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Congratulations on your achievements - we are so proud of you!

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Congratulations on your achievements - we are so proud of you!

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Congratulations to all 2020 Recipients and Applicants!

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Congratulations to all 2020 Recipients and Applicants!

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Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of Villanova University's 2020 prestigious fellowship and award recipients.

Note: Photos are included at the end of each winner's bio.

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The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board recently announced the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for 2020-2021. This year, 17 Villanovans won the prestigious award.

Below are bios for the 17 Villanovans awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Grants:

Mark Brady ('19 CLAS), of New Canaan, Connecticut, graduated early in Fall 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and minors in Business, History, and Spanish. After spending his Junior Fall abroad in Seville, he will be returning to Spain as an English Teaching Assistant. Mark is eager to follow the cultural and economic developments of his placement region. Upon returning, Mark will pursue graduate study opportunities in International Affairs, Economics, or History.

Amanda Burau ('19 CLAS), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated in summer 2019 with a Master of Human Resource Development degree. Burau has spent the beginning of her career in urban and rural communities working with low-income, first-generation students pursuing admission to and success through college. She completed her undergraduate work in 2013 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) studying Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. Through her involvement at UNL, she was awarded both the Heart and Soul Award and the Hero Award for citizenship and service. Burau will spend the next year as an English Teaching Assistant in Bulgaria where she is excited to immerse herself in Bulgarian culture, help students in and out of the classroom, and explore the beautiful countryside.

Christa Cook ('20 CLAS), of Richardson, Texas, will graduate this spring with a master's degree in Sustainable Engineering with a focus in International Development. Prior to her time at Villanova, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University. She spent two years as a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Engineer with the Peace Corps in Peru implementing rural water systems. She has also worked as a Sanitation Engineer for CH2M. At Villanova, she is a Service Learning Coordinator and leads service trips focused on WASH projects. Christa will spend her Fulbright year in Brazil investigating the use of sustainable materials, specifically coconuts, for waste-water treatment in rural communities.

Nora Cowley ('20 CLAS), of Sterling, Pennsylvania, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, specializing in Rhetorical Studies, with minors in English and Political Science. A writing tutor and assistant to the director of the Villanova Writing Center, Cowley has worked as a legal intern at HIAS Pennsylvania through the Philadelphia Area Social Justice Internship cohort; taught English to Latin American immigrants at the Center for Culture, Art, Work and Education in Norristown, Pennsylvania; and been a member of Villanova Residence Life. Cowley will begin her Fulbright award in Spain in January 2021, working as an English Teaching Assistant in Madrid. Upon her return, she will begin law school, pursuing her career in immigration law.

Chris Deucher ('20 CLAS), of Cleveland, Ohio, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Business. During his time on campus, Deucher served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Villanovan, a Resident Assistant and a student leader for Villanova on the Hill, a week-long immersion program. This past summer, he interned in the United States Senate. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, he will teach English at a secondary school in the Czech Republic. Upon his return to the U.S., Deucher will attend law school.

Elizabeth Einig ('16 VSB), of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, graduated in the spring of 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. During her time at Villanova, she was an active member of Blue Key Society and a Career Assistant in the University Career Center. Einig joined Teach For America upon graduation, and she has spent the past four years teaching secondary math in San Antonio and Los Angeles. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Poland, she will teach English to university students. Upon her return, she intends to pursue a career in higher education.

Isabel Forward ('20 CLAS), of Denver, Colorado, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and English, with minors in Spanish, Peace & Justice and Latin American Studies. She has served as a leader for multiple Villanova Service and Justice experiences, and assisted in the development of a new program focusing on Immigration Justice and Community Leadership. During her time at Villanova, she challenged dominant narratives surrounding immigration through her work published in Slate magazine and as a speaker at TEDxVillanovaU. She served on the executive boards of Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity and LEVEL, in addition to her membership of the Blue Key Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and her role as an Orientation Staff member. She will spend her Fulbright year in Colombia serving as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon her return to the U.S., she will attend law school to pursue a career in domestic policy reform.

Caraline Gammons ('20 CLAS), of East Greenwich, Rhode Island will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a minor in Geography. A Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellowship recipient, Caraline has been an active member of the Curry Research Lab and is completing a thesis on achromatic plumage variance in local pure and hybrid chickadee species. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority as well as the pre-veterinary club. Caraline will spend her Fulbright year completing a master's degree in One Health at the Royal Veterinary College in London, followed by a four-month research project abroad. Upon completion of her Fulbright year, Caraline intends to attend veterinary school in pursuit of a career in veterinary research.

Jillian Haggard ('20 CLAS), of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish. Throughout her time at Villanova University, she served as a Community Interpreter for the Villanova Law Clinic, tutored at after-school programs in Philadelphia, and was a member of the Sophomore Service Learning Community and Alpha Gamma Delta. She studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain during the fall of her junior year and will return to Spain as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon completion of her Fulbright year, she plans to pursue a career in school psychology.

Michelle Kimura ('20 CLAS), of Honolulu, Hawai'i, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Justice and a minor in Biology. A tour guide on campus through the Blue Key Society, Kimura has also volunteered as a coach with Delaware County Special Olympics, acted as a learning community student facilitator, and is a member of Chi Omega sorority. She was as a producer for this year's International Social Justice Documentary. Kimura will spend her Fulbright year in Kenya studying the intersectionality between disability and health, conducting a research project titled, "Health and Equity for Those with Disabilities in Kenya." Upon her return to the U.S., Kimura intends to pursue a career in medicine.

Nathalie Leonardo ('20 CLAS), of Newark, New Jersey, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and minors in Criminology and Spanish. In the past two years, she has served as a Resident Assistant fostering fellowship amongst Villanova University residents. As Secretary and Vice President of the Epsilon Eta Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., she has helped put together interactive programming to educate others, fundraise for St. Jude and encourage community engagement. In addition to these contributions, she has dedicated her undergraduate experience to working with the immigrant community as an interpreter for the Charles Widger School of Law and as an intern for the International Rescue Committee. As a Fulbright Teaching Assistant, she will teach English in the Canary Islands. Upon returning to the U.S., she will attend law school and continue her work with the immigrant community.

Caleigh Manyak ('20 CLAS), of Cape May, New Jersey, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Global Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Arab and Islamic Studies. She has served as an Executive Board Member for Villanova College Democrats, as well as a Cardinal Cabinet Director for Chi Omega Fraternity. Her social justice work has been highlighted by the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership, Huffpost, and Latina Magazine. After working as a field organizer for the Democratic National Committee for the 2020 election, she will go to Brazil to complete a Fulbright year as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon return to the U.S., Caleigh intends to continue her studies by earning a master's degree in Education Policy.

Benjamin Moy ('20 CLAS), of Cohasset, Massachusetts, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Environmental Science and Geography. He has been on Villanova's Men's Rowing Team for four years. Moy studied abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand, which sparked his interest in pursuing research in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Moy will be conducting his Fulbright year in Indonesia where he will learn Bahasa Indonesian through the Critical Language Enhancement Award. His project will study socioeconomic impacts on regulation of shark fisheries in Tanjung Luar Village on the island of Lombok. Upon completion of his Fulbright year, Moy will return to New Zealand to pursue a graduate degree in oceanography with a concentration in marine management.

Christina Prinssen ('20 CLAS), of Torrington, Connecticut, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Global Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Japanese. On campus she served two years as president of the Japanese Club, was a member of the Villanova Voices, and worked for Villanova Catering. She has spent two consecutive summers working with Japanese students in Ibaraki, Japan and at Keio Academy of New York. She will complete her Fulbright year in South Korea as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon her return she intends to pursue a career in international relations.

Clare Reckner ('20 CLAS) of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric, and a minor in Communication. A Dr. Richard Neville Distinguished Student awardee, Reckner served in multiple leadership roles in arts and service organizations at Villanova. She also studied abroad for a semester in Galway, Ireland. As an English Teaching Assistant, Clare will teach secondary school in the Czech Republic. Upon her return to the U.S., Clare will attend law school.

Nkiambi Sokolo ('18 CLAS), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in French and Francophone studies. Since Fall 2018, he has been teaching English in Ulsan, South Korea and Seoul, South Korea to learn more about the technology used in education. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, Nkiambi will be teaching English in Taiwan. Upon returning to the United States, he plans to pursue a master's in software engineering.

Jasmine Thornton ('20 CLAS), of Houston, Texas, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Educational Policy. She has served as President for both her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Xi Chapter, and the Pennsylvania State Education Association chapter on Villanova's campus. She has served as an Executive Board Member for student organizations such as the Multicultural Greek Council and the Pre-Law Black Law Students Association. Jasmine will be traveling to Greece to complete a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship. Upon return to the U.S., Thornton intends to continue her studies by eventually earning an EdD in Education Policy and going on to work at a think tank as an education policy analyst specifying in urban education and financial aid.

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The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board recently announced the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for 2020-2021. This year, 17 Villanovans won the prestigious award. Below are bios for the 17 Villanovans awarded Fulbright U.S.

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VILLANOVA, Pa.- Christopher Bragança, a junior Biochemistry major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Hollywood, Maryland) at Villanova University, has been named as a 2020 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Bragança was selected as a Goldwater Scholar from a group of more than 1,300 institution-nominated students nationwide.

The son of an Air Force veteran, Bragança aspires to develop novel treatments for PTSD and neurodegenerative disorders as a physician-scientist, focusing especially on disorders that impact veterans and military personnel. He joined the research group of Dr. Daniel Kraut, associate professor of Biochemistry, as a Match Research Program grantee in his first year at Villanova. Bragança was selected as a Villanova University Beckman Scholar to receive 18 months of research support from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. His research as part of Dr. Kraut's lab focuses on proteasomes, which are critical for maintaining cell health and function.

"Villanova students' continued success in the Goldwater Scholars program is remarkable," said University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD. "This renowned program has served as a springboard for our student-researchers with recent Villanova honorees going on to become Knight-Hennessy and Marshall scholars, NSF Graduate Research Fellows and Fulbright Students. I congratulate Christopher on this prestigious honor and look forward to seeing all the future holds for him."

An Eagle Scout committed to public service through science, Bragança has presented his research on proteasomes and recently delivered a TEDx talk on the neuroscience of the negativity bias. He is the Vice President of the Villanova chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, through which he mentors incoming Biochemistry majors. Bragança also tutors elementary-aged students in West Philadelphia with Mighty Writers. He intends to pursue a MD-PhD in neuroscience and specialize in neuropathology. His career goal is to investigate the role of proteasome processivity in neurodegenerative disease while developing novel treatments for patients.

The Goldwater Foundation awards $7,500 scholarships to sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics or engineering. It is widely considered the preeminent award for undergraduates preparing for research careers in STEM.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, who served for 30 years in the United States Senate. The program is designed to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. For more information, visit the Goldwater Scholarship website.
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.

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Villanova University Student Named Goldwater Scholar

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VILLANOVA, Pa.- Christopher Bragança, a junior Biochemistry major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Hollywood, Maryland) at Villanova University, has been named as a 2020 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Bragança was selected as a Goldwater Scholar from a group of more than 1,300 institution-nominated students nationwide.

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VILLANOVA, Pa. - Three Villanova University students and alumni have been recognized as National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellows and five more earned Honorable Mention, the NSF announced. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions.

The University's 2020 GRFP winners include Mackenzie Jorgensen '20 CLAS of Seattle, Wash., who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Philosophy, as well as two Villanova alumni: Elizabeth (Libby) O'Brien '19 CLAS, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, who graduated cum laude with degrees in Environmental Studies and Philosophy, and Joseph Schaadt '15 COE, of Sunnyvale, Calif., who graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Below are bios on the University's three GRFP winners, as well as a list of the five Villanovans receiving Honorable Mention.

"The continued success of Villanova students and alumni in the NSF Graduate Research Fellows program illustrates the ability of our students to achieve great things along with the University's commitment to providing research opportunities that enrich the student experience and that positively benefit society," remarked University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD. "On behalf of the entire community, I want to congratulate our three NSF Fellows, as well as those who received honorable mention, on this outstanding recognition of their work."

The NSF-GRFP helps to ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the U.S. by recognizing and supporting outstanding graduate students engaged in full-time, research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans and undergraduate seniors to apply. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.

NSF Fellows are anticipated to become experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation's technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large. Since 1952, NSF has funded over 50,000 Graduate Research Fellowships out of more than 500,000 applicants. Currently, 42 Fellows have gone on to become Nobel laureates, and more than 450 have become members of the National Academy of Sciences. In addition, the Graduate Research Fellowship Program has a high rate of doctorate degree completion, with more than 70 percent of students completing their doctorates within 11 years.

Villanova students and alumni interested in applying for this and other external awards, including the Fulbright program, should visit the University's Center for Research and Fellowships website for more information.

Below are bios for each of Villanova's 2020 GRFP winners:

Mackenzie Jorgensen '20 CLAS of Seattle, Wash., will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Philosophy. She has completed research projects in the U.S., U.K. and Germany focused on topics such as big data analytics, multi-agent communication and coordination, and hate speech moderation through machine learning. Her research endeavors have resulted in multiple publications. Jorgensen founded a non-profit organization which runs coding clubs for young girls in the Seattle area, and went on to start similar programs in Philadelphia and in the U.K. After graduation, Jorgensen will pursue her PhD in Safe and Trusted Artificial Intelligence at King's College London with a focus on algorithmic fairness and will continue her outreach to inspire girls to code.

Elizabeth (Libby) O'Brien '19 CLAS, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, graduated cum laude with degrees in Environmental Studies and Philosophy. At Villanova, she served as the President of Phi Sigma Tao Philosophy Honors Society. O'Brien completed two National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates over summers 2017 and 2018. After graduation, she completed a Fulbright Research Fellowship in the Philippines. She serves as an alumni representative on Villanova Philosophy Department's Diversity Outreach Committee. O'Brien has coauthored multiple forthcoming scientific publications. Next year, she will begin graduate school as a National Science Foundation Fellow.

Joseph Schaadt '15 COE of Sunnyvale, Ca., graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Mathematics, Physics and Mechatronics. While at Villanova, Joseph was the Vice President of the ASME student chapter, and a member of the Pi Tau Sigma honor society. Joseph performed research with Dr. Alfonso Ortega, Dr. Aaron Wemhoff, and Dr. Kamran Fouladi in the Department of Mechanical Engineering as part of the on-campus Center for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems (ES2), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). After graduation, he was a Fulbright Student Research Fellow and a Swiss Government Excellence Scholar at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. Joseph is currently pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where his research focuses on the application of nano/microfabrication techniques to study the fundamentals of phase-change heat transfer through the development of an electrowetting thermal switch in the Nano/Energy Lab at UC Berkeley and the Prasher Research Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The five Villanovans who received Honorable Mention from the GRFP are:

Ryan Allen '18 CLAS, Chemistry (PhD student at Emory)

Isabella Burda '19 CLAS, Biology (PhD student at Cornell)

Michael Ryan Henderson '20 CLAS, Psychology and Theology and Religious Studies

Christopher Israel '20 COE, Electrical Engineering

Gianna Perez '19 CLAS, Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.

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Eight Villanovans Recognized by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program

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VILLANOVA, Pa. - Three Villanova University students and alumni have been recognized as National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellows and five more earned Honorable Mention, the NSF announced. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions.

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Christa Cook - Fulbright Research in Brazil

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Christa Cook - Fulbright Research in Brazil

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Christa Cook, '20 ENG-Master's, of Richardson, Texas, will graduate this spring with a master's degree in Sustainable Engineering with a focus in International Development. Prior to her time at Villanova, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University. She spent two years as a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Engineer with the Peace Corps in Peru implementing rural water systems. She has also worked as a Sanitation Engineer for CH2M. At Villanova, she is a Service Learning Coordinator and leads service trips focused on WASH projects. Christa will spend her Fulbright year in Brazil investigating the use of sustainable materials, specifically coconuts, for waste-water treatment in rural communities.

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Elizabeth (Betsey) Carroll - Gilman Scholar

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Elizabeth (Betsey) Carroll - Gilman Scholar

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Betsey Carroll, 21 CLAS, of Wyncote, PA, is a junior majoring in Sociology and Peace and Justice. At Villanova, she is president of Villanova Student Labor Action Movement (VU SLAM), a volunteer for Mighty Writers, and a student worker for the history department. She has also interned with the Philadelphia Organ Society. Betsey previously studied abroad in the Czech Republic and will use her Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in the Netherlands and Morocco. After she graduates, Betsey plans on attending law school and focusing on labor law.

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Nicole Marks - Coastal Management Fellowship (NOAA)

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Nicole Marks - Coastal Management Fellowship (NOAA)

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Joseph Schaadt, ’15 COE, of Sunnyvale, CA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Mathematics, Physics, and Mechatronics. At Villanova, Joseph was on the men’s club water polo team, the Vice President of the ASME student chapter, a co-host of a sports talk segment called The Zone on WXVU 89.1 FM Radio, and a member of the Pi Tau Sigma honor society. Joseph performed research with the Department of Mechanical Engineering as part of the on-campus Center for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems (ES2), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). He was a Fulbright Research Fellow and a Swiss Government Excellence Scholar at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. Joseph is pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where his research focuses on the application of nano/microfabrication techniques to study the fundamentals of phase-change heat transfer through the development of an electrowetting thermal switch.

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Mark Brady, 19 CLAS, of New Canaan, CT, graduated early in Fall 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and minors in Business, History, and Spanish. After spending his Junior Fall abroad in Seville, he will be returning to Spain as an English Teaching Assistant. Mark is eager to follow the cultural and economic developments of his placement region. Upon returning, Mark will pursue graduate study opportunities in International Affairs, Economics, or History.

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Christopher Braganca - Goldwater Scholarship

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Christopher Braganca - Goldwater Scholarship

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Christopher (Chris) Braganca, '20 CLAS, the son of an Air Force veteran, aspires to develop novel treatments for PTSD and neurodegenerative disorders as a physician-scientist, focusing especially on disorders that impact veterans and military personnel. Chris was a Match Research Program grantee in his first year at Villanova, joining the research group of Dr. Dan Kraut. As a first-year student, Chris was selected as a Villanova University Beckman Scholar to receive 18 months of research support from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. He is the Vice President of the Villanova chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, through which he mentors incoming biochemistry majors. He also tutors elementary-aged students in West Philadelphia with Mighty Writers. Chris intends to pursue a MD-PhD in neuroscience and specialize in neuropathology.

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Nora Cowley, ’20 CLAS, of Sterling, PA, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, specializing in Rhetorical Studies, with minors in English and Political Science. A writing tutor and assistant to the director of the Villanova Writing Center, Cowley has worked as a legal intern at HIAS Pennsylvania through the Philadelphia Area Social Justice Internship cohort, taught English to Latin American immigrants at the Center for Culture, Art, Work, and Education in Norristown, PA, and been a member of Villanova Residence Life. Cowley will begin her Fulbright award in Spain in January 2021, working as an English Teaching Assistant in Madrid. Upon her return, she will begin law school, pursuing her career in immigration law.

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Nkiambi Sokolo - Fulbright ETA in Taiwan

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Nkiambi Sokolo - Fulbright ETA in Taiwan

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Nkiambi Sokolo, ’18 CLAS, of Philadelphia, PA, graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in French and Francophone studies. Since Fall 2018, he has been teaching English in Ulsan, South Korea and Seoul, South Korea to learn more about the technology used in education. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, Nkiambi will be teaching English in Taiwan. Upon returning to the United States, he plans to pursue a master's in software engineering.

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Nathalie Leonardo - Fulbright ETA in Spain

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Nathalie Leonardo - Fulbright ETA in Spain

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Nathalie Leonardo, ’20 CLAS, of Newark, NJ, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and minors in Criminology and Spanish. In the past two years she has served as a Resident Assistant fostering fellowship amongst Villanova University residents. As Secretary and Vice President of the Epsilon Eta Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., she has helped put together interactive programming to educate others, fundraise for St. Jude and encourage community engagement. In addition to these contributions, she has dedicated her undergraduate experience to working with the immigrant community as an interpreter for the Charles Widger Law School and as an intern for the International Rescue Committee. As a Fulbright Teaching Assistant, she will teach English in the Canary Islands. Upon returning to the U.S., she will attend law school and continue her work with the immigrant community.

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Michelle Mendez-Castro - PPIA JSI (Carnegie Mellon)

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Michelle Mendez-Castro - PPIA JSI (Carnegie Mellon)

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Michelle Mendez-Castro, ’21 CLAS, of Trenton NJ, is a rising senior with a Criminology and French & Francophone Studies double major and a Spanish minor. Michelle’s passion is to give back to her community through her work. She works as a Community Interpreter for Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and is a Sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Michelle has also worked as a Community Development Intern with Isles, Inc,. a non-profit in Trenton, New Jersey, focused on fostering self-reliant families and healthy homes.  She hopes to work internationally to foster a global network and bring attention to human rights violations. This summer Michelle will attend the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute (JSI) at Carnegie Mellon University.

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Michelle Kimura - Fulbright Research in Kenya

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Michelle Kimura - Fulbright Research in Kenya

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Michelle Kimura, ’20 CLAS, of Honolulu, Hawai’i, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Justice and a minor in Biology. A tour guide on campus through the Blue Key Society, Kimura has also volunteered as a coach with Delaware County Special Olympics, acted as a learning community student facilitator, and is a member of Chi Omega sorority. She was as a producer for this year’s International Social Justice Documentary. Kimura will spend her Fulbright year in Kenya studying the intersectionality between disability and health, conducting a research project titled, “Health and Equity for Those with Disabilities in Kenya.” Upon her return to the U.S., Kimura intends to pursue a career in medicine.

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Mackenzie Jorgensen, CLAS '20, from Seattle, WA, studies Computer Science and Philosophy. She has completed research projects in the U.S., U.K., and Germany on topics such as big data analytics, multi-agent communication and coordination, and hate speech moderation through machine learning. All of her research endeavors resulted in publications. Since she was 14 years old, she has made outreach a priority. She founded a non-profit which runs coding clubs for young girls in the Seattle area, and she has started similar coding club programs in Philadelphia and in the UK (while studying abroad at Oxford). Mackenzie will pursue her PhD in Computer Science funded by the Safe and Trusted AI Centre for Doctoral Training at King's College London. She will research algorithmic fairness and will continue her outreach to inspire girls to code.

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Elizabeth Einig - Fulbright ETA in Poland

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Elizabeth Einig - Fulbright ETA in Poland

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Elizabeth Einig, '16 VSB, of Camp Hill, PA, graduated in the spring of 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. During her time at Villanova, she was an active member of Blue Key Society and a Career Assistant in the University Career Center. Einig joined Teach For America upon graduation, and she has spent the past four years teaching secondary math in San Antonio and Los Angeles. As a Fulbright ETA in Poland, she will teach English to university students. Upon her return, she intends to pursue a career in higher education.

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Elizabeth (Libby) O’Brien ’19 CLAS, of Cape Elizabeth, ME, graduated cum laude with degrees in Environmental Studies and Philosophy. At Villanova, she served as the President of Phi Sigma Tao Philosophy Honors Society and President of the Panhellenic Executive Council. O’Brien completed two National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates over summers 2017 and 2018. After graduation, she completed a Fulbright Research Fellowship in the Philippines. She serves as an alumni representative on Villanova Philosophy Department’s Diversity Outreach Committee. O’Brien has coauthored multiple forthcoming scientific publications. Next year, she will pursue a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan.

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Jillian Haggard - Fulbright ETA in Spain

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Jillian Haggard - Fulbright ETA in Spain

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Jillian Haggard, ’20 CLAS, of Basking Ridge, NJ, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish. Throughout her time at Villanova University, she served as a Community Interpreter for the Villanova Law Clinic, tutored at after-school programs in Philadelphia, and was a member of the Sophomore Service Learning Community and Alpha Gamma Delta. She studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain during the fall of her junior year and will return to Spain as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon completion of her Fulbright year, she plans to pursue a career in school psychology.

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Jasmine Thornton - Fulbright ETA in Greece

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Jasmine Thornton - Fulbright ETA in Greece

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Jasmine Thornton, ’20 CLAS, of Houston, TX, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Educational Policy. She has served as President for both her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Xi Chapter, and the Pennsylvania State Education Association chapter on Villanova's campus. She has served as an Executive Board Member for student organizations such as the Multicultural Greek Council and the Pre-Law Black Law Students Association. Jasmine will be traveling to Greece to complete a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship. Upon return to the U.S., Thornton intends to continue her studies by eventually earning an Ed.D in Education Policy and going on to work at a think tank as an education policy analyst specifying in urban education and financial aid.

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Isabel Forward - Fulbright ETA in Colombia

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Isabel Forward - Fulbright ETA in Colombia

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Isabel Forward, ’20 CLAS, of Denver, CO, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and English, with minors in Spanish, Peace & Justice, and Latin American Studies. She has served as a leader for multiple Villanova Service and Justice experiences and assisted in the development of a new program focusing on Immigration Justice and Community Leadership. While at Villanova, she challenged dominant narratives surrounding immigration through her work published in Slate magazine and as a speaker at TEDxVillanovaU. She served on the executive boards of Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity and LEVEL, in addition to her membership of the Blue Key Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and her role as an Orientation Staff member. She will spend her Fulbright year in Colombia serving as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon her return to the U.S., she will attend law school to pursue a career in domestic policy reform.

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Grace McGowan - Fulbright MITACS in Canada

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Grace McGowan - Fulbright MITACS in Canada

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Grace McGowan, ’21 CLAS, of Kansas City, KS, is a Political Science and French & Francophone Studies double major and Business minor. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Be Well Nova and a member of Alpha Phi sorority. Grace has studied abroad in Lille, France and interned in Dublin, Ireland. Grace was offered a Fulbright-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship for the summer of 2020, where she would have researched multinational military coalitions in Montréal, Québec over a period of 12 weeks. Grace was also an alternate for the Critical Language Scholarship. Unfortunately, both programs were cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19. This summer, Grace will continue her work as an intern at KMS Law Offices in Berwyn, PA, where she assists counsel with their estate planning practice.

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Ben Moy - Fulbright Research in Indonesia

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Ben Moy - Fulbright Research in Indonesia

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Benjamin Moy, ’20 CLAS, of Cohasset, MA, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Environmental Science and Geography. He has been on Villanova's Men’s Rowing Team for four years. Moy studied abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand, which sparked his interest in pursuing research in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Moy will be conducting his Fulbright year in Indonesia where he will learn Bahasa Indonesian through the Critical Language Enhancement Award. His project will study socioeconomic impacts on regulation of shark fisheries in Tanjung Luar Village on the island of Lombok. Upon completion of his Fulbright year, Moy will return to New Zealand to pursue a graduate degree in oceanography with a concentration in marine management.

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Clare Reckner - Fulbright ETA in the Czech Republic

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Clare Reckner - Fulbright ETA in the Czech Republic

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Clare Reckner, '20 CLAS, of Sellersville, PA, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric, and a minor in Communication. A Dr. Richard Neville Distinguished Student awardee, Clare served in multiple leadership roles in arts and service organizations at Villanova. She also studied abroad for a semester in Galway, Ireland. As an English Teaching Assistant, Clare will teach in a secondary school in the Czech Republic. Upon her return to the U.S., Clare will pursue a J.D.

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Christina Prinssen - Fulbright ETA in South Korea

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Christina Prinssen - Fulbright ETA in South Korea

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Christina Prinssen, '20 CLAS, of Torrington, CT, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Global Interdisciplinary Studies, with a minor in Japanese. On campus she served two years as president of the Japanese Club, was a member of the Villanova Voices, and worked for Villanova Catering. She has spent two consecutive summers working with Japanese students in Ibaraki, Japan and at Keio Academy of New York. She will complete her Fulbright year in South Korea as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon her return she intends to pursue a career in international relations.

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Chris Deucher - Fulbright ETA in the Czech Republic

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Chris Deucher - Fulbright ETA in the Czech Republic

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Chris Deucher, ’20 CLAS, of Cleveland, OH, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Business. During his time on campus, Deucher served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Villanovan, a Resident Assistant, and student leader for Villanova on the Hill—a week-long immersion program. This past summer, he interned in the United States Senate. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, he will teach English at a secondary school in the Czech Republic. Upon his return to the U.S., Deucher will attend law school.

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Caraline Gammons - Fulbright Study in the UK

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Caraline Gammons - Fulbright Study in the UK

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Caraline Gammons, ‘20 CLAS, of East Greenwich, RI, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a minor in Geography. A Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellowship recipient, Caraline has been an active member of the Curry Research Lab and is completing a thesis on achromatic plumage variance in local pure and hybrid chickadee species. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority as well as the pre-veterinary club. Caraline will spend her Fulbright year completing a Master’s degree in One Health at the Royal Veterinary College in London, followed by a four month research project abroad. Upon completion of her Fulbright year, Caraline intends to attend veterinary school in pursuit of a

career in veterinary research.

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Caleigh Manyak - Fulbright ETA in Brazil

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Caleigh Manyak - Fulbright ETA in Brazil

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Caleigh Manyak, ‘20 CLAS, of Cape May, NJ, will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Global Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Arab and Islamic Studies. She has served as an Executive Board Member for Villanova College Democrats, as well as a Cardinal Cabinet Director for Chi Omega Fraternity. After working as a field organizer for the Democratic National Committee for the 2020 election, she will go to Brazil to complete a Fulbright year as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon return to the U.S., Caleigh intends to continue her studies by earning a master's degree in Education Policy.

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Amanda Burau - Fulbright ETA in Bulgaria

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Amanda Burau - Fulbright ETA in Bulgaria

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Amanda Burau, ‘19 CLAS-Master’s, of Philadelphia, PA graduated last summer with a Master of Human Resource Development degree. Burau has spent the beginning of her career in urban and rural communities working with low-income, first-generation students pursuing admission to and success through college. She completed her undergraduate work in 2013 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) studying Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. Through her involvement at UNL, she was awarded both the Heart and Soul Award and the Hero Award for citizenship and service. Burau will spend the next year as an English Teaching Assistant in Bulgaria where she is excited to immerse herself in Bulgarian culture, help students in and out of the classroom, and explore the beautiful countryside.