The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest exchange program in the United States. Its highly competitive honor is bestowed on students and young professionals dedicated to studying, teaching or conducting research worldwide. Two University of New Mexico students recently received exciting news to pack their bags.

Maureen Meyer
Maureen Meyer

Maureen Meyer, who graduated from UNM in 2014 with a master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies received the Fulbright Scholarship to do research in Cameroon.

She proposed a unique project that focuses on a particular plant species for medical use.

"I am honored to be a recipient of the Fulbright Award,” said Meyer. “This is a huge accomplishment as I continue in the pursuit of my dreams to learn about various cultures through personal experience, travel and to broaden my understanding of healing through examining medicinal plants."

Jenna Hagengruber, a UNM Presidential Scholarship recipient and President of the Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM), received the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Bosnia.

Jenna Hagengruber
Jenna Hagengruber

Graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy, Hagengruber is looking forward to teaching and her first trip out of the country.

“I come from a family full of teachers—education is a common topic at holiday dinners and family gatherings,” she said. “My passion lies within writing education policy, focused specifically on the state of New Mexico. But before writing policy, I feel I truly need to experience being an educator. I am more than enthusiastic to begin.”

Fulbright Scholars are hosted in 140 countries worldwide.