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Two graduate students and an alumna will conduct research in Uganda, Vietnam and the Netherlands, respectively, and another alumna will teach in South Korea as awardees of Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2026-27 academic year.

The recipients of one of the nation’s most prestigious international exchange programs, announced by the Graduate School Office of Professional Development and the Office of National Scholarship Advisement, are:  

Laura Haynes, who is pursuing a doctorate in anthropology, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to conduct dissertation research at Lake Nabugabo, Uganda, where she will be hosted by the Fish and Monkey Project. 

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Haynes’ research examines how beneficial microbes are transmitted through social networks among Rwenzori colobus monkeys; a species that shares key traits with humans, such as nested, multi-level social networks and shared group infant (allomaternal) care. Her studies could improve understanding of how social relationships influence microbial transmission and health in both primates and humans. 

“The Fulbright has been on my radar since beginning my M.A./Ph.D. in 2022,” Haynes said. “This grant provides an exceptional opportunity to support my field research as well as connect me to a global network of researchers. This opportunity for international diplomacy appealed to my broader reasons for becoming a scientist. I am passionate about public engagement and building community, which are values integrated in the Fulbright experience.”

Haynes currently resides in Ware but is a native of Citrus County, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in art and anthropology from the University of Florida and her master’s from UMass Amherst. 

Andre Kenneth “Chase” Randall, who is pursuing a doctorate in computer science, received a Fulbright Open Study Research Award to work with faculty at Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City University of Science.  

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Randall’s research explores how AI-powered learning tools can be adapted to local educational practices rather than relying on Western instructional models. By studying curriculum, classroom instruction and student learning in Vietnam, he aims to develop a framework and design recommendations for culturally responsive AI in computer science education and explore how AI can adjust to student knowledge but also to cultural patterns of collaboration, feedback and motivation. It also further supports cross-cultural knowledge exchange between the United States and Vietnam.

“Receiving the Fulbright was incredibly rewarding because I knew how competitive research awards are; my odds were only 30 to 40%,” Randall said. “This project brings together my interests in AI, education and international collaboration, and it offers an opportunity to develop technologies that are responsive to the needs of students in different cultural settings.” 

Randall is a native of Atlanta and currently resides in Springfield. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in computer science from Georgia State University and his master’s from Carnegie Mellon University. 

Laleh Panahi ’25, who earned dual bachelor’s degrees in operations and information management and journalism in Commonwealth Honors College (CHC), was named a 21st Century Leader and CHC’s Celebration of Excellence student speaker, also received a Fulbright Open Research Award. She will spend 10 months in the Netherlands conducting research with the Helsinki Committee’s Rights-Based Justice Program.   

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“My project examines labor market reintegration after incarceration and explores how employment, vocational training and workplace belonging contribute to successful reentry,” Panahi said. “The project will involve interviews with researchers, nonprofit organizations, practitioners and individuals with lived experience, with the goal of developing a comparative understanding of how reintegration is supported in both the Netherlands and the United States.”

Panahi’s project builds on her honors college thesis, which examined incarceration through the lens of childhood experiences and system involvement.  

“As I continued that work, I became increasingly interested in what happens after incarceration, specifically how employment, workplace belonging and community support affect successful reintegration,” Panahi said. 

Panahi is from Marlborough and currently resides in New York City, working for the Brooklyn public school system.

Lindsey Rodman ’25, who earned her bachelor’s degree in biology, received the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship and will travel to South Korea in January to work alongside local teachers to support English language learning while promoting cultural exchange.

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“The Fulbright Program aims to foster engaging and inclusive learning environments where students are able to build confidence in speaking English through cross-cultural discussions and engaging activities,” Rodman said. “Living in Korea will also deepen my understanding of Korean society and its education system, which will further strengthen my skills as an educator.”

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is directed and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected based on academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their respective fields and a commitment to community engagement. 

At UMass Amherst, undergraduate students and alumni applying for Fulbright awards are supported by the Office of National Scholarship Advisement, located in the Commonwealth Honors College, directed by Madalina Akli. Graduate students are supported by the Graduate School Office of Professional Development under the guidance of Heidi Bauer-Clapp, associate director for grants and fellowships.