Josi Aguilera (left) and Nag Poe (right)
Photos courtesy of the Office of Scholarly Engagement
Two ż alumni, Josi Aguilera ’25 and Nag Poe ’24, have been selected for 2025–26 Fulbright awards. ż’s had a record 11 Fulbright applicants this cycle, with six reaching the semi-finalist stage. Liz Bolsoni ’23, Kiara Gomes ’25, Kristin Lentz MLIS’25, and Emma Svendsen ’25 have also been selected as alternates.
“We are incredibly proud of each of these bright scholars and the work that they have put into their application materials for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program,” said Katie Campbell, PhD, director of Competitive Fellowships. “The selection of four alternates and two Fulbright awardees is a testament to the strength of our students and alumni at ż. The Competitive Fellowships office is so fortunate to be able to walk alongside these brilliant scholars and we look forward to watching them lead and influence on the global stage.”
The grants allow participants to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad in over 140 countries worldwide. The Fulbright Study/Research Award supports participants as they pursue independent research or graduate study internationally, while the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant programs place grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and provide a native speaker presence in classrooms.
Exercise and sport science major Nag Poe ’24 was selected for an English Teaching Assistant Award in Thailand. As a teaching assistant, Poe plans to combine her passion for education and experience in exercise and sport science by incorporating activities like sports into the classroom.
Josibeth Aguilera ’25 was also selected for an English Teaching Assistant Award in Kyrgyzstan, but will be declining to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in public policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. An international studies and political science major, Aguilera was previously awarded a Critical Language Scholarship in Tbilisi, Georgia in 2023.
“I love Fulbright's mission of building mutual understanding and it closely aligns with my ambitions of being a diplomat,” said Aguilera. “I am glad to have good application materials to use when I reapply in two years. I am so grateful to our amazing fellowships office at OSE! This achievement was possible thanks to their fantastic guidance!”
The application process was supported by the Competitive Fellowships office, part of the Office of Scholarly Engagement, ż’s hub for engaged learning. Competitive Fellowships supports both students and alumni in applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, as well as other fellowships, in all areas of study and degree levels.