Pitzer Announces Selection of 18 Recipients of 2025 Fulbright Awards

Sixteen Pitzer College seniors and a Class of 2021 and a Class of 2024 graduate have been offered 2025–26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants. This year’s total of 18 awards ranks among the College’s best results in the Fulbright program.

Eight of the recipients will teach English in countries including Colombia, Tajikistan, and various parts of Spain. Seven recipients will conduct self-designed research projects around the globe, while two will continue their studies with master’s programs in Canada and Italy. One recipient has decided to pursue a Watson Fellowship.

For 16 consecutive years, Pitzer has been named a leading producer of Fulbright recipients by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Pitzer’s Office of Fellowships supports students throughout the Fulbright application process.

“Eighteen Fulbright recipients are a remarkable testament to our students’ commitment to academic excellence, our core values, and building bridges through intercultural understanding,” said Director of Fellowships Noosha Malek. “Their success reflects a shared dedication to global engagement, curiosity, and purposeful impact.”

Pitzer’s 2025–26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program awardees are:

Sammy Basa ’25, an environmental analysis major on the environmental studies track, will conduct research in the Philippines. In the face of drastic declines in marine ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities such as the destruction of reefs and fisheries, the Philippine government sits at a critical point in marine management. To supplement ongoing progressive shifts in policy while honoring his roots within the Philippines, Basa’s proposed project investigates the relationship between educational access, sustainable behaviors, and marine ecosystem health within one of the country’s most biodiverse regions on his family’s home island of Sibuyan. Basa will employ an interdisciplinary approach combining community-based participatory research and marine ecological assessments. This project aligns with Basa’s long-term aspirations to contribute to sustainable development and community-driven conservation efforts worldwide and on Sibuyan Island. Basa studied abroad through the Pitzer in Costa Rica program in spring 2024.

Basa is also a Projects for Peace recipient.

Anya Fineman ’25, a human biology major, will pursue research in Nepal. Fineman’s project aims to preserve and revitalize traditional Tharu medicinal and cultural practices in Nepal’s Tarai region. The establishment of national parks has marginalized Indigenous peoples in the Tarai, where the creation of parks has led to the eviction of Tharu communities, severing access to vital resources and disrupting cultural practices, particularly relating to the use of traditional medicine. Fineman plans to spend time with the Tharu people and conservation stakeholders to document Indigenous knowledge of traditional medicine and ensure its preservation for younger generations of Tharu people. She will also facilitate a community-led establishment of a garden focused on cultivating traditional medicinal plants. Fineman’s project builds on her study abroad experience in Nepal, during which she lived with a Tharu healer and learned about the impacts of Chitwan National Park on Tharu communities. Fineman is also a Pitzer Napier Fellow.

Aidan Henrikson ’25, a history major, received a Fulbright to study history education in Lesotho. In Lesotho, recent efforts to integrate citizenship values into the history syllabi through its 2009 Curriculum and Assessment Policy signify a new way of doing history education in the country. Henrikson’s project aimed to investigate how history is taught and understood from the perspectives of students, teachers, and museum and governmental officials. Henrikson studied abroad through the Pitzer in Southern Africa program in spring 2024.

Henrikson has chosen to instead pursue his project “History Off the Books!” through the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship.

Grant Ho ’25, an environmental analysis major and Japanese minor, plans to conduct research in Japan. Ho aims to understand the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Japan and the sociocultural dynamics that support them. MPAs are ocean regions where activities like fishing and recreation are restricted to protect ecosystems and sustain fisheries. Unlike government-enforced MPAs in the U.S., Japan’s MPAs are managed voluntarily by local fishing communities, often rooted in tradition. Due to their informal nature, these MPAs are not well-documented in government records or academic research. Ho plans to visit six coastal towns with established MPAs to conduct interviews with residents and fishery cooperatives to explore each area’s history, ecological impact, and community influence. He will also reside in a town developing its own MPA to observe the formation process. For his final report, Ho anticipates identifying key factors that could contribute to successful community-based MPAs, offering valuable insights for coastal management in the U.S. Ho is also a Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program recipient. With support from Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs, Ho participated in an exchange program at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan in spring 2023.

Eliana Katz ’25, a double major in psychology and education (self-designed), will teach English in Galicia, Spain. With a long-term goal of becoming an educator, Katz views the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) as a critical step in her professional development. Her experience spans peer tutoring in elementary school, leading a local elementary choir in high school, and independently managing a fourth-grade classroom as a college student. These roles equipped her with the skills necessary for the ETA position. Much of Katz’s prior Spanish language use involved advocating for children’s access to educational resources, and she looks forward to applying these skills in a formal classroom setting. Galicia’s use of the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) method, which mirrors the Hebrew immersion model she experienced as a student for twelve years, specifically attracted her to the region. She intends to implement CLIL alongside Project-Based Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching to foster inclusive, identity-driven, and collaborative learning environments. Katz is eager to contribute to and learn from the Galician educational community through meaningful cross-cultural engagement.

Enoch Kim ’25, a political studies major, will conduct research in India. Kim plans to study the impact of a new partnership within the Indian textile industry between Reliance Industries and Shein on the environment and small businesses in Tirupur, Mumbai, Lucknow, and New Delhi. The ultrafast fashion Shein brand is widely trendy among global consumers. It represents a global consumption pattern toward synthetic textiles, which contrasts with the domestic consumption pattern and thus the production of small businesses that focus on natural textiles in India. Kim’s project will look at a circular economy framework to find ways that Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) can become more sustainable and use their natural competitive advantage of higher environmental sustainability to stay in business. Kim aims to create a holistic picture of the current state of the textile Indian ecosystem, but also to create pathways for MSMEs to survive and evolve in this era of globalization. With support from Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs, Kim participated in the Bard NYC Globalization and International Affairs Program in spring 2023.

Jefferson (Jonah) Konah ’21, who majored in linguistics and Spanish, will teach English in Colombia. As an interdisciplinary teaching artist, Konah’s research and pedagogical interests consider how the elements of identity, performing arts, and second language acquisition theory can be utilized to substantiate learning and speaking in a second language as well as intercultural community building. Outside of the English classroom, Colombia’s artistic communities have always been in Konah’s interests with artistic connections to Afro-Colombian music groups, dancers, and the contemporary dance company Sankofa Danzafro. The chance to build upon these connections as well as continue to practice second language pedagogy motivated Konah to pursue an English Teaching Assistantship in Colombia, where Konah will support language acquisition and cultural exchange through post-secondary and tertiary educational institutions.

Ang Lee ’25, a political studies major, will pursue an MA in political science at the University of Toronto to study the practice of deliberative democracy in Canada. The core curriculum of this MA program will ground Lee’s research investigation in democratic theory and the politics of urban multiculturalism. He intends to trace Canadian deliberative democratic processes (DDPs) such as citizens’ assemblies over the past few decades, identifying patterns related to purpose, geographic spread, and use of technology. Lee further aims to examine the potential correlation between upticks in migration, levels of social distrust, and frequency of DDPS in Canada. His project will culminate in a master’s thesis that contributes a novel approach to the study of deliberative democracy and provides a framework for adopting deliberative schemes within the U.S. In a political age often characterized by divisiveness, Lee conceives of DDPs as a tool that allows policymakers to better address the complex and ever-changing needs of citizens.

Joanne Oh ’25, a biochemistry major, was awarded a Fulbright to teach English in Taiwan. Through her experience as a Writing Fellow and TA for many of her STEM classes, she developed the belief that teaching is a mutual exploration process, in which the student and mentor play equal roles. Her experience studying abroad at National Taiwan University sparked her interest in Taiwan as a country. Oh has decided to stay in Los Angeles to volunteer as a behavior technician in preparation for medical school instead of pursuing the Fulbright. Oh wants to enter academic medicine as a pediatric oncologist, focusing her research and advocacy efforts on novel therapeutics for rare pediatric cancers.

May Paterniti ’25, a critical global studies major and Spanish minor, will teach English in the Canary Islands, Spain. Paterniti plans to harness her experiences in teaching, language, and her own positionality to work with Spanish students on their perceptions of self, language development, and curiosity about the world. Paterniti draws from her abundant and diverse journey in education for her ETA assignment in Spain. As a critical global studies major and Spanish minor, she’s explored the multilayered interaction between culture, knowledge, and communication. Paterniti believes that education is reciprocal and has experienced firsthand how an inclusive, supportive teacher-student relationship can ignite deeper learning. Upon returning to the U.S., Paterniti plans to pursue graduate study in policy and political social work. Her Fulbright experience will deepen her interests in Spanish and cross-cultural communication in support of a career path related to immigration and human rights. Paterniti studied abroad through the Pitzer in Ecuador program in fall 2023.

Jack Pine ’25, a human biology and Spanish double major, will teach English in La Rioja, Spain. Choral music first introduced Pine to intercultural connection when his participation in a choir trip to South Africa sparked friendships across cultures. Since then, he’s been driven to immerse himself in new environments and connect with others—a value he’s lived most of his life and is eager to share with his students. Having spent the last two summers teaching, Pine learned that students often feel afraid to learn. His core pedagogy is that a teacher should inspire their students to be brave and persevere in learning. Using his fluency in Spanish will allow him to connect with students and design a classroom environment where they can take risks. He also plans to integrate his love of song with Spanish and American musical traditions to help students learn. As a future educator, Pine hopes that experiencing the Spanish education system will broaden his understanding of teaching and prepare him for a career in education and education policy. Pine is also a Princeton in Latin America recipient. Pine studied abroad through the Pitzer in Costa Rica Summer Health program in 2022 and the Pitzer in Ecuador program in fall 2023.

Meredith Poten ’25, who majored in environmental analysis and anthropology and minored in Spanish, will teach English in Madrid, Spain. Poten’s study abroad experience in Spain reignited her passion for learning and teaching. She aspired to return as a Fulbright ETA to help Madrid high school students understand language and intercultural communication as powerful tools to foster creativity and agency. During her semester abroad, Poten engaged in many community activities by volunteering for a nonprofit serving immigrant families and teaching English to high school students. She intends to draw on her background as a project-based, outdoor educator to create dynamic, interdisciplinary activities for her students, using her knowledge of Spain’s education system, cultural traditions, political history, and contemporary issues. Poten is particularly enthusiastic about Madrid’s Model UN program, which aligns with her deep commitment to environmental studies and anthropology. She wants to inspire students to view their experiences through this lens and deepen their understanding of global challenges. Poten is also a North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) recipient. With support from Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs, Poten studied abroad at the Spanish Institute for Global Education and University of Seville in spring 2024.

Alexander Rychlik ’25, a mathematical economics major, will teach English in Tajikistan. Rychlik’s desire to become an ETA in Tajikistan is rooted in his study abroad experience in Kyrgyzstan. With support from Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs, Rychlik studied abroad at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). He met many international students from Tajikistan who made him feel welcome in the community and encouraged him to apply for a Fulbright in their country. Rychlik learned Russian at AUCA, which helped him integrate into Kyrgyzstan's culture and society. Through the study of language, Rychlik formed numerous meaningful connections and plans to take this same approach as an ETA in Tajikistan by learning the Tajik language. Rychlik is aware of how much learning new languages can open one’s life to new cultures, ideas, and people, which he hopes to show his students. As a teacher, Rychlik seeks to be an encouraging, positive influence and role model for his students. Following his Fulbright year, Rychlik plans to pursue a master’s in economic development with a career focused on Central Asia.

Sadie Scott ’25, who majored in psychology and media studies, will conduct research in Belgium. Scott’s project centers on the curation, qualitative analysis, and community presentation of Belgian films about incarceration in collaboration with the Cinema and Audiovisual Center of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. With this project, Scott seeks to preserve important cultural artifacts and analyze their representation of justice, coding these films for restorative and punitive justice models and hosting discussions about their impact in the context of Belgian history. The recent Belgian Penal Code reform, the first overhaul in 150 years, is set to take effect in 2026, providing an opportune moment to explore how evolving legal frameworks reflect and shape cultural representations of incarceration. Conversely, analyzing Belgian film history will offer a kaleidoscope through which Scott will peer into shifting perspectives on criminal justice reform. Scott aims to draw comparisons between the Belgian and U.S. justice systems, each with distinct approaches to punishment, rehabilitation, and incarceration. She hopes to advance the broader conversation on prison reform. With support from Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs, Scott studied abroad through Sarah Lawrence College in Paris in spring 2024.

Ariella Seidman-Parra ’25, who majored in political studies and organizational studies and minored in Spanish, will teach English in Madrid, Spain. As a political and organizational studies student, Seidman-Parra is eager to explore how different political systems and infrastructures shape culture and well-being. She believes education is a powerful tool for personal and community transformation—a value instilled by her educator parents. Seidman-Parra is committed to building trust with students, sparking their enthusiasm for learning, and adapting her teaching to support diverse learning styles. She hopes to contribute to their worldviews, just as others have shaped hers. In the long term, Seidman-Parra aims to continue her work in grassroots political organizing, addressing the societal issues that matter most to her. Her time in Spain will offer a fresh perspective on U.S. culture, politics, and policy, while deepening her understanding of another political system. With support from Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs, Seidman-Parra studied abroad through Sarah Lawrence College in Cuba in spring 2024.

Tommy Shenoi ’24, an environmental analysis and food and agriculture studies double major, has been awarded the Fulbright/Casten Family Foundation Award for a master’s degree in World Food Studies at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy. The degree offers an interdisciplinary approach to gastronomy, sustainable food systems, and international food policy. As a 2024–25 Thomas J. Watson fellow, Shenoi has traveled to Australia, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Kingdom to study mycology and climate resilience. As a Fulbright scholar, Shenoi will investigate the effects of climate change on Italian fungi and implications that extend to local livelihoods, Italian national cuisine, and global exports of Italian mushrooms and truffles.

Charlotte Wirth ’25, a religious studies major, has planned an ethnographic study of Tibetan Buddhist nuns in Dharamsala, India. Wirth’s project will examine the intersection of gender, spirituality, and empowerment within monastic communities. The research, centered on local nunneries, aims to understand how women navigate their identities as both nuns and women in a setting in which traditional values intersect with evolving gender roles. Despite Buddhism’s emphasis on gender equality, historical limitations on women’s religious leadership persist, though recent activism has created a dynamic environment for study. Through collaboration with the Tibetan Nuns Project, immersive ethnographic research, and comparative analysis including lay Buddhist women, Wirth’s research will contribute to broader discourse on gender and spirituality in Tibetan Buddhism. This project builds on Wirth’s study abroad research in Nepal and serves as a bridge for future graduate studies in religious and gender studies. Wirth studied abroad through the Pitzer in Nepal program in 2022.

Natasha Yen ’25, a combined environmental analysis and sociology major and an Asian American studies minor, will conduct research in Indonesia. Modernization agendas are unfolding across the world, with development plans reshaping urban spaces, including in cities such as Jakarta and Bandung. Yen’s project aims to explore how street food vendors experience “modernization” and “development” on the ground. Indonesia’s modernization agenda has included the adoption of national development plans aimed at rapid urban renewal. Among these changing environments, street food vendors navigate spaces of informality, faced with the challenge of asserting their “right to the city” despite playing a crucial role in urban life and urban economies. Using ethnographic methodologies of interviews and participant observation, Yen will foreground the lived experiences of vendors and community members. This project offers a comparative analysis of Bandung, a pioneer of green urbanism, and Jakarta, Indonesia's megacity, to understand how modernization agendas differ in these two cases. Yen studied abroad through the Pitzer in Southern Africa program in spring 2024.

Yen also received the Critical Language Scholarship and the Napier Award.