When     Wales

About Kiersten

 

I'm a rising sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I'm a Walter Williams Scholar, Judge Ross T. Roberts Scholar, Honors College Discovery Fellow and Ambassador, Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and a member of the Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, MU Admissions Outreach Student Recruitment Team, and Omicron Delta Kappa’s Top 14 Freshmen program. She is studying Journalism (Strategic Communication) and Business, and conducts undergraduate research in the PRIME (Psychological Research in Media Effects) Lab. I graduated Salutatorian from Marquette High School, where I was a Class Officer, National Art Honor Society Vice President, Varsity Golf Captain and National Honor Society member. I earned the National Charity League Service Award, Glory of Missouri Education Award and was recognized as a National AP Scholar and award-winning artist and pianist. 

 

2014 Fulbright Wales Summer Institute

 

As a participant in the 2014 Fulbright Wales Summer Institute, I hope to explore how the Welsh uphold their language and culture through the Welsh media and devolved National Assembly.​ Studying at Cardiff University will allow me to explore industrial and economic change in the valleys and coastal ports of South Wales. The program at Bangor University will discuss identity and how the small nation of Wales can uphold its traditions, culture and language. At Aberystwyth University, I will come to understand the environmental implications of economic development. Traveling over 4,000 miles to a new country, academic institution, and economic and political infrastructure will open my eyes to cultural differences. Similarly, traveling to three different universities within Wales will provide insight into the variation across different regions of the small nation.

 

The Fulbright Commission Wales Summer Institute is a cultural and academic programme for US students held at three internationally renowned Welsh universities; Cardiff University, Bangor University and Aberystwyth University focusing on the theme of: Contemporary Wales: Industry, Politics, Culture and Change. Participants will learn about Wales – its culture, history, its geographical differences and the role that industry has taken in shaping the historical, political and cultural landscape of Wales. Participants will also learn about the role of Wales within the United Kingdom and the wider world and Welsh influences internationally.

 

The US-UK Fulbright Commission

 

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship programme, offering awards and summer programmes for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university. The Commission is part of the Fulbright programme conceived by Senator J. William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer programme participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the “special relationship” between the US and UK.

 

The Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Programme and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.