I am a graduating senior at UW majoring in both Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. While at UW, I have conducted research in the lab of Professor Cole DeForest related to protein engineering and biomaterials. My academic interests lie generally in the engineering of biomolecules to have complex functions, and I hope to pursue research related to this area in the future. Outside of the lab, I enjoy a wide range of hobbies, including reading, painting, and playing the piano. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I also like to hike, go camping, and generally be outdoors. I applied to the Fulbright U.S. Student program to conduct research at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Munich, Germany, for a myriad of reasons. These include the chance to experience living in a different culture, gain skills and knowledge that will help me pursue my professional goals, and establish international academic relationships. I think my time on Fulbright will also be a great opportunity for personal growth, learning how to foster connections over language and cultural barriers, and becoming better at handling uncertainty. I also hope that my experiences will expand my current worldview and help me orient myself to a global context in my future studies.

Annabella’s near and long-term goals: My very short-term goal for this summer is to try at least 5 new things and be a bit more spontaneous with what I choose to do. After completing my Fulbright in Germany, I plan to pursue a PhD in the biosciences or bioengineering with the long-term goal of a research career in academia or industry.

Annabella’s tips for future applicants: Talk with others and get feedback on your application drafts. It might lead you to some perspectives and possible improvements to your application that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.

After moving many times throughout my childhood, I graduated high school in Hawai’i and received my associate degree from Cascadia College. Finishing my undergraduate education has been a challenging and lengthy endeavor, and I couldn’t have done it without the resources and community I found at UW-Bothell, where I’ll be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Data Visualization this year. I’ve had the opportunity to bring data analysis to community-based research through programs like the Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship, which supported social and demographic research aimed at helping local non-profit Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI) guide their programs and understand their client base. Getting involved with LETI as well as UWB’s Latino Leadership Initiative, which supported student-led youth mentorship and civic engagement events, helped me find a space where I could contribute meaningfully. I’ve also worked on campus as a yoga instructor and a program assistant for Community-Engaged Learning and Research, where I’ve helped pair UWB students with community projects as part of their classes. That experience made me aware of the constant need for volunteers in organizations providing educational resources to youth and families, especially those that don’t speak English as their first language. And although I’m proud to be Brazilian, Mexico, where I had the chance to live in for a few years during my teenage years, is probably my favorite country. When I learned about Fulbright, I knew I had to apply. In addition to my role as an English Teaching Assistant, I hope to bring my data and Geographic Information Systems skills to a project mapping local lore, mythologies, and deities. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy writing contemporary fiction novels with aspects of magical realism, where the esoteric meets the modern day-to-day.

Sabrina’s near and long-term goals: I’ve been lucky to have a variety of experiences as a result of moving around so much, and my hope post-graduation is not exactly to settle down, but put what I’ve learned to the test. After Fulbright, I may try for a master’s degree in economics or public policy and get involved in diplomacy or data-driven non-profit work.

Sabrina’s tips for future applicants: Showing your passion, humility, and enthusiasm for the opportunity is just as important as highlighting formal accomplishments. Tell a story with your application and treat it not only as a career stepping stone, but an opportunity to learn and serve.

I graduated from the University of Washington in 2024 with a degree in Global and Regional Studies from the Jackson School of International Studies. During my time at UW, I developed a strong academic and personal interest in the Persian-speaking world. I studied Persian for two years and was an active participant in the campus Persian community, attending cultural events and connecting with students from Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. These experiences sparked a deep interest in Central Asia and inspired me to seek opportunities to engage with the region more directly. One of the most meaningful leadership roles I held on campus was as an officer in the Jackson School Student Association, where I helped organize the school’s first formal gala. The event welcomed diplomats, U.S. State Department officials, and representatives from foreign consulates, giving me a firsthand look at the value of public diplomacy and cultural exchange. It also reinforced my desire to pursue a career in foreign service. Outside of academics, I worked as an investigative aide for a Washington State agency and as an aircraft charter specialist at Kenmore Air. Applying to the Fulbright ETA Program in Tajikistan felt like a natural step forward. I was drawn to the country’s shared linguistic and cultural heritage with Iran, as well as its unique role within Central Asia. Through this program, I hope to deepen my language skills, build meaningful relationships in the local community, and gain insight into the region’s challenges and opportunities. When I return, I aim to apply these experiences to a future career in foreign service, working to strengthen understanding between the U.S. and the wider Persian-speaking world.

Jack’s near and long-term goals: While in Tajikistan I hope to improve my Persian language skills which I hope to use eventually in the U.S. Foreign Service. I also would use my teaching experience to become a substitute teacher at my local school district.

Jack’s tips for future applicants: Just go for it and apply! You never know what the result will be and can end up surprising you.

Elana Skeers received her Baccalaureate in Arts with College Honors from the University of Washington, majoring in Dance and minoring in Applied Mathematics and Data Science. She has trained, performed, and taught in Southern California, San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, primarily in Western theatrical dance forms including ballet, contemporary, and modern. She completed additional arts education training through the Seattle Dance Institute for Teachers and the Teaching Artist Training Lab, incorporating Brain-Compatible Dance Education and Universal Design for Learning into her teaching. Elana’s pedagogy emphasizes student agency, creativity, and community building. Her research investigates gender disparities and social stereotypes within Western theatrical dance, with a focus on expanding access and challenging traditional norms. Through her integrated work as an educator, artist, and scholar, Elana strives to create inclusive, community-centered dance experiences and is committed to using dance as a platform for empowerment and social change. Building on her commitment to inclusive, community-centered dance education, Elana is motivated to expand her worldview and learn from other cultures, perspectives, and practices. The Fulbright mission to promote mutual exchange of ideas closely aligns with her goals to deepen her understanding of culturally relevant community dance education. By engaging with artists from diverse backgrounds at the University of Roehampton, she aims to further develop approaches that amplify underrepresented voices within and beyond the dance field.

Elana’s near and long-term goals:Elana intends to pursue an MFA in Dance at the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom, where she will focus on developing inclusive, community-centered teaching practices. Her work will be informed by research on expanding access and challenging traditional norms within Western theatrical dance forms, including ballet, contemporary, and modern.

Elana’s tips for future applicants: Be true to yourself and your interests. Be confident in the work you do and just try to share that passion with others.