As part of St. Mary’s commitment to academic and professional excellence, the National Fellowships & Awards Office (NFAO) supports current students and alumni who wish to apply for nationally competitive funding opportunities.
NFAO is particularly focused on:
- Mentoring seniors and recent graduates with applications for to teach English, go to graduate school, or do research internationally;
- Assisting students intending to pursue a career in public service with applying for that help cover the cost of tuition but also provide professional development funds beyond graduation;
- Supporting future leaders in both environmental fields as well as tribal policy and health care fields in applying for that offer assistance with tuition, fees, room and board, and books; and
- Helping undergraduate researchers in STEM fields in pursuing that provide funding towards tuition, room and board, and books.
Each year, selected mentoring cohorts for Fulbright, Goldwater, Udall, and Voyager receive advice and writing support from Dr. Cognard-Black as they prepare their application materials.
Nationally competitive awards are more than just a way to secure funding for teaching or research opportunities. They are transformative experiences that provide students with a competitive edge for graduate or professional school and for future careers.
Recent SMCM Fulbright Recipients
Surisitee Motiram is living and working in Colombia on a 2024-2025 English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award. When asked about the trip, Surisitee said, “As I embark on this journey, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude. It’s not just about where I’m going; it’s about the connections I’ll make, the knowledge I’ll gain, and the impact I hope to create.” Surisitee graduated from SMCM in the spring of 2023.
Surisitee Motiram with fellow Colombian ETAs holding self-portraits
Jon Geyer enjoying a suburban walk in Taiwan
Summer LaRocco enjoying the beautiful landscape of Taiwan
Summer LaRocco and Jon Geyer, both Asian Studies majors, traveled to Taiwan during the summer of 2024 through Fulbright-Hays Grants to study Mandarin. Summer said of her experience in Taiwan, “From vacationing in the mountain village of Jiufen to picking green onions in Yilan County, I experienced distinct aspects of Taiwanese culture. Tamkang University’s language program deepened my hopes of becoming a Foreign Service Officer or translator.” In turn, Jon added, “Studying in Taiwan was instrumental in improving my Chinese to a nearly professional proficiency. The experience involved long, winding bus rides through the heart of Taiwan and also finding a new home with a host family, who I will know for the rest of my life. I now face a competitive job market with an advantage, for which I am very grateful.” Jon graduated from SMCM in the spring of 2024, and Summer will graduate in 2025.
Tess Ovington is teaching English to Austrian high-school students as a U.S Teaching Assistant (USTA) for the 2024–2025 year. As a teacher in the state of Lower Austria, Tess is spending a year in Melk, a town on the River Danube, an hour west of Vienna. When asked about her Fulbright experiences, Tess said, “Alongside teaching, I’ve had time to explore world-famous museums, attend incredible ballets and concerts, and appreciate the cultural and historical richness of Austria. Pursuing this position has afforded me opportunities I would otherwise never have had access to—it’s a privilege.” Tess graduated from SMCM in the spring of 2024.
Tess Ovington relaxing in Melk, Lower Austria