Seven CMC Fulbright Scholars have begun their year of research, study, and teaching abroad. The recipients, all from the Class of 2004, are: Mitzi Dorland, Elizabeth Jansma, Amanda Johnson, Gene Lee, Daniel Rosengard, Brian Taylor, and Lauren Weisskirk.
"The Fulbright Program supports academically oriented researchers who seek to immerse themselves in local culture and study specific topics abroad," says Fulbright Program adviser and Assistant Professor of Modern Languages Carrie Chorba. Sponsored by the U.S. State Department, the Fulbright offers opportunities to conduct career-launching study and research in more than 140 nations.
Chorba, responsible for promoting the program at CMC and overseeing the application, proposal, and interview processes, says the students' success, competing as undergraduates against Ph.D. and masters students, reflects the College's academic excellence, challenging coursework, and dedication to experience abroad.
Dorland, who cultivated her interest in death penalty law as a research assistant for Joseph Bessette, the Alice Tweed Tuohy Professor of Government and Ethics, is studying the modern history of the death penalty and the cultural values reflected in its application, while in the Philippines. Her senior thesis was a study of the death penalty in Texas. "I plan to specialize in criminal law," says Dorland, "and researching the death penalty in the Philippines will broaden my knowledge and experience and enable me to study the U.S. system with a clearer perspective."
"Mitzi has done outstanding work performing a variety of research tasks with great care, initiative, and precision," Bessette says. "The term research assistant' hardly captures the full dimension of her contribution."
Establishing a strong foundation for a career in education, Jansma will work as a teaching assistant in the French public school system. She also will study how France meets the challenges of immigration and decentralization, including managing increasingly diverse student bodies.
Johnson will study Arabic language and Islamic art and architecture at the University of Damascus in Syria. Her senior thesis, directed by Assistant Professor of Government Paul Kapur, examined Pakistan's alternative schooling option, the Madrasa system, and how it may promote Islamic militancy and terrorism.
Both Lee and Rosengard will teach English, in Korea. Lee's role as a teaching assistant will be augmented by study of primary and secondary teaching styles in Korean schools.
While teaching English in Turkey, Taylor will study the influence of music on culturehow traditional songs link Turkish people from varied backgrounds, and how popular music reflects a more Western style.
Building on experience from a summer spent researching women's rights in Malaysia, literature/government dual major Lauren Weisskirk will teach English and research domestic violence awareness and the women's rights movement in Indonesia.
"In the past decade, the issue of women's rights has just taken off in East Asia and the Pacific," Weisskirk explains, "and I hope that these new rights will be extended and protected."
"Lauren has a great commitment to global women's rights andaside from her considerable academic achievements has always demonstrated concern about the problems of justice," says Professor Robert Faggen, Weisskirk's thesis reader and academic adviser.
"She's an inspiring student," Faggen adds. "I'm delighted that CMC students are winning these awards."
"CMC's continues success winning these prestigious awards is something of which we can all be proud," agrees Chorba, who hopes to see even more Fulbright recipients this year.