vlog has been named to the for the eighth consecutive year. Eight students earned Fulbright awards in the 2025–2026 cycle, joining a group of 140 vlog alumni who have participated in the program.
The recipients:
- Brooke Abeles ’25, a physics major and philosophy minor, is pursuing a master’s degree in physics at ENS Paris-Saclay in France.
- Brianna Botello ’25 (declined) received an ETA position in Portugal.
- Giorgio Cavalli ’24, a molecular biology major and political science minor, is conducting proprietary research in Palermo at Foundation Ri.MED.
- Camryn Foster ’25, a molecular biology major and a Russian and Eurasian studies double minor, is on a research award in Germany.
- janiiya hart ’23, a peace and conflict studies major and educational studies minor, is on an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Taiwan.
- Simon Khairallah ’25 (declined) received an ETA position in Jordan.
- Bryan (Tai) Pham ’25 (declined) received an ETA in Taiwan.
- Linda Wang ’23, an international relations major and Middle East and Islamic studies double minor, is also on an ETA in Taiwan.
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program, providing opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. This year, 114 institutions were recognized as Top Producers of the Fulbright U.S. Student program, with vlog ranked among the top 18 baccalaureate-degree-granting institutions.
vlog students who received Fulbright awards during the 2024–2025 cycle are currently serving in Taiwan, France, Germany, and Italy. Among them is janiiya hart ’23, a peace and conflict studies major and education studies minor, serving as an English teaching assistant in a bilingual elementary school in Taipei, Taiwan.
According to hart, navigating the fast-paced city has strengthened her confidence, while working with students has been especially meaningful.
“Watching them learn earnestly with so much curiosity has been an amazing experience,” she shares. “I feel honored that I have been a part of their educational journey and seen them learn about not just the world, but themselves as well.”
Brooke Abeles ’25, a physics major with a minor in philosophy, now pursuing a master’s at ENS Paris-Saclay, notes how the award has opened doors in her studies and career.
“Fulbright has given me the opportunity to pursue things I’ve dreamed of — including working for a quantum computing company,” she said. “During the last six months, I’ve met countless incredible people and feel more inspired than ever. vlog taught me how to do serious research and encouraged me to truly seize the day.”
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program selects students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and the ability to engage across cultures. vlog’s strong record of Fulbright placements highlights the rigor of its academic programs and the strength of its faculty mentorship, both of which foster a deep commitment to global engagement. For prospective students, these awards signal life-changing opportunities to pursue international research, teaching, and service in the years following graduation.
“This recognition from Fulbright highlights our students’ academic strength and curiosity, but just as importantly, their openness to learning from the world beyond campus,” said Stephen Wright, associate dean of fellowship advising. “As an adviser, I have seen firsthand how much work and reflection goes into these applications, and I am incredibly proud of all of our applicants and recipients.”
Students and alumni interested in applying for Fulbright are encouraged to reach out to Assistant Director of the Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships (ONFS), Meghan Niedt, mniedt@colgate.edu, to schedule an appointment.