Engage in the Process: A National Fellowships Podcast National Fellowships and Scholar Programs

Jacob earned the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to fund his graduate studies, but his interest in addiction research began long before that. He shares a journey that begins in Psychology 101 in junior college, connects him with supportive mentors, perseveres through a pandemic, and results in opportunities he never thought could be possible. 

Fellowships were on Nina's radar early in her USC journey, and she wasted no time pursuing opportunities that aligned with her passion for environmental science. A National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates took her to Rutgers University for the summer and connected her with a supportive research community and additional sources of funding.

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship made Daisy's study abroad dreams come true much sooner than expected. Daisy recounts her UK Maymester course, "The Foundations of Law and Government," and explains how the experience influenced her academic and career trajectory.

In this episode, Layne ponders the question, “Have you allowed yourself flexibility in your life?” and shares how an experience in Peru altered her pre-med path. This new direction informed her application for the Rotary Global Grant, which will fund her graduate study in New Zealand. Join Layne as she tells Valerie about the importance of self-reflection, connecting with community, and always asking questions.

In this episode, Blake talks about how a case of junior-year FOMO caused him to apply for public service national fellowships. Resilience and persistence paid off: Blake earned the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute fellowship, which gave him a new perspective on his career goals and personal strengths. Join Blake as he tells Valerie about the reroutes and detours that eventually led him to becoming “The Transit Guy.”

In this episode, Madison explains how her grandmother’s Japanese
heritage sparked her interest in other cultures. This international
curiosity led her to global experiences through the Freeman-Asia and Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships, but her path to studying abroad required quite a bit of creative problem-solving. Join Madison as she tells Valerie about navigating study abroad amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and how those experiences inspired her to apply for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.