Eight UF students awarded Fulbright Scholarships for international studies

October 7, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Eight University of Florida students have received Fulbright U.S. Student Scholarships to travel abroad for the 2009-2010 academic year in their chosen field of study. The scholarship provides funding for graduating seniors and graduate students to spend an academic year in one of 140 countries.

Here are the students, their majors, the subjects they will study and where:

• David Borenstein, Chinese/political science, political science, China
• Jeffrey Hoelle, anthropology, anthropology, Brazil
• Lauren Long, interdisciplinary ecology, ecology/environmental studies, New Zealand
• Timothy Podkul, anthropology, anthropology, Peru
• Carol Reyes, journalism, English teaching assistantship, Taiwan
• Matthew Schwarz, economics/political science, political science, Vietnam
• Gloria Tavera, political science/ interdisciplinary neurobiological science, medical science, Mexico
• David Wang, medicine, public health, Malawi

Fulbright scholarships are based on academic or professional achievements and demonstrated leadership potential. Grants are awarded in nearly all fields and disciplines including the sciences, professional fields and performing arts.

“The Fulbright program provides an amazing opportunity for our students to conduct international research and teaching at a time when cultural exchange has never been more important,” said John Denny, UF Honors Program associate director. “This year’s group is representative of the creative ideas and outstanding academic preparation of our students, as well as the excellent mentoring provided by the UF faculty.”