Seven University of Washington students and recent alumni were awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year, joining about 2,000 students and recent graduates from around the country to pursue graduate study, conduct research and teach English abroad.
The Fulbright scholarship program is the largest U.S. international exchange opportunity for students to pursue graduate study, advanced research and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
The Fulbright awards speak to the talent, curiosity and global commitment of University of Washington students, said UW Vice Provost for Global Affairs Ahmad Ezzeddine.
“Fulbright remains one of our nation’s most powerful platforms for learning across cultures, and it gives students the opportunity to pursue ambitious research, teaching and study while building meaningful relationships around the world,” Ezzeddine said. “We’re grateful for the State Department’s continued investment in this program and proud to see UW students representing our university — and the best of higher education — as thoughtful ambassadors engaged in work that will have lasting impact.”
Among this year’s recipients are four UW undergraduate students or recent alumni who plan to travel to Europe and Asia to take part in graduate study, research and teaching assistantships. Three graduate-level students, including one recent alumnus, plan to travel to Asia, Europe and South America.
The UW also had five undergraduate students selected as alternates.
This year’s undergraduate awardees are:
- Katherine Guild: English teaching award, South Korea
- Tin Pak: Master’s degree program award, Taiwan
- Sofia Regan-Boné: English teaching award, Spain
- Wendi Zhou: Study award, Germany
This year’s graduate awardees are:
- Vecksle Drake: English teaching award, Mongolia
- Tessa Marks: Research award, Honduras
- Justin Zeitlinger: Study award, Netherlands
The Fulbright program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides round-trip travel, health insurance, a housing stipend and visa assistance to awardees. Awardees may, from time to time, decline the Fulbright scholarship to pursue other opportunities.
Read more about this year’s UW Fulbright Student Program finalists and the projects they will pursue abroad at the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards website and the Graduate School’s website.