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Victoria Sunseri ’18 has been awarded a 2018 Fulbright U.S. Student Research Award to Italy. She will represent the U.S. as a cultural ambassador while overseas, helping to enhance mutual understanding between Americans and the people in Italy.

Sunseri is one of 12 UT students who have been awarded Fulbrights since 2006.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide.

Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

Sunseri is an honors student, who will receive a double degree in public health and psychology, with a concentration in behavioral health. In 2017 she travelled to Sri Lanka to volunteer with a nonprofit social service organization as the recipient of the Timothy M. Smith Inspiration Through Exploration Award, an annual grant given to stimulate international travel and writing among UT Honors Program students. 

“Victoria is an excellent ambassador for the U.S. as a UT graduate, which she’s exemplified through her time at the University,” said Marca Bear, associate dean of international programs.

Sunseri’s international academic experiences include a four-week travel course on community development to Ghana she did with UT’s Kevin Fridy, associate professor of political science. She is a President’s Leadership Fellow and Diversity Advisory Fellow, and has worked with mental health promotion on campus, including as co-coordinator of Active Minds and working towards creating a mental health education video for first year students.

The Office of International Programs supports students, faculty and alumni who wish to pursue a Fulbright grant and offers advising and guidance throughout the application process. Through these efforts, the Office of International Programs supports their ambitions while preparing them to engage the world beyond UT’s borders.

In 2014, UT joined the Generation Study Abroad, a national campaign dedicated to the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad.

For additional program background, facts and statistics, please consult the program one-pagers from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Fulbright website.