Celebrating BSOS Fulbright US Student Program Grant Recipients, Alternates

Four BSOS students and alumni are among UMD’s 12 recipients of 2020–21 Fulbright U.S. Student Grants for international research, studies, and English teaching. Two BSOS affiliates were recognized Fulbright alternates, along with five other alternates from UMD. The BSOS community celebrates the accomplishments of these remarkable students and alumni.

Because of the COVID-19 crisis, these grantees have had their Fulbright opportunities delayed until January 2021 at the earliest, or have had their plans made impracticable given uncertainties about international travel. Nonetheless, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences community celebrates these outstanding students and alumni, and their work.

"It is wonderful to see this diverse and accomplished group of BSOS students being recognized with Fulbright Grants or alternate status. Even though plans have been disrupted by the pandemic crisis, these outstanding student deserved to be celebrated for their great achievement," said Dean Greg Ball.

This year's cadre of BSOS Fulbright awardees joins many from throughout the college in the past. Through the Fulbright program, BSOS students, alumni and faculty have made a difference throughout the world.

"The Fulbright Fellowship is among the most competitive and prestigious awards to support research in an international context," said Associate Dean for Graduate and Faculty Affairs Wayne McIntosh. "I am very proud to see that our students have achieved this recognition. I am very proud of their success, and am sure the experience will be richly rewarding. Congratulations!"

Ivana Ke – China

Ivana Ke, a 2018 alumna with a BA in government and politics and minor in Chinese, was selected to carry out a study of participatory budgeting in China and its effect on rural development at Zhejiang University. Having long been active in the arts, Ke also hopes to volunteer at the Zhejiang Art Museum. At Maryland, she was president of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of the National Political Science Society and served as an ambassador for the Peer 2 Peer program. After her Fulbright, Ke will pursue a PhD in political science with a focus on comparative politics and development.

Sean Rao – Israel

Sean Rao, a doctoral student in the Department of Government and Politics, has been selected to carry out research on his project, “Ideology, Credibility, and Political Mobilization in Israel’s Arab Sector,” in affiliation with Dr. As’ad Ghanem of the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa. He will share his findings with his affiliate institution and participate in workshops and conferences at other Israeli universities. Upon completion of his Fulbright, Rao will continue in his doctoral program. After finishing his dissertation, he will pursue a position in academia.  

Alina Saif – Indonesia

Alina Saif, a graduating senior double majoring in government and politics and public policy, was selected as an English Teaching Assistant for Indonesia, building on her English teaching experience in China through the Learning Enterprises program. With her eight years of experience as a Model UN delegate and director, Saif also plans to establish a local Model UN team to complement her teaching responsibilities. Upon her return to the United States, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in education policy and international conflict development studies. 

Katelyn Turner – Mauritius

Katelyn Turner, a 2018 alumna with dual BAs in government and politics and philosophy, and a minor in music performance, was selected to pursue research on gender-based violence and women’s labor market participation in Mauritius. She recently earned her MS from the University of Oxford.  At Maryland, Turner was a member of the Honors College Entrepreneurship & Innovation program, vice president of the W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society, and a Banneker/Key Scholar. Upon her return to the United States, she plans to enroll in a JD-PhD program in law and sociology, focusing on human rights.

Alternates:

Alexa Brenner, BA GVPT ’19 (IDCM minor, Spanish minor), MPP ’20—Columbia, English Teaching Assistant

Giselle Miranda, BA GVPT ’17 (Global Terrorism minor); College Park Scholars, Justice and Legal Thought—Columbia, English Teaching Assistant

Published on Tue, May 12, 2020 - 10:32AM