By Tara Millspaugh and Hannah Beausang
Fourteen San Diego State students and faculty members received Fulbright scholarships and will be making an impact overseas in research and education.
The Fulbright scholars will have an opportunity to learn and teach internationally in countries as far as India, Colombia and Russia. Eleven of the 14 scholars are SDSU students, consisting of undergraduates, grad students, recent alumni and Ph.D. students.
The three faculty members who received Fulbright scholarships are geography department chair Stuart Aitken, traveling to Slovenia; professor emeritus Bonnie Scott headed to Pakistan; and journalism and media studies professor Noah Arceneaux, who will travel to India, according to SDSU NewsCenter.
Arceneaux will utilize the grant to conduct research about cellular services offered, the cost of mobile phone use and regional limitations of phone services in India. He said the experience will benefit his research and help develop his theories.
“This particular research project is a chance to go outside my comfort zone, and to broaden my horizons personally and academically,” Arceneaux said. “I’m also hoping that more individuals will now be exposed to my research, and that my findings will be of value to others.”
President Elliot Hirshman told SDSU NewsCenter the scholarship provides opportunities for students and faculty to advance their studies as well as their careers.
“For our students, their year as a Fulbright scholar will be a transformational experience,” Hirshman told NewsCenter. “For our faculty members, the fellowship will be an extraordinary opportunity to advance their research programs.”
The scholars will represent SDSU on four different continents for the 2013-14 school year. The names and locations above have been compiled by NewsCenter.
SDSU campus Fulbright adviser Patricia Huckle said the program is very competitive, but SDSU faculty is constantly encouraging strong student applicants.
“Fulbright receives about 6,000 applications each year, and sends about 1,600 students to more than 150 countries,” Huckle said. “Our students are strong and enthusiastic about the opportunity.”
Huckle also said it’s important for students to understand the global economy and be culturally aware, and the Fulbright program is a prime opportunity because it provides students an advantage once they begin their careers.
“The Fulbright also carries over to their careers, as employers and graduate schools know that a Fulbright grantee has gone through stiff competition, demonstrated imagination and initiative which will carry over to a career,” Huckle said.
