{"id":810,"date":"2025-09-15T16:54:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T20:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/honors\/?page_id=810"},"modified":"2026-04-30T16:50:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T20:50:26","slug":"2025-2026-scholarship-announcements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/honors\/oncs\/2025-2026-scholarship-announcements\/","title":{"rendered":"2025-2026 Scholarship Announcements"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 2026:<\/em><\/strong> Six BSU undergraduates\u2014Calvin Arancibia, Alex Carroll, Hailey Deckard, Quinn Haynes, Laney Nall, and Alee Quirk\u2014have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships<\/strong><\/a> for study abroad in the coming months!<\/p>\n

The Gilman Scholarship helps to fill financial gaps for undergraduates who are studying abroad. Upon their return to the U.S., recipients are required to carry out a follow-on service project that helps promote international education and understanding.<\/p>\n

\"CalvinCalvin Arancibia <\/strong>will study as an exchange student at Sapporo University in Japan<\/strong> from May to August in the coming summer. An English teaching and Japanese double major also pursuing a certificate in TESOL, Calvin feels that this study abroad will help him to gain proficiency in Japanese: \u201cI am most excited to be fully immersed in Japanese culture and language. Since immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a language, I cannot wait to take full advantage of this opportunity!\u201d Learning the language in Japan will undoubtedly help him to reach his goal of one day teaching English in Japan.<\/p>\n

As president of Alpha Mu Gamma, the National Foreign Language Honor Society at Ball State, Calvin plans to organize and host a Scholarship Night through this organization upon his return to campus next fall. This event will share information with interested students about the Gilman Scholarship, as well as other scholarships for study abroad that the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships also promotes. Calvin will also share his experiences abroad with fellow members of the Japanese Conversation Club.<\/p>\n

\"AlexAlex Carroll <\/strong>will travel through a Ball State University faculty-led program to Greece and Turkey<\/strong> in May of 2026. The program will focus on architecture and is entitled Myth and Magic in the Ancient World. Alex has a major in architecture and career interests in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and sustainable design. She hopes to learn more about “how ancient builders responded to climate, materials, and community needs.\u201d She feels that this experience will enhance his portfolio as well as her ability to think about architecture from a global perspective.<\/p>\n

For her follow-on service project, Alex intends to share her experiences abroad with students in her small-town high school at an upcoming Career Day. She will talk to attendees about the transferable skills that she will have gained through study abroad to inspire them to pursue study abroad that will benefit their future careers.<\/p>\n

\"HaileyHailey Deckard<\/strong> will travel to Ireland<\/strong> through a Ball State University faculty-led program in May 2026. The program will focus on international sport business and sport careers in Ireland. Hailey has a major in exercise science and plans to attend graduate school to become a physical therapist. She explains her desire to study abroad with this program: \u201dBeing able to observe health professionals in another country approach exercise science will help me broaden my perspective and show me strategies that I can bring back to graduate school and to my future practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hailey is a Resident Assistant on campus and plans to share her experiences in Ireland with students in her hall next year. She will table at Woodworth Complex, sharing photos, infographics, and stories with residents who stop by. She wants to show other students that study abroad is possible, even when finances are a concern.<\/p>\n

\"\"Quinn Haynes<\/strong>, a media major with a minor in film screenwriting, is studying through USAC at Massey University in New Zealand<\/strong> during the Spring 2026 semester. He intends to take media production courses and complete an internship in his field. He will also visit with old family friends, as he spent some of his childhood in New Zealand. He says, \u201cThis award not only relieves some of the financial burden as I prepare, but also helps me focus more on my classes, excursions, and connections overseas.\u201d She looks forward to visiting Aviva Stadium and Croke Park.<\/p>\n

For his follow-on service project, Quinn will develop a video series providing a window into his experiences in New Zealand, as well as information about and tips for studying abroad. He will share this media with other media majors during an interactive presentation designed to encourage them to understand the transformative power of study abroad.<\/p>\n

\"LaneyLaney Nall<\/strong>, an Honors College student, will travel with a faculty-led program to Italy<\/strong> during Spring Break 2026. The program will focus on art history. Laney has a major in visual arts and animation and a minor in computer science. They feel that experiencing art history in Italy will positively influence their career in animation: \u201cWhile some might say that an animation major doesn\u2019t need an art history background, the reality is that a deep understanding of any art starts with art history; in Italy, I will encounter some of its earliest roots.\u201d<\/p>\n

For their follow-on service project, Laney intends to give a presentation about their study abroad experiences to other animation majors. They will share their experiences abroad by designing and displaying a concept pitch, character model, and greybox based on her experiences in Italy. They hope to inspire others in their major to pursue study abroad, especially for the purpose of visiting and learning about art history.<\/p>\n

\"AleeAlee Quirk<\/strong> will be traveling through a Ball State University faculty-led program to Greece and Turkey<\/strong> in May 2026. The program will focus on architecture and is entitled Myth and Magic in the Ancient World. Alee is an Honors College student and has a major in architecture and a minor in sustainability. She feels that this program will support her career goal: \u201cThis study abroad program will help me to achieve my goal of becoming an architect capable of implementing sustainable design and addressing pressing social issues. It will allow me to learn from to tour guides, museum curators, and my professors about how Greece is approaching these issues, which will, ultimately support my aims as a future professional in architecture.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she returns to the US, Alee will present her experiences abroad to members of Scholarhouse, an organization that supports single parents, like Alee, who are pursuing higher education. She will share a video as well as sketches that she makes when abroad. She will also lead a hands-on sketching workshop. She wants to provide participants with a taste of the architecture she will visit in Greece and Turkey, to encourage them to pursue their own study abroad experiences.<\/p>\n

The federally-funded <\/em>Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program<\/em><\/strong><\/a> provides up to $5,000* to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing academic studies abroad, to better prepare them to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. (*Additional support is available to selected students who will study Critical Need Languages or conduct STEM research while abroad.)<\/em><\/p>\n

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May 2026: <\/em><\/strong>We have news from the Fulbright program! ONCS could not be prouder to announce that there are six Fulbright U.S. Student Program<\/strong><\/a> awardees and one alternate from Ball State University this year. The Fulbright Scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and was designed to aid in the mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and citizens of other countries, to promote world peace through education and understanding. Fulbrighters go abroad for 10-12 months for fully-funded experiences.<\/p>\n

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards send recipients abroad to teach English, and Fulbright Study awards send recipients abroad to pursue degrees at international universities. We have awardees in each category.<\/p>\n

Fulbright ETA Awardees and Alternates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\"MeganMegan Lutes<\/strong> \u00a0just graduated with an M.A. in English studies. She previously completed a bachelor\u2019s degree at Ball State in fashion as a member of the Honors College. She will be teaching English in South Korea<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Megan has long enjoyed Korean pop culture and is excited to learn more about daily life and traditions in South Korea. She says, \u201cI am most looking forward to experiencing a new country and culture, not in the way that a tourist would, but by fully living and working and immersing myself there.\u201d<\/p>\n

In her teaching in South Korea, Megan will build on her experiences as an elementary school tutor, Fashion Teaching Assistant, and English Graduate Teaching Assistant, as well as her formal teacher training at Ball State University and Teaching English as a Foreign Language coursework. After school hours, Megan intends to draw on her undergraduate experiences as a fashion major to host an extracurricular fashion club. She explains: \u201cStudents will engage in activities such as making collages from magazines, drawing fashion figures, and developing upcycling projects, such as weaving old t-shirts into coasters.\u201d Megan might also help lead English camps during school breaks.<\/p>\n

Megan is hopeful that her ETA experiences may lead to further career opportunities in teaching or fashion in South Korea beyond her Fulbright year.<\/p>\n

\"HannahHannah Hendrian<\/strong> \u00a0graduated in May with a major in elementary education and a concentration in language arts. She was a student of the Honors College. Hannah will be teaching English in Athens, Greece<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Hannah looks forward to exploring her new home. She says, \u201cI am also fascinated by Greek culture, specifically its emphasis on philoxenia and academia. I grew up surrounded by selfless hospitality in my 100+-person extended family, and I love to host and care for people. I hope to share in the traditions of philoxenia with the Greeks that I meet and participate in a cross-cultural exchange as a Fulbright grantee. I also find learning to be a privilege, so I would love to visit places like the Parthenon, Plato\u2019s Academy Ancient Gymnasium Ruins, and the School Life and Education Museum to learn about Greek history, philosophers, and education.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program increase will require Hannah to teach English, lead an extracurricular forensics club, and act as a camp counselor during the summer. Hannah is up for the challenge! She explains, \u201dWorking as an ETA would allow me to apply what I have learned from my elementary education major, my concentration in language arts, and my TEFL training. The program in Greece specifically appeals to me because I have extensive experience working with children as a camp counselor, daycare worker, religious education teacher, and vocal director at a children\u2019s theater, all of which will ensure my success in the classroom and as a leader of the Forensics Club and Athens College\u2019s English Summer Camp. Additionally, the active lifestyle required of ETAs in Greece fits my way of life, as I have always thrived on a busy schedule including activities like theater, marching band, and work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her experiences as an ETA will inform Hannah’s teaching when she returns to the United States.<\/p>\n

\"SarahSarah Olsen <\/strong>\u00a0graduated in May with a journalism and political science major with concentrations in international studies and news writing and reporting and a minor in French. She was also a student of the Honors College. Sarah will be teaching English in Cambodia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Sarah is excited to learn more about the culture and people of Cambodia. She says, \u201dI am excited about the prospect of living a slower life that is rich with traditions, such as the celebration of the Cambodian New Year, a three-day event during which people feast on samlor korkor or amok, play games such as Chol Chhoung, and enjoy dances, like the Robam Trot, to usher in the New Year with positivity and joy. In addition, as a lover of nature and an avid explorer, I hope to hike through Ratanakiri to take in the beauty of the Chaa Ong waterfall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah will spend most of her time teaching, during which she will draw on her experiences of leadership on campus and in the community. She also completed a 200-hour TEFL certification program. Outside of the classroom, Sarah intends to hold a debate club. She says that she will model meetings on the organization of class sessions she experienced in Ball State\u2019s student-centered Honors College curriculum.<\/p>\n

When she returns to the United States, Sarah will pursue a career in international relations, perhaps working for an international NGO. She explains that her experiences in Cambodia will make her “a more knowledgeable global citizen and professional in the field of international relations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MakaylaMakayla Schuelke<\/strong> \u00a0<\/strong>is a May 2023 graduate with a major in theatre and minors in classical culture and creative writing. Makayla has been named an alternate for the ETA in North Macedonia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

After earning her TEFL certification in 2023, Makayla began teaching English to adult learners through two volunteer organizations. She also taught informally in various settings in high school and college.\u00a0 If she is moved up to recipient of the ETA award in North Macedonia, she says that she hopes \u201cto learn about the people and their culture through teaching and leadership of a devised theater group that will create and perform original scripts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Makayla plans to earn a master\u2019s degree in classics or creative writing.<\/p>\n

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\"LindseyLindsey Hayse<\/strong> \u00a0just graduated with a major in teaching English, a certification in teaching English as a new language, and a minor in Spanish. She was also a student in the Honors College. Lindsey was named a recipient of the Fulbright ETA to teach in Taiwan<\/strong>. Lindsey has declined the award because she had already accepted the FSE + MOE English Teaching Flagship (ETF) Award<\/strong> to teach English in Tawain in the coming year.<\/p>\n

Before winning the ETF and Fulbright ETA awards, Lindsey also received three Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)<\/strong><\/a> awards, including one that allowed her to study Mandarin and live with a local family in Taiwan during the summer of 2024. She is thrilled to return to the island. She says about her FSE + MOE award, \u201cI am most excited to return to Taiwan and see my friends who live there, as well as explore the island more and meet new people! I\u2019m also looking forward to eating the food again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lindsey has already spent over 560 hours in formal teaching, including methods classes, practica, and student teaching. She’s also worked as a teacher at the YMCA, facilitating homework time and enrichment activities. She feels ready to teach English in Taiwan: \u201cTeaching elementary, middle, and secondary students has prepared me to manage, plan, and execute classroom activities at any level.\u201d Outside of the classroom, Lindsey will utilize her teaching skills by leading activities in English camps.<\/p>\n

Lindsey hopes to teach English in Taiwan for many years, even beyond her upcoming FSE + MOE experience. When she returns to the U.S., her experiences in Taiwan will inform her teaching of English learners here.<\/p>\n

Fulbright Study Awardees and Alternates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\"ConorConor Dailey<\/strong> \u00a0just finished a master\u2019s degree at Ball State in geology and natural resources. Previously, he graduated from the Honors College with a self-designed bachelor\u2019s degree. Conor was named a recipient for the Fulbright\/Lancaster University Award in Faculty of Science and Technology. Starting in the fall, Conor will study environmental management at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Conor says he targeted Lancaster because \u201cLancaster University has demonstrated a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and sustainability initiatives. Studying there will allow me to build upon my undergraduate and graduate experiences in environmental science. Specifically, at Lancaster University, I want to study urban forestry and its associated carbon cycle impacts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conor is looking forward to a career in the public sector, where he will advance sustainability efforts.<\/p>\n

\"SimonSimon Webster<\/strong> \u00a0just graduated with a double major in mathematics and mathematical economics. He was also a student in the Honors College. Simon was awarded the Fulbright\/Turkish Universities Master’s Program Award to study economics at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey<\/strong>. He has declined the award because he had already committed to a master\u2019s degree program in economics at Miami University.<\/p>\n

Simon previously received the Boren Scholarship,<\/strong><\/a> which allowed him to study Turkish in Azerbaijan. This summer, he will be continuing his Turkish studies in Turkey through the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)<\/strong><\/a>. Simon is excited to experience Turkish culture and share U.S. culture with those he meets abroad, despite declining the Fulbright: \u201cIn my free time, I will explore historical sites, such as Anitkabir and the Ankara castle, while stopping by coffee shops and joining games of backgammon with anyone interested. This might allow me to have conversations with locals about the US, as I did when I played against the older folks I met at the backgammon table in Azerbaijan. Through all of these activities, I will demonstrate the American values of diversity, open-mindedness, and patriotism.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the coming couple of years, Simon will be building his Turkish proficiency and developing as an economist to eventually pursue a position in diplomatic or intelligence work with the federal government. Ultimately, Simon says that his \u201cgoal will be to advocate for US policy while also promoting peace and supporting prosperity abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"\"May 2026:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>We congratulate Ahmaud Carroll-Tubbs<\/strong> on having been named a finalist for the Olmstead Scholars Program<\/a><\/strong>! Ahmaud is a May 2026 graduate with a major in landscape architecture<\/strong> and internship experiences and course work in historic preservation. The Olmsted Scholars Program is sponsored by the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) and honors landscape architecture students demonstrating high leadership potential in sustainable design. Every accredited landscape architecture program in the country may nominate one undergraduate and one graduate student for Olmsted honors. In 2026, LAF selected one undergraduate and one graduate Olmsted Scholar and three undergraduate and three graduate finalists. Honorees are recognized as rising landscape architecture leaders and gain exclusive access to mentors, industry networking, and ongoing engagement with the LAF community.<\/p>\n

Ahmaud says, \u201cI am most excited about all of the networking opportunities that will come as a result of this achievement. As someone who is passionate about learning, I\u2019m looking forward to connecting with professionals who may have experience in doing the work I hope to do as a future landscape architect.\u201d<\/p>\n

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May 2026: <\/em><\/strong>ONCS is excited to announce that Gem Sambugaro <\/strong>has been named a 2026 Udall Scholar<\/strong>. The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship<\/strong><\/a> is the nation\u2019s premier scholarship for students going into careers focused on environmentalism, Tribal public policy, or Native American health care. Gem is one of only 55 Udall Scholars selected this year. As a Udall Scholar, Gem has been awarded a $7,500 scholarship and will attend a multi-day Scholar Orientation in August with other Udall Scholars from across the country.<\/p>\n

Gem is eager to learn from other Udall Scholars during the orientation event. Gem says, \u201cI would love to hear how others are initiating productive change for their community, and discover ways I can bring those lessons to Ball State University.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gem is a third-year Honors College student who is majoring in biology and pre-veterinary preparations and has minors in Spanish and scuba. After graduating from Ball State, Gem intends to attend veterinary school. Gem\u2019s long-term goal is to work as a veterinarian at a wildlife rehabilitation and education center, treating and re-releasing injured animals essential to healthy ecosystems and providing conservation education to the public.<\/p>\n

Gem has already built an impressive record in animal care and conservation education. She interned at a wildlife rehabilitation center in the summer of 2024, learning about wildlife animal husbandry and how to engage the public with environmental initiatives. In the summer of 2025, Gem interned for the Fort Wayne Zoo, where she developed Spanish-language materials to ensure all zoo visitors have access to educational messages about animals and the environment. Gem has also assisted and shadowed in veterinary clinics and cared for animals in Ball State labs and at the Ball State Greenhouse. Gem works to engage their peers with nature as event committee lead for The Wildlife Society on campus and serves as the vice president for the Pre-Veterinary and Animal Welfare Club. Finally, Gem contributes to research in two labs on campus: the Salamander Genetics Lab and the Animal Behavior Lab.<\/p>\n

Gem\u2019s excellence was recognized earlier this year within the Ball State community when they were named a Top 100 Student.<\/p>\n

This is the second year in a row that Ball State has had a Udall Scholar!<\/p>\n

The<\/em> Udall Undergraduate Scholarship<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is a competitive award established by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation to honor the legacy of the Udall brothers. Nominees must show dedication to conservation, Native policy, or healthcare through academic and extracurricular achievements.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"YoungApril 2026: <\/em><\/strong>MK McLoughlin<\/strong> a music teaching major<\/strong> who will graduate in a few weeks, was recently awarded a spot in the competitive Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. MK worked with ONCS to craft her application in the fall and was interviewed earlier this semester. She will leave for Japan<\/strong> in July!<\/p>\n

Along with studies in music and education, MK took courses in Japanese throughout her time at Ball State. She became passionate about Japanese culture and decided to pursue English teaching in Japan to both immerse herself in a culture she loves and challenge herself to become a better teacher.<\/p>\n

MK says, \u201cThis opportunity is incredibly meaningful to me because it reflects my passion for education and cross-cultural exchange. I am deeply committed to teaching and learning from the diverse experiences of students, and I\u2019m excited to grow both personally and professionally through this opportunity. I look forward to finding new and exciting ways to incorporate culture and music into language learning, ultimately making my students’ experience meaningful and exciting as they explore English. I also can’t wait to discover how this experience shifts my pedagogical views and expands my teaching toolbox for my career!\u201d<\/p>\n

The<\/em> Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is an international exchange initiative managed by the Japanese government that invites college graduates from over 50 countries to live and work in Japan. It was established in 1987 to promote internationalization and language education at the grassroots level. Participants serve as cultural ambassadors and foreign language assistants, primarily in rural or suburban areas across Japan.<\/em><\/p>\n

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April 2026:<\/em><\/strong> Congratulations to the following five BSU students who were recently accepted to the prestigious Roots of American Order Summer Seminar<\/strong><\/a>,<\/u><\/strong> a fully funded program hosted by the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University, Malibu. These students will be reading founding documents, participating in a series of discussion-based participant colloquy sessions, and attending additional plenary lectures. The program also includes an excursion to the Reagan Library.<\/p>\n

\"HeadshotLisette Ariza <\/strong>is a political science and sociology<\/strong> major with a Spanish minor. She\u2019s also in the Honors College. She is currently a senator in the Student Government Association and will serve as the organization\u2019s chief administrator next year.<\/p>\n

She says of her Pepperdine seminar acceptance, \u201cThis award feels like a stepping stone toward the path I want to create for people like me, especially first-generation students and those from immigrant communities. It reminds me that I\u2019m not only working toward my own goals, but also opening doors for others to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"YoungSpencer Daugherty<\/strong> is a history<\/strong> and journalism<\/strong> major with a concentration in sports writing and multimedia storytelling and a minor in civic studies. He is fascinated by the ways that sporting culture and democracy have developed together over time. He will be attending a winter study abroad in Greece several months after the conclusion of the Pepperdine program. He hopes that, together, these two programs will help him learn about the foundations of democracy in Greece and the continuation of democratic values in our American founding documents and history.<\/p>\n

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\"HeadshotAJ Dowling<\/strong> is a social studies teaching<\/strong> major and deeply dedicated to advancing democracy and civil rights through education at the high school level. He is interested in learning more about the intersections between politics and education.<\/p>\n

AJ says, \u201cBeing accepted to this seminar feels amazing. Not only is it proof that my hard work paid off, but it is proof that preservice teachers’ voices matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"YoungCasen Lake<\/strong> is an Honors College student and a political science<\/strong> major with a concentration in global politics and international affairs and a minor in economics. He is currently serving as parliamentarian for the Student Government Association and will step in the role of treasurer for SGA next year.<\/p>\n

Casen tells us, \u201cI am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about the foundations of our country, engage in interesting conversations with other students from across the nation, and learn to better appreciate and understand the philosophical and moral foundations of America\u2019s political tradition during its 250th Anniversary.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"YoungAbby Lindburgh<\/strong> is a Spanish teaching<\/strong> major and an Honors College student. Abby grew up in the Ball State area.<\/p>\n

She says she is excited to \u201cexpands my knowledge on public policy founding in America and . . . explore a new state in the U.S.!\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Pepperdine Roots of American Order Summer Seminar<\/strong><\/a> was promoted at Ball State University through the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL)<\/strong><\/a> on campus. Lisette, Spencer, and Abby worked closely with Dr. David Roof, who directs the CECL, to develop their applications.<\/p>\n

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March 2026: <\/em><\/strong>ONCS is proud to announce that Abby Shaw<\/em><\/strong>, a Master of Landscape Architecture<\/strong> student, was selected for the 2025-26 Sigma Lambda Alpha Honor Society Graduate Scholarship. Sigma Lambda Alpha is a national organization that promotes leadership and scholarship in landscape architecture. This $2000 award honors landscape architecture students who are outstanding in scholarship and leadership achievement.<\/p>\n

Abby says, \u201cI am very grateful to be supported by SLA. Their recognition is a moral support boost as I keep working hard on my MLA degree and prepare for graduation in May!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/em><\/strong>March 2026:<\/em><\/strong> Good news! ONCS was recently informed that Lily Haley<\/strong>, a chemistry major with minors in biology and American Sign Language, was offered a prestigious summer research internship<\/strong> through the DAAD RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering)<\/strong><\/a> program. Lily will be working in a lab this summer at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences in Krefeld, Germany, and her travel and living expenses will be fully covered by the award.<\/p>\n

Since she was a child wondering about why the different colors of Froot Loops taste the way they do, Lily has dreamed of a career in flavor research. She has conducted research on flavor compounds in Dr. David Bwambok\u2019s chemistry lab on campus for three semesters, and she completed the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP)<\/strong><\/a> last summer. She will be researching how basidiomycetes can be used to improve the sustainability of food production in the Krefeld lab.<\/p>\n

Lily says, \u201cReceiving this award has helped to boost my confidence as a researcher, which has been a lifelong dream of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"\"A second student, Simon Klinger<\/strong>, a chemistry and pre-medical preparations major and math minor, also did well in the DAAD RISE competition. Simon is currently waitlisted for a summer lab position.<\/p>\n

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Both Lily and Simon are Honors College students.<\/p>\n

The <\/em>DAAD RISE<\/em><\/strong><\/a> program offers summer research internships in Germany. It aims to provide North American, British, and Irish students in the fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences, and engineering with opportunities to gain practical research experience. <\/em>Students are matched with a host university or institute according to their area of interest (biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, or a closely related field).<\/em><\/p>\n

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February 2026:<\/em><\/strong> Congratulations to the following seven BSU students and alumni who\u2019ve made it to the semifinalist<\/strong> round for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program<\/strong><\/a>! Final decisions about recipients will be made by host country committees and announced later this semester.<\/p>\n

We have four semifinalists for the English Teaching Assistant (ETA)<\/strong> Program<\/strong>. If selected, these students and alumni would help teach English and U.S. culture to students in the host countries listed below and also carry out self-designed cultural immersion activities.<\/p>\n

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Roman Hughes (Poland)<\/strong> \u2013 M.A. student in English studies who also completed a bachelor\u2019s degree at Ball State in English studies and creative writing.<\/p>\n

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Trey Mathews (Honduras)<\/strong> \u2013 senior Honors College student with a major in Spanish teaching and a minor in history.<\/p>\n

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Jack Vaught<\/strong> (Thailand) <\/strong>\u2013 senior English teaching major.<\/p>\n

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Kade Wereley-Bross<\/strong> (Germany)<\/strong> \u2013 May 2025 graduate with a major in theatre creation and minors in technical theatre and German. Kade was also a member of the Honors College.<\/p>\n

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We also have three semi-finalists for Study Awards<\/strong>. These students would enter master\u2019s programs in the host countries listed below.<\/p>\n

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Em Allen (Ulster University, UK)<\/strong> \u2013 senior Honors College English literature major with minors in economics and women\u2019s and gender studies.<\/p>\n

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Kathryn Rockwood<\/strong> (University of Kent, UK) <\/strong>\u2013 Senior Honors College interior design major and theatre minor.<\/p>\n

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Elijah Sturges (Greek State University, Greece) <\/strong>\u2013 senior Honors College religious studies and history major with a minor in classics.<\/p>\n

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Introduced in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the<\/em> Fulbright Scholarship<\/em> is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and was designed to aid in the mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and citizens of other countries, to promote world peace through education and understanding. Each year, the <\/em>Fulbright<\/em><\/strong> U.S. Student Program<\/em><\/strong><\/a> funds are awarded in one of two categories: teaching award to fund students to teach English abroad and study\/research\/creative awards to fund students pursuing research or creative interests or degrees at international universities. U.S. Student Fulbrighters go abroad for 10-12 months for a variety of fully-funded experiences.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"\"January 2026: <\/em><\/strong>The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS) is thrilled to announce that Jack Vaught<\/strong> has been named a quarterfinalist for the Princeton in Asia Fellowship<\/strong><\/a>! The Princeton in Asia (PiA) program\u00a0offers year-long, immersive work fellowships for recent graduates in various professional fields across Asia, aiming to build cultural understanding and person-to-person diplomacy through service in areas like education, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. It’s a competitive, non-profit program providing paid placements, stipends, and support, focusing on transformative cross-cultural experiences rather than short-term internships.\u00a0Jack will be interviewed in mid-January. This initial interview will focus on Jack\u2019s general fit for the PiA program. If selected for the next stage of the process, Jack will then interview again, this time for particular positions within the program – likely in the area of English education.<\/p>\n

Jack credits their support system with helping them to reach this point: \u201cBecoming a quarterfinalist for a Princeton in Asia Fellowship brings me one step closer to my goal as a future educator who fosters cross-cultural understanding, empathizes with, and empowers others navigating multicultural spaces. To me, this fellowship is also a testament to the collective faith, rigor, and care of both myself and my supportive communities, reaffirming that this journey toward something greater than myself is never one I walk alone.\u201d Jack is the first student to work with ONCS on an application for this prestigious award.<\/p>\n

\n

January 2026<\/em><\/strong>:<\/strong> Six BSU undergraduates\u2014Calvin Arancibia, Alex Carroll, Hailey Deckard, Quinn Haynes, Laney Nall, and Alee Quirk\u2014have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships<\/strong><\/a> for study abroad in the coming months!<\/p>\n

The Gilman Scholarship helps to fill financial gaps for undergraduates who are studying abroad. Upon their return to the U.S., recipients are required to carry out a follow-on service project that helps promote international education and understanding.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/a>Calvin<\/strong> Arancibia <\/strong>will study as an exchange student at Sapporo University in Japan<\/strong> from May to August in the coming summer. An English teaching and Japanese double major also pursuing a certificate in TESOL, Calvin feels that this study abroad will help him to gain proficiency in Japanese: \u201cI am most excited to be fully immersed in Japanese culture and language. Since immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a language, I cannot wait to take full advantage of this opportunity!\u201d Learning the language in Japan will undoubtedly help him to reach his goal of one day teaching English in Japan.<\/p>\n

As president of Alpha Mu Gamma, the National Foreign Language Honor Society at Ball State, Calvin plans to organize and host a Scholarship Night through this organization upon his return to campus next fall. This event will share information with interested students about the Gilman Scholarship, as well as other scholarships for study abroad that the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships also promotes. Calvin will also share his experiences abroad with fellow members of the Japanese Conversation Club.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"Alex Carroll <\/strong>will travel through a Ball State University faculty-led program to Greece and Turkey<\/strong> in May of 2026. The program will focus on architecture and is entitled Myth and Magic in the Ancient World. Alex has a major in architecture and career interests in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and sustainable design. She hopes to learn more about “how ancient builders responded to climate, materials, and community needs.\u201d She feels that this experience will enhance his portfolio as well as her ability to think about architecture from a global perspective.<\/p>\n

For her follow-on service project, Alex intends to share her experiences abroad with students in her small-town high school at an upcoming Career Day. She will talk to attendees about the transferable skills that she will have gained through study abroad to inspire them to pursue study abroad that will benefit their future careers.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"Hailey Deckard<\/strong> will travel to Ireland<\/strong> through a Ball State University faculty-led program in May 2026. The program will focus on international sport business and sport careers in Ireland. Hailey has a major in exercise science and plans to attend graduate school to become a physical therapist. She explains her desire to study abroad with this program: \u201dBeing able to observe health professionals in another country approach exercise science will help me broaden my perspective and show me strategies that I can bring back to graduate school and to my future practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hailey is a Resident Assistant on campus and plans to share her experiences in Ireland with students in her hall next year. She will table at Woodworth Complex, sharing photos, infographics, and stories with residents who stop by. She wants to show other students that study abroad is possible, even when finances are a concern.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"Quinn Haynes<\/strong>, a media major with a minor in film screenwriting, is studying through USAC at Massey University in New Zealand<\/strong> during the Spring 2026 semester. He intends to take media production courses and complete an internship in his field. He will also visit with old family friends, as he spent some of his childhood in New Zealand. He says, \u201cThis award not only relieves some of the financial burden as I prepare, but also helps me focus more on my classes, excursions, and connections overseas.\u201d She looks forward to visiting Aviva Stadium and Croke Park.<\/p>\n

For his follow-on service project, Quinn will develop a video series providing a window into his experiences in New Zealand, as well as information about and tips for studying abroad. He will share this media with other media majors during an interactive presentation designed to encourage them to understand the transformative power of study abroad.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"Laney Nall<\/strong>, an Honors College student, will travel with a faculty-led program to Italy<\/strong> during Spring Break 2026. The program will focus on art history. Laney has a major in visual arts and animation and a minor in computer science. They feel that experiencing art history in Italy will positively influence their career in animation: \u201cWhile some might say that an animation major doesn\u2019t need an art history background, the reality is that a deep understanding of any art starts with art history; in Italy, I will encounter some of its earliest roots.\u201d<\/p>\n

For their follow-on service project, Laney intends to give a presentation about their study abroad experiences to other animation majors. They will share their experiences abroad by designing and displaying a concept pitch, character model, and greybox based on her experiences in Italy. They hope to inspire others in their major to pursue study abroad, especially for the purpose of visiting and learning about art history.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"Alee Quirk<\/strong> will be traveling through a Ball State University faculty-led program to Greece and Turkey<\/strong> in May 2026. The program will focus on architecture and is entitled Myth and Magic in the Ancient World. Alee is an Honors College student and has a major in architecture and a minor in sustainability. She feels that this program will support her career goal: \u201cThis study abroad program will help me to achieve my goal of becoming an architect capable of implementing sustainable design and addressing pressing social issues. It will allow me to learn from to tour guides, museum curators, and my professors about how Greece is approaching these issues, which will, ultimately support my aims as a future professional in architecture.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she returns to the US, Alee will present her experiences abroad to members of Scholarhouse, an organization that supports single parents, like Alee, who are pursuing higher education. She will share a video as well as sketches that she makes when abroad. She will also lead a hands-on sketching workshop. She wants to provide participants with a taste of the architecture she will visit in Greece and Turkey, to encourage them to pursue their own study abroad experiences.<\/p>\n

The federally-funded <\/em>Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program<\/em><\/strong><\/a> provides up to $5,000* to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing academic studies abroad, to better prepare them to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. (*Additional support is available to selected students who will study Critical Need Languages or conduct STEM research while abroad.)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"September 2025: <\/em><\/strong>Congratulations to Izzy Collins<\/strong>,\u00a0 who was recently notified that she was selected for the National Weather Association Foundation Roderick A. Scofield Meteorology Scholarship<\/strong><\/a>. The Scofield Scholarship offers only one $1000 monetary award each year to support an exceptional student pursuing a career in meteorology. Izzy graduated with a major in meteorology<\/strong> and minors in mathematics and GIS in May 2024 and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at Plymouth State University.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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May 2026: Six BSU undergraduates\u2014Calvin Arancibia, Alex Carroll, Hailey Deckard, Quinn Haynes, Laney Nall, and Alee Quirk\u2014have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for study abroad in the coming months! The Gilman Scholarship helps to fill financial gaps for undergraduates who are studying abroad. 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