Marcos Sanson '26 received the Goldwater Scholarship in 2025. Marcos notes, "I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science at Grand Valley State University (expected to graduate in May 2026). My research focuses on evolutionary computation and how it can improve the performance and adaptability of complex systems, including autonomous platforms. I have conducted research on neuroevolution for robot control, machine learning for medical imaging, phylogeny-informed evolutionary algorithms, and evolvability-enhancing mutations. I have presented my work at the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO), Student Scholars Day, and other venues. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science and a career at a national laboratory, with a focus on advancing autonomous systems for real-world applications."

The Goldwater Scholarship Program, the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the US, seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming this Nation’s next generation of research leaders. The characteristics the Foundation seeks in a Goldwater Scholar include:

• strong commitment to a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering,
• effective display of intellectual intensity in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, and
• potential for a significant future contribution to research in their chosen field.

Bri Hofman '27, a double major in Cell and Molecular Biology and Music, has been awarded a Van Andel Student Summer Research Fellowship for Summer 2025. Bri says, "Through the Van Andel Institute undergraduate internship program, I will have the opportunity to complete high-level research and learn new techniques in an emerging field in science. I will be working with one of their neurodegenerative disease labs to investigate what causes neuronal cells to shut down or act irregularly. I am incredibly excited to be surrounded by brilliant minds working together to discover more about diseases that affect so many in detrimental ways."

Van Andel Student Summer Research Fellowships are designed to provide undergraduate college students opportunities to be mentored by professionals in their chosen research field, to become familiar with the use of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and technology, and to learn valuable interpersonal and presentation skills. The goal of this program is to expose aspiring researchers and clinicians to exciting advances in biomedical sciences that will help define their career paths.

Molly McGuire '26, a biochem major, has been awarded a Van Andel Student Summer Research Fellowship for Summer 2025. Molly notes that "My research focuses on biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly on the role of cytoskeletal proteins. Through genetic tools and imaging techniques, I have investigated how these proteins contribute to cellular integrity and development. Through my experience in this research at GVSU, I was fortunate to be offered a position as an Undergraduate Research Fellow at Van Andel Institute for Summer 2025. This program allows for a continuation of my research career in cytoskeletal studies in a high-impact, biomedical setting."

Van Andel Student Summer Research Fellowships are designed to provide undergraduate college students opportunities to be mentored by professionals in their chosen research field, to become familiar with the use of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and technology, and to learn valuable interpersonal and presentation skills. The goal of this program is to expose aspiring researchers and clinicians to exciting advances in biomedical sciences that will help define their career paths.

Kobe Wright '25 has received a JET fellowship to teach English in Japan in 2025-2026. He had received an IIE Freeman-Asia fellowship for study abroad in Japan in 2023.  Kobe says, "I am immensely grateful to Dr. Brenda Tooley, my professors, and everyone in the GVSU Fellowships Office, MLL Office, Language Resource Center, Padnos Study Abroad Office, my family, and friends, and for the love and grace of God, all of whom have cultivated spaces for me to grow and learn in my passions. You have all helped me find my way towards this opportunity of becoming an Assistant Language Teacher in the JET Program. I’ve always dreamed of living in Japan, being a part of a community there, and discovering how I can contribute my passion and talents to helping others expand their horizons, as many others have done for me in my life. I’m not yet aware of who I’ll meet and where this will take me next in life, but if I’ve learned anything from being a student at GVSU these past five years, it’s that one step can lead to a multitude of opportunities. I  thank everyone who has been a part of my journey, and I pray that I have positively impacted your lives just as much as you have impacted mine."

Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 35,800 Americans to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan. With more than 75 countries around the world currently participating in JET, this program offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity to meet people from all around the world, living and working in Japan. 

Sam Schweitzer '25 has received a JET fellowship to teach English in Japan in 2025-2026. Sam notes, "I'm grateful for the support of the Japanese faculty at GVSU for their support over my three years at GVSU. Without them I would never have made it far enough to have such an amazing opportunity. My life's journey has taken me in many unexpected directions, but through all the ups and downs, I'm thrilled that I've ended up at GVSU, and I wouldn't trade the memories I've made for anything. Living and working in Japan has long been a dream of mine, and I'm incredibly excited to make that a reality through the JET Program."

Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 35,800 Americans to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan. With more than 75 countries around the world currently participating in JET, this program offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity to meet people from all around the world, living and working in Japan. 

Faith Kidd '23 (Political Science) has received a Fulbright Mentor Fellowship - Spain award for the 2025-2026 academic year. Faith writes: "I am finishing my first year with Fulbright as an English Teaching Assistant. I work in a public high school in a smaller city outside of central Madrid in the Comunidad de Madrid. As a Madrid ETA, my main focus is teaching the "Global Classrooms" curriculum to high school freshmen. Global Classrooms is Spain's take on "Model U.N.." a collaboration between the British Council, Fulbright, and the Spanish public education program. Next year I will be acting as the Fulbright Global Classrooms mentor, with one other mentor. We will work as a team with the Consejeria of Education in Madrid to develop the Global Classrooms curriculum and conference schedules for the entire Comunidad de Madrid. We will also assist with orientation and support for Madrid's new Fulbright ETA cohort." You can follow Faith's blog about her Fulbright experience in Spain! Faith in Spain (Faith Kidd '24, Fulbright ETA-Spain)

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

"Brittany Pomierski '25, a Biomedical Sciences major, is a recipient of both the Freeman-Asia and Critical Language Scholarship (CLS). She was awarded the Freeman-Asia Scholarship to study in Seoul, South Korea, during the Fall 2023 semester and will return in Summer 2025 to Busan, South Korea, for the U.S. Department of State’s intensive language program. Brittany is studying Korean to integrate it into her future career as a Physician Assistant. She’s excited about participating in the language partner program at Pusan National University and looks forward to exploring the hiking trails that Busan has to offer!"

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides fully funded immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security, economic prosperity, and engagement with the world. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education.

Abby Austin '26 has received an IIE Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship award for study in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2025 on the Peace, Conflict & Reconciliation faculty-led program. As a non-traditional Junior, Abigail is pursuing degrees in Psychology and Philosophy. Her background and work experience in child development, education, nonprofit work, and public speaking enriches her studies and desire to learn from others while abroad. She is especially passionate about conflict navigation, moral development, depolarization work, and effective communication, striving to bridge divides and foster understanding in every space she engages with.  Abby notes: “I am most excited to learn from nonprofits and civilians who have been directly affected by the longstanding conflict in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Gilman Scholarship has made it possible for me to travel internationally and gain firsthand insight from those most impacted by this enduring polarization and conflict. I am certain I will return with a deeper understanding and care for navigating complex conflicts and I look forward to integrating what I learn abroad into my work with children and families here in the United States."

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Meagan Wright '26 received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for a semester of study in Japan in Winter 2025 on the JCMU program. she is immersed in Japanese language and culture study and hopes to return to Japan for further study after graduation.

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Victoria Airo '26, a double major in behavioral neuroscience and history, is currently a student finishing her third year at Grand Valley State studying Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. She spent the winter semester 2025 in Bilbao, Spain, to continue intensive Spanish language and culture study, with support from the GVSU Fellowships Office and an IIE Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Victoria explored the intersection that exists between Spanish culture and Basque culture, traveled to other countries, including Hungary, Italy, and France, and visited many cities in Spain. Her Spanish improved tremendously through daily interactions with her host family, who also helped her discover many facets of the culture she would have never otherwise witnessed. Victoria plans to use her new confidence in Spanish to help Spanish speakers in the Grand Rapids community as well as teach English. 

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Joshua Richter '26, a computer science major, has received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study in Zurich, Switzerland, in the summer of 2025, on a faculty-led computer science-focused program that enables GVSU students to study for several weeks in Zurich with student peers from Zurich University, and then return with the Swiss students to Michigan to study for several additional weeks on the GVSU Allendale campus. Josh notes, "This is an amazing opportunity to get a more cultured perspective in my field of interest. Thank you GVSU for providing such enriching experiences for students."

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Doug Mooney ’21 (Applied Linguistics) was selected as an English Language Fellow in Semey, Kazakhstan, departing in September 2024. Doug notes, “My primary duties are teaching English courses to undergraduates at two universities, Shakarim University and Alikhan Bokeikhan University. My fellow faculty members and I are developing a writing center to teach academic writing to students and faculty.” Doug continued, “Establishing writing centers at several universities in Kazakhstan is a collaborative project between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the U.S. Department of State’s Regional Language Office, and Michigan State University.” Doug’s secondary projects include conducting workshops and presentations on English language methodology and leading conversation clubs at the public library. He also helps to promote international education exchange opportunities.

Through the English Language Fellow (EL Fellow) Program, highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout the world. The EL Fellow Program fosters mutual understanding, promotes English language learning and enhances English teaching capacity abroad. Through projects sponsored by U.S. embassies, EL Fellows share their professional expertise, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures.

Quinn Hefferan Nordlund '24 (International Relations and German Studies double major) was accepted as a U.S. Teaching Assistant in Althofen, Austria during the 2024-2025 academic year. This position is administered by Fulbright Austria and managed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research. Quinn will be teaching English to Austrian students part-time, receiving a monthly stipend. She is looking forward to being located in a rural, small town, as she will be able to foster deep connections with locals and immerse herself in the regional German dialect. She hopes to continue to improve her German speaking abilities, and she is so excited to explore a new culture and become involved within the local community! 

Faith Kidd '23 (Political Science) has received a Fulbright ETA - Spain award for the 2024-2025 academic year. She will be teaching in a high school in the Community of Madrid. She will spend much of her time assisting students with Model UN and will travel throughout the country with students to compete in Model UN competitions. She is looking forward to the enriching education and travel opportunities ahead! 

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

You can follow Faith's blog about her Fulbright experience in Spain! Faith in Spain (Faith Kidd '24, Fulbright ETA-Spain)

Ashley Patterson '24 (International Relations and Spanish minor) will soon be a Peace Corps Volunteer, teaching English in the Dominican Republic. She departs in March 2025 for her post. Ashley notes that "the program and position are geared towards ensuring young students can master two languages to improve their academic, professional, and personal development opportunities. In addition, volunteers teach and serve in the community through extracurricular and non-formal activities. I look forward to the impact I can make during my time in the Dominican Republic as well as the impact it will have on me!”

Peace Corps offers opportunities for significant, immersive service (2 years and 3 months) with host communities around the world. Volunteers work toward sustainable change in six sectors—Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth in Development, immersing themselves in local cultures and sharing their experiences when they return home with family, friends, and the public. 

Laken Chapin '24 (Accounting). Laken was awarded the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute Fellowship Award. She attended the Princeton JSI in the Summer of 2024. Laken notes: "At the PPIA Fellowship at Princeton, I spent the summer fully immersed in graduate-level coursework studying public policy and affairs, growing as both a leader and a student through unique opportunities offered by the program. These included attending an expo and conference in DC, learning from policy researchers through workshops and seminars, visiting NYC Hall to learn about domestic policy implications, and partnering with incredible peers to study and present our research on current domestic policies. This was the most transformative summer of my lifetime, and I recommend it to any junior interested in pursuing public policy postgrad and whose passions align with public service."

Each year, PPIA seeks out high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to become PPIA Fellows and participate in an intensive, seven-week PPIA Junior Summer Institute hosted by one of their six prestigious university partners. The Junior Summer Institute program is specially designed to give students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and diverse lived experience greater access to a successful career in public service.

Tyler Peery '27 (Educational Studies). Tyler was excited for the opportunity to go to Aberystwyth University during summer 2024 as a Fulbright UK Summer Institute participant. Through this program, Tyler gained an understanding of how people’s perception of their own identity is formed and how politics impacts this perception. This Fulbright experience prepares Tyler to better support and serve people from diverse nationalities and backgrounds different from his own, which will be a part of his daily life as a teacher of English abroad in the future. Tyler was also excited to make new friends, explore the beautiful scenery, and enjoy some local bands!

The US-UK Fulbright Summer Institutes offer a small set of programs with varying thematic foci at participating British universities for U.S. students who are underrepresented in study abroad / without study-abroad experience / with a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Lauren Weimer '23 (International Relations) participated in the Gilman Foreign Policy in Focus: Global Food Security Seminar in Harare, Zimbabwe in Summer 2023. Lauren received a Gilman International Scholarship award for study in Costa Rica in Summer 2022. The Summer 2024 program was created for Gilman Alumni. Lauren says: “Attending the Global Food Security Seminar was an incredible opportunity to learn more from local Zimbabweans about the history of their land and state of their food system. Speaking with representatives from USAID, FAO, and other international NGOs strengthened my passion for food access and helped me make connections for my future.”

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Katherine Mast '25 (Chemistry) was awarded a summer research fellowship in the Department of Energy's Summer Undergraduate Lab Internship (SULI) program in Washington state. Katherine is now an ambassador for the program. As she notes, "the SULI program and my work at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory opened my eyes to many opportunities in the STEM field and helped me understand what I want to do after graduation. This opportunity allowed me to work on critical projects related to our country's goal of greener energy. I gained skills and connections that helped me grow as a scientist and understand the field of chemistry I wanted to explore in graduate school."

Justin McKnight '25 (Political Science and International Relations). Justin was awarded the Gilman International Scholarship for the Summer Semester 2024 to study in Vietnam. Justin notes, "My time in Vietnam was an invaluable opportunity made possible by the Gilman award. Interacting with the Vietnamese people helped me gain a deeper cultural understanding of contemporary Vietnam than I could ever have achieved without this firsthand experience. If not for the Gilman Scholarship I would have missed out on these incredible learning experiences. Travelling in Vietnam and experiencing Vietnamese culture is unlike anything else I've ever done. My experience in Vietnam helped me understand the vast cultural differences that exist in the world."

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Elliot Melendez '24 (International Relations), will spend a year (and possibly more, as this fellowship is renewable for up to five years in total) as a JET fellow, teaching English in Japan.

Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 35,800 Americans to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan. With more than 75 countries around the world currently participating in JET, this program offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity to meet people from all around the world, living and working in Japan. 

Rachel Robinson ‘25 (Behavioral Neuroscience). A returning adult learner, Rachel was awarded the Fund for Education Abroad Fellowship AND the IIE Gilman International Scholarship. The FEA and Gilman awards will enable her to immerse herself in the cultural hub of London and delve into courses in religion and history. She aims to equip herself with a nuanced understanding of interfaith dialogue and social justice advocacy, laying the groundwork for a career in public communications and community development. 

The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. The mission of the U.S. State Department's IIE Gilman International Scholarship is to enable students of limited financial means (Pell recipients) to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. 

Gabrielle Bogataj ’22 (Film and Video Production). Gabrielle received the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year. Through NALCAP, Gabrielle had the opportunity to move to Madrid, Spain, and teach secondary students English. Her time in Madrid has allowed her to experience a new culture, learn a new language, and develop skills that will last a lifetime.  

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) is the flagship program of the Education Office of Spain. NALCAP enables American college students and graduates - who are native-like speakers of English - to partner with elementary and secondary schools in Spain to bolster language programs as language assistants (TAs) under the supervision and guidance of teachers in Spain.

Kobe Wright '24 (Film and Video). Kobe received the Freeman-Asia Scholarship for study in Japan in Fall 2023. In the course of this semester, Kobe's self-confidence and cross-cultural communicative skills increased as he studied Japanese, immersed himself in his host culture, formed new friendships and found inspiration for his career as an artist.

The Freeman-ASIA program is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. 

Madison Smith '23 (Biochemistry). Madison was awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Award. This is providing her with the means to pursue her passion for forensic science by allowing her to work toward a Master's degree in forensic science at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Established in 1932, the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program annually provides funding to first-year graduate students who are pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees across all academic disciplines. The GVSU PKP Chapter is the university's national honor society. Students need to be PKP members to apply. 

Avery Koan '24 (Geography & Environmental and Sustainability Studies). Avery was the recipient of the John H. Logie Fellowship in the Winter 2024 semester. This award allowed her to pursue her passion for urban planning within the City of Grand Rapids Planning Department. She gained real-world experience in the Planning Department by helping them with a variety of projects including making Geographic Information System (GIS) maps, attending weekly meetings, creating a dashboard for the 2024 Master Plan that will be accessible for the public, and assisting in a Steering Committee meeting at City Hall.  

Each year, the John H. Logie Fellowship seeks out a high-potential undergraduate student of junior or senior year status or any graduate student from any discipline who would benefit from an in-depth understanding of specific aspects of city governance.

Autumn Chorney '23 (Psychology). Autumn was awarded the Gilman International Scholarship for the Winter Semester 2023. This scholarship enabled Autumn to participate as a research fellow at the University of New South Wales under Dr. Eddie Harmon-Jones. Here, Autumn examined the psychology of conspiracy theory and worked toward advancing emotion research.

The U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

Brittany Pomierski ‘25 (Biomedical Sciences). Brittany received the Freeman-Asia Scholarship to study in Seoul, Korea, for the Fall 2023 semester. As a Biomedical Sciences student, Brittany is studying Korean in order to use it in her future career as a Physician Assistant. Her experience abroad advanced her understanding of Korean language and culture (including allowing her to try her new favorite dishes of kimchi jjigae and dakgangjeong Chicken).

The Freeman-ASIA program is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Katie Hoffswell '22 (M.Ed. in Higher Education) received a Fulbright ETA - Turkey for 2022-2023. She credits the research she did at GVSU for providing a sound foundation for her Fulbright and for her present work. In Katie's words: "the Culminating Experience Project that I completed for my M.Ed. in Higher Education was an amazing opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in the field. After graduating in 2022, I served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Türkiye, where I developed curriculum and taught university students. Now, I am a Student Success Manager at Northeastern University where I manage programming and incident response for a cohort of 300+ first-year study abroad students in Thessaloniki, Greece."

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.