The Legacy of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Continues at UH
University of Houston Cougars continue to travel and expand their academic horizons and impact communities around the globe through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. As it celebrates its 80th year, eight UH students and alumni have been awarded scholarships from the Fulbright program, the world’s largest international academic exchange initiative.
Their selection reflects the University of Houston’s increasing global presence as more Cougars pursue opportunities to learn, serve, and share the knowledge and experiences gained at UH.
“It is no surprise that eight University of Houston students have earned prestigious Fulbright Scholarships,” remarked UH Provost Diane Chase. “As they venture abroad to teach, conduct research, and build cross-cultural bridges, the unique insights and diverse perspectives they gain and bring back will enrich our academic community and play a vital role in fostering innovation and understanding throughout the Greater Houston area.”
The latest recipients contribute to a growing tradition of Fulbright excellence at UH. Since 2018, 82 University of Houston students have earned Fulbright awards, reflecting the University’s commitment to academic achievement, global engagement and cultural exchange.
This year, Nine Abad was the first UH student to receive the Taiwan Debate Coach Grant. They are a 2026
graduate with double degrees in Political Science and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality
Studies, and a minor in Leadership Studies from the Honors College. Only four debate
coaches across the nation were chosen from this year's Fulbright application pool.
"As an alum from the University of Houston's Honors College, I have learned to be a better student and educator, which I aim to carry with me as I coach debate in Taichung, Taiwan,” said Abad. “I am eternally grateful to OURMA for connecting me with the Fulbright opportunity and aiding me in the application process. Dr. Rayder's and Dr. Bettinger’s advice and guidance gave me the opportunity to coach abroad, in addition to transforming my writing to be clearer, more reflective, and more precise.
I am ecstatic to bring what I've learned from the Honors College to Taiwan in order to support students in becoming future leaders and lifelong learners.”
Krishna Lathish was awarded a Taiwan English Teaching Assistantship. Lathish was an English major
with minors in India Studies and Phronésis, who will be teaching in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
"I'm excited to explore Taiwan as a student and educator. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship gives me the opportunity to apply what I've learned at UH in a completely new context and gain experience I'll use throughout the rest of my life. I'm looking forward to learning about Taiwanese culture from my students and coordinators and sharing what makes Houston special to me in return."
Thousands of miles west of Taiwan, in Central Asia, is Kazakhstan, where Maryam Mukhtarov will become the first University of Houston student to receive a Fulbright grant
to the region.
"As a former English language learner, it's especially meaningful to serve as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. I'm excited to learn about Kazakhstan's history, culture, and language while bringing the teaching experiences I gained through teachHOUSTON into my classroom. I hope my own journey encourages students to approach English with confidence."
In August, Sophie Nguyen, will get her wish to return to Vietnam, where she will complete a Fulbright English
Teaching Assistantship. Nguyen recently graduated with a bachelor’s in English and
a minor in Phronésis from the Honors College.
“I have always wanted, in abstract, to return to Vietnam, to gain a community, and
to someday represent myself and Vietnam with confidence. Fulbright has made that someday,
today. The care that was bestowed upon me, studying English literature at the University
of Houston, was detailed, deliberate, and gave just as good as I put into it. If I
can give a fraction of that experience to another student and water their growth,
it will only make my experiences at UH that more meaningful.”
Naveera Majid was awarded the Manchester Metropolitan University Specialty Award. She currently
works as a development coordinator for the Reunion and Volunteer Giving Team at Rice
University. In September, she will attend Manchester Metropolitan University, where
she will pursue a master’s degree in creative writing (Poetry). Majid earned a bachelor’s
degree in English and a minor in sociology from the University of Houston in 2023.
"This Fulbright represents years of growth as a poet and a person. While waiting for this opportunity, I’ve stayed connected to the organizations and people that support Houston's creative writing community while building a career, including my current role at Rice University, which has deepened my understanding of community and service. Through it all, I’ve received unending support from my mentors and professors at the University of Houston.
It will be a pleasure to bring this amalgamation of myself to the UK. I'm arriving at Manchester Metropolitan University with experiences, mentors, and perspectives I wouldn't have had otherwise. I'm eager to see how living in Manchester and becoming part of its vibrant poetry community will shape both my craft and the stories I'll bring back to Houston."
Isabella Knoepffler, an Honors College student with a major in political science and a minor in sociology
and Phronésis, garnered a Spain English Teaching Assistantship.
“The University of Houston has profoundly shaped who I am today, so receiving this award is both an incredible honor and a reflection of that impact. I’m grateful for this opportunity to foster connection through language and cultural exchange while learning from my students and the community around me in the Canary Islands. When I return to Houston, I hope to bring back a deeper appreciation for intercultural communication that will guide me throughout my career in law and public service."
Two additional students were awarded Fulbright grants but elected not to be featured in this article.
Each year, the distinguished scholarship initiative supports the academic and professional journeys of more than 8,000 scholars, professors, students, and artists in over 160 countries, creating opportunities for participants to engage across cultures while addressing issues of global importance.
Students interested in applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program should contact Dr. Ben Rayder in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards.