has been recognized once again as a top producer of Fulbright scholars and students for the 2024–25 academic year by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
GW made the list with 13 Fulbright U.S. students and five Fulbright U.S. scholars for the academic year.
In a congratulatory letter to President Ellen M. Granberg, Scott Weinhold, ECA principal deputy assistant secretary, called the honor “a testament to [GW’s] deep commitment to international exchange and to building lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.”
The recognition honors dedication to research and service, Granberg said, noting that it also acknowledges academic excellence at GW.
“The George Washington University is proud to be recognized as one of the leading institutions with a significant number of Fulbright recipients,” she said. “This recognition highlights the exceptional academic achievements of our students and scholars, as well as their dedication to pioneering research and making a meaningful impact at local, national and global levels.”
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Since 1946, the program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad.
Fulbright U.S. students are recent college graduates, graduate students and early career professionals participating in study/research exchanges or as English teaching assistants in local schools abroad. Fulbright U.S. scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators and established professionals conducting research in affiliation with institutes abroad.
“This recognition serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding transcends borders and that universities play a critical role in shaping the future by empowering individuals to become leaders and global citizens,” said Jacob English, director of the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research and himself among the current class of Fulbright U.S. Scholar. The other Fulbright scholars are faculty members at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
Among 130 colleges and universities, GW was one of only 19 institutions selected as a top producer of both Fulbright U.S. students and U.S. scholars, English noted.
This year’s designation was marked by several firsts, including an initial cohort of GW scholars in Hungary, Lithuania and Namibia. The 2024-25 scholars were also nearly equally divided between those receiving grants for teaching English and those receiving grants for conducting research, most of whom were undergraduates at the time of their application, English said.
Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors and the world. They have included 44 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel laureates, 90 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur fellows and numerous leaders and changemakers who build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
“Being recognized as a Top Fulbright Producer reflects GW’s commitment to academic excellence as well as its dedication to fostering global understanding, cultivating leadership and shaping a future where cross-cultural collaboration thrives,” English said.
The 2024–25 class of GW student recipients and their fellowship countries:
- Erin Cieraszynski, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Colombia, Bachelor’s
- Mavetjiua Haimbodi, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Namibia, Master’s
- Dylan Kassin, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Germany, Bachelor’s
- Isabella Nieminen, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Georgia, Bachelor’s
- Jillian O'Hara, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Uruguay, Bachelor’s
- Alexandra Ravano, Elliott School, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award–Roma Student Initiative, Hungary, Bachelor’s
- Sezin Sakmar, CCAS, Fulbright-Nehru Open Study/Research, India, Bachelor’s
- Niyati Shah, Milken Institute SPH, Fulbright-Nehru Open Study/Research, India, Bachelor’s
- Lalitha Shanmugasundaram, Elliott School, Fulbright-Nehru Open Study/Research, India, Bachelor’s
- Natalie Snelson, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Thailand, Bachelor’s
- Caleb Torres, Elliott School, English Teaching Assistant Award, Colombia, Master’s
- Meredith Wells, SMHS, Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health, Peru, Doctorate
- Desiree Winns, Elliott School, Open Study/Research Award, Lithuania, Master’s
GW Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2024–25:
- Eric Cline, professor of classics, history and anthropology (Israel)
- Jacob English, director of the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research (Germany International Education Administrators Program)
- Ashwini Tambe, professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies and history (India)
- Allyson Vieira, assistant professor of foundations (Greece)
- Sidney Monroe Williams, assistant professor of theatre & dance (Colombia)