Purdue again recognized as a top producer of Fulbright students and scholars

Purdue doctoral student Isaac Wheeler is using his Fulbright grant at the Polytechnic of Turin in Italy to learn new techniques for his dissertation research on pharmaceutical lyophilization while also creating a cultural and social experience for him and his family.

Purdue University stands among the top of the nation’s major research universities for its number of students and faculty selected this year for Fulbright student and scholar programs, marking a fourth consecutive year of recognition as a “top-producing institution” by the U.S. Department of State.

With 14 students and seven faculty offered prestigious Fulbright grants each for the 2024-25 academic year, Purdue is one of just 13 doctoral institutions nationwide to earn the distinction of being a top producer of both students and faculty.

“Our consistency in winning competitive Fulbright awards reflects the exemplary scholarly achievements of our students and faculty,” Purdue Provost Patrick Wolfe said. “It’s a prime example of Purdue’s academic excellence at scale.”

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program Grantees across 12 countries are:

Aditi Anand, West Lafayette; India: Nehru Open Study/Research Award
Olivia Anderson, Columbia, Missouri; English teaching assistant in North Macedonia
Sara Cuevas-Quiñones, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Chile Science Initiative Award
Paige Fulkerson, Carmel, Indiana; English teaching assistant in Thailand
Paige Liebel, St. Petersburg, Florida; Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Award
Julia McAulay, Dallas; Honduras: Open Study/Research
Victoria Patellos, Zionsville, Indiana; English teaching assistant in Spain
Sara Poulin, Michigan City, Indiana; English teaching assistant in Greece
Emily Primm, Pearland, Texas; English teaching assistant in Mexico
Erin Rockhill, Valparaiso, Indiana; English teaching assistant in Germany
Andrea Untama, Westfield, Indiana; English teaching assistant in Spain
Isaac Wheeler, Provo, Utah; PhD student; Italy: Open Study/Research
Arden Woodall, Noblesville, Indiana; English teaching assistant in Colombia

Wheeler, a doctoral candidate in chemical engineering, is at the Polytechnic of Turin in Italy, using the institution’s LyoLab for researching pharmaceutical lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying. He hopes to gain familiarity with another model for freeze-drying that will enhance his dissertation research at Purdue.

“Ever since I served a two-year mission for my church in Italy, I have been enchanted by Italian language and culture. With the Fulbright program, I could turn that fascination into real scientific collaboration and professional connection,” Wheeler said. “Bringing my wife and children took some extra paperwork, but has extended the cultural exchange into dimensions that will make our family more understanding and better at cross-cultural communication.”

Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world and have included 41 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur fellows, and countless leaders and changemakers who build mutual understanding between citizens of the U.S. and those of other countries.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS OFFICE (NISO)

Housed in the John Martinson Honors College, NISO coordinates the process of applying for scholarships and grants that require a university nomination. Students applying for prestigious awards (including Fulbright U.S. Student Program) receive support and guidance through this office.

Media contact: Erin Murphy, ermurphy@purdue.edu, 765-496-5603