UW–Madison’s Milda Aksamitauskas has been selected as one of only 12 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Alumni Ambassadors nationwide for 2026.

Chosen from a competitive pool of over 200 applicants, Aksamitauskas will spend the next two years representing the program at national conferences, hosting webinars, and mentoring future applicants—including fellow Badgers.

“I was very honored and excited when I heard the news,” Aksamitauskas said. “I am always reminded that Fulbright alumni are a pretty large group and it is extremely diverse in terms of professional fields and passions.”

Aksamitauskas’s ambassadorship stems from her Fulbright Public Policy exchange to Lithuania in 2023, where she collaborated directly with the Prime Minister’s Office and the State Data Agency on a national data strategy.

“The team in Lithuania was very eager to work on this project, and political people want to show impact quickly, so we did not waste a single day,” Aksamitauskas noted. “When something important is decided in a 45-minute meeting, you can see how fast things can change on a national scale.”

The reach of her exchange continues in Wisconsin. Aksamitauskas has channeled her inspiration back into the local community through the Madison Vilnius Sister Cities organization, supporting Lithuanian companies expanding into the U.S. market.

“I returned to Madison really inspired by Lithuania’s growing economy, and Madison Vilnius Sister Cities is a place where I can channel my citizen diplomacy,” she explained. “There are many Lithuanian companies that already have business in the U.S. and want to expand here… I am rooting for their success.”

It is this dedication to ongoing global connection and local impact that paved the way for her new national role. As an Alumni Ambassador, Aksamitauskas will draw directly on these experiences to inspire other scholars to build lasting international ties. 

“International exchange is for everyone… When you go somewhere as a Fulbrighter, you are going as an ambassador. Showing the best values of Americans – friendliness, generosity, democratic decision-making, innovation – you connect with people at a personal level. That personal connection is the most meaningful connection, and it still matters in bringing peace. When you return after the project, I think you see the U.S. and your community with new eyes.”

Interested in pursuing a Fulbright opportunity? Visit the program website to learn more about the different Fulbright programs and campus application resources.

Story by Kayla Daum

This summer, 76 students from disciplines across campus will participate in three-week programs in Chile, Estonia, Ghana, Korea, and Washington, D.C. Courses examine topics ranging from climate change and sustainability to geopolitical history, national development, international development, politics, and psychology.

The program is designed to make global learning more accessible. With support from the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Division of Enrollment Management, Global Gateway covers tuition, program fees, and airfare, helping reduce financial barriers that can prevent students from studying abroad. Students also benefit from traveling as part of a close-knit cohort guided by UW–Madison faculty leaders.

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) serves as the program provider for all current international locations and, beginning in 2026, will fund the Global Gateway in Chile program.

“Thanks to partners like the Office of Student Financial Aid and CIEE, study abroad is made even more accessible through Global Gateway,” said Dan Gold, assistant dean, International Academic Programs. “Our hope is to continue to alleviate barriers to students studying abroad so they can focus on experiences that are transformational academically, personally, and professionally.”

Spotlight on 2026 Global Gateway programs

Global Gateway in Chile will be led by Sara McKinnon, professor of rhetoric, politics, and culture, Department of Communication Arts. McKinnon is also the director of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Center. During the program, she will lead 15 students in exploring how climate change affects Chile and the Southern Cone of South America, and ways groups are developing justice initiatives and resilient solutions to address its effects. Upon returning, students will be able to connect their program experiences with sustainability activities both on and off campus.

Tristin Chapman from Sparta, Wisconsin, who is majoring in psychology and Spanish, is looking forward to taking what has been learned on campus into new contexts away from the classroom.

“My main academic goal is to deepen my understanding of global perspectives and connect those insights to the disciplines I’m already passionate about, including psychology, Spanish, and sustainability,” Chapman said. “Immersing myself in a new cultural and academic environment will help me strengthen my language skills and broaden how I think about people, policies, and places.”

Global Gateway in Estonia will be led by Liina-Ly Roos, assistant professor, Department of German, Nordic, Slavic +. Over the course of the program, Roos will lead 15 students in exploring how Estonia has developed from a post-Soviet country to a highly advanced digital society that values close connection to nature and environmental sustainability. Upon returning, students will be able to connect their program experiences with RISE-AI activities.

Anika Upadhyaya, an industrial engineering major from Madison, Wisconsin, is looking forward to participating to further examine how digital infrastructure and policy influence sustainable development and everyday life in Estonia.

“I hope to learn how different societies implement technology to support environmental and economic progress,” Upadhyaya said. “These insights would help me think more globally about engineering, systems, and problem-solving in my future career.”

Global Gateway in Ghana will be led by Gay Seidman, Martindale Bascom Professor of Sociology; and Heinz Klug, John and Rylla Bosshard Professor of Law. Together, they will lead a group of 15 Badgers in an investigation of how indigenous culture, colonial legacies, natural resources, and international pressures shape development strategies in Ghana.

Luna Galata, a political science major from Blaine, Minnesota, is excited about the prospect of not only immersing in a new culture but also bringing back experiences and lessons to campus to share with her fellow students.

“In many of my political science classes, we often discuss why some countries experience stronger economic development than others, and I’m excited about the chance to explore these questions through real-world experiences,” Galata said.

Global Gateway in Korea will be led by David Fields, associate director of the Center for East Asian Studies. During their time in Korea, Fields plans to visit sites across the country that illustrate how forces divided the Korean Peninsula and created the two radically different Korean states as we know them today. In doing so, the group will explore Korea’s history with the United States, its neighbors, and between North and South Korea.

Aubrie Hanna, an information science major from Delavan, Wisconsin, is eager to participate in the program to strengthen Korean language skills while exploring new cultures and perspectives.

“I also hope to explore how different cultures shape technology and design, which aligns with my interests in user experience,” Hanna said. “This will help me develop skills and insights that I can use in my future academic and career goals.”

Global Gateway in Washington, DC will be led by Amy Gangl, director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Political Science. Gangl plans to examine the psychology of political polarization while students sharpen their critical thinking about the current political climate.

Briana Rios, a legal studies major from Chicago, is looking forward to linking insights to future professional goals.

“My academic goal for this program is to learn more about the field of law and gain a broader understanding of legal systems,” said Rios. “I hope to become a lawyer in the future and work with organizations like the Innocence Project to help individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. This program will help me build knowledge and connections that support those goals.”

Follow the Global Gateway participants this summer as they share first impressions, discoveries, reflections, and more on the Study Abroad Student Stories website.

Story by Steve Barcus

Rose Mir Ramisa Raiyan, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics and global health, stepped far beyond her comfort zone in deciding to come to UW–Madison. After traveling from Bangladesh to Wisconsin—a 25-hour journey—she adjusted to differences in time zones, and temperature, as she embraced opportunities to grow as a scholar, a leader, and as a person.

As a double major earning multiple certificates in several schools and colleges, Rose also distinguished herself through her deep engagement with International Student Services. Since her first year on campus, she has contributed through panels, volunteering, outreach, and two years of leadership on the International Student Services Advisory Board. Through this work—and many other campus leadership roles—Rose has created community, elevated student voices, and strengthened support systems for international Badgers seeking their spot on campus.

Chelsie Lin, who will graduate with a master’s degree in information science, came to UW–Madison after establishing a successful career in Taiwan. Pursuing a degree here meant stepping away from the stability and familiarity of friends, family, and career. It was a risk—but one she now knows was worth taking.

From her earliest days on campus, Chelsie sought out opportunities to build community and connection. She joined the W Project—a crash course in school spirit and traditions for news students. She bolstered her reputation in UX and AI with an internship. She took part in campus and community events. And she spent the holidays with her host family in Florida who she had connected with over a decade earlier during a cultural exchange program. In each of these experiences, Chelsie was reminded that she made the right decision in following her heart to UW–Madison.

While Rose and Chelsie’s stories reflect some of the paths taken by international students, their experiences resonate with undergraduates and graduate students across UW–Madison. Domestic students who participated in study abroad and international internships, learned a second or third language, took area studies classes, and engaged with communities beyond campus have also demonstrated a willingness to adapt, to engage deeply with difference, and to grow through new experiences.

Embracing uncertainty, seeking connection, and developing new perspectives are among the most enduring lessons of a UW–Madison education.

There are many more remarkable students I could highlight and hope you will read about several of those who incorporated international education and engagement into their college experience, whether in Madison, elsewhere in the United States, or in a destination in another part of the world.

Congratulations to all of our graduates. Whether your home is 25 minutes from campus or 25 hours away, I hope you will always see UW–Madison as a place where you belong. We look forward to seeing the paths you will forge and the impact you will have in your chosen field as you carry forward the experiences, relationships, and learning you cultivated here.

On, Wisconsin!

JANUARY

International Student Services (ISS) hosted their annual International Student Welcome and Information Fair (ISWIF) to welcome incoming international students and connect them with student organizations and campus resources.

At the height of Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes‘ (WISLI) outreach season, the team hosted a two-day “Discover WISLI” event. 140 students stopped by to learn more, with conversations highlighting enthusiasm for studying languages such as Arabic, Burmese, Nepali, Portuguese, Tamil, Thai, Vietnamese, and Kazakh. 

FEBRUARY

Vice Provost and Dean Frances Vavrus participated in a panel with three of her fellow deans as part of the Kauffman Seminar. The deans discussed their leadership journeys, challenges faced, and the importance of collaboration.

Madeleine Connolly, an international scholar from Australia, was featured for her research on the psychological barriers to exercise. By studying the intersection of mental health and physical activity, Connolly explores why it can be so difficult to stay active during periods of anxiety or depression—and how to overcome those hurdles.

MARCH

CREECA co-sponsored the “Embroidered with Pain” traveling exhibit of six reproductions of tapestries encoded with embroidered symbols telling the stories of Ukrainian wartime sexual violence survivors. The exhibition featured QR codes next to each wall hanging, and attendees were invited to “Read the Cloth” which provided the stories behind each image and “Read the Ornament,” which explained the meaning of recurring motifs in the embroidery. 

Elsa Cardenas Canales, an international researcher from Mexico, was featured in the LACIS Lunchtime Lecture: Living with Vampire Bats. The event covered her work on managing the rabies virus in vampire bat populations with a “sticky” vaccine gel that utilizes the bats’ natural grooming habits.

The 54th annual Wisconsin High School Model United Nations (WHSMUN) returned to Ingraham Hall, bringing student delegates from across the state to practice the art of diplomacy. The event serves as a living example of the Wisconsin Idea by sharing the university’s global resources and expertise with the broader Wisconsin community.

UW–Madison students studying in Europe this spring traveled to Italy to attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

APRIL

Rajdeep Khangura, an international faculty member from India, was featured for his research on disease resistance in cereal crops. Khangura’s work is driven by a lifelong connection to the Wisconsin Idea, rooted in his childhood on a family farm in Punjab where his community relied on the dairy technology developed at UW–Madison.

IRIS and the Wisconsin Film Festival hosted the annual World Cinema Day, which brought over 800 K-12 students from across the state to campus. The program featured a collection of global short films, allowing students to see a wide range of storytelling styles and cultures.

MAY

ISS hosted the International Student Graduation Celebration honoring the Class of 2026. Students, along with their families and friends, came together to celebrate the graduates. The event featured remarks from International Division leadership and two student speakers.

The International Division celebrated graduates whose outstanding achievements and global perspectives have left a lasting impact on the UW–Madison campus and beyond.

Kimchi is more than food. Widely recognized as Korea’s national dish, the fermented staple—made of cabbage, radish, garlic, ginger, and chili—appears on tables across the country. Though it is frequently associated with Korean cuisine, the food transcends international boundaries. Produced and consumed worldwide, it moves across borders and production networks, carrying different cultural meanings depending on where and how it is made and sold.

An assistant professor of Korean Studies in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Heangjin Park’s work follows the diaspora of Korean kimchi producers in China. There, kimchi is made at an industrial scale and moves through global trade networks as both a commodity and a cultural object.

“The majority of food we consume daily is mass-produced, industrial commodity,” explained Park. “I want to focus on how food as a commodity is connected to economic value and moves across the global economy.”

In Qingdao, China, where Park has done extensive fieldwork, kimchi production operates at a striking scale. There are more than 60 factories in the city, each producing roughly 30 to 40 tons of kimchi per day. It’s a system built around volume—with food moving through production lines, packaging, and distribution systems that stretch across borders.

“I was interested in how and why Chinese produce particular food products that they don’t eat,” he said.

The main reason? Economics. South Korea’s demand for kimchi is enormous, making it difficult for domestic producers alone to keep up. At the same time, South Korea has limited farmland, which makes it more expensive to grow key ingredients like cabbage and garlic domestically than to source them in China. But importing raw ingredients into South Korea to produce kimchi there runs into high tariffs, while tariffs on finished goods—including kimchi—are not as steep. Combined with lower labor and production costs in China, it becomes more efficient to produce kimchi there than to move raw ingredients across borders and manufacture in South Korea. Yet economics alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

For many producers, kimchi carries significance beyond profit. It can express cultural identity, maintain traditions, and even signal political belonging.

In Qingdao and other industrial hubs, many kimchi factories are run by ethnic Korean communities in China—people who are Chinese citizens but trace language, family ties, and cultural heritage back to Korea. Their position is neither fully Chinese nor fully Korean, but something in between.

That in-between status shows up in how the product moves. When kimchi is exported to South Korea, it is often labeled as “Chinese kimchi,” regardless of how it is made or who produces it. In that context, questions of authenticity shape how it is received. In China, the same producers can more directly draw on their Korean identity, using it as a source of expertise and cultural legitimacy.

“Sometimes on certain occasions, more important than making money, is claiming their political belonging to Korea and China,” Park explained.

These Korean-Chinese producers bring deep knowledge of recipes, fermentation techniques, and flavor profiles passed down through families or communities. That knowledge isn’t abstract—it’s practical: how long to ferment, how to balance seasoning, how to recognize when a batch is “right.” It comes from experience passed down over time. That generational knowledge shapes not only production practices but also the cultural significance of kimchi.

Park also studies how kimchi is represented visually—particularly how it is represented once it enters the market. With a background in photography and film, he spent months helping factories develop product photos and promotional videos.

Through this work, he realized that visual aesthetics are a crucial way to define what Korea is—and what “Korean-ness” means for kimchi abroad. Small decisions, such as packaging, lighting, and composition, shape how kimchi is read in different cultures and contexts.

Park points out how something as simple as background design or lighting choices in product photos can shift whether kimchi feels “traditional,” “modern,” or “authentic” depending on the market it’s being sold into.

“My whole life as an anthropologist was fed by curiosity of other cultures and cultural differences,” Park said.

For Park, that curiosity is what makes it possible to notice how something as ordinary as food can reveal very different ways of living and understanding the world. He hopes students will develop that same openness—whether they are studying kimchi, walking through a local market, or rethinking what food represents in their own lives.

Park plans to bring this research into the classroom when he begins teaching in 2027, with courses on the Korean diaspora, East Asian ethnography, and food in Asia, that will help students connect global cultures to everyday experiences.

Those classes, he explains, will be shaped by his research on food systems like kimchi production, using them as real-world examples of how culture and the economy intersect daily.

Park hopes to expose students to Madison’s unique Asian food scene, which includes Hmong, Lao, and Tibetan communities. He plans to take students to local Asian markets for an “Asian grocery literacy” experience—learning not just what foods are made of, but how they are made, their cultural background, and the contexts in which they are eaten.

For Park, the research always comes back to the same question: how people use food to navigate culture, creativity, and community. Kimchi, in all its forms, is never just something to eat—it offers a way to follow lives, choices, and connections that span kitchens, borders, and generations, revealing the intricate ways food shapes and reflects everyday life.

That shift began through a scholarship program sponsored by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), a Saudi Arabian industrial company that funds students’ education abroad and offers employment after graduation. Through the program, Alnakhil had the opportunity to study at a wide array of universities, but ultimately chose to study in the United States thanks to her father’s previous positive experience doing so. Experiencing the lakes and the “homey” feeling of Madison during a campus visit made her final decision easy.

As Alnakhil started her accounting and consulting studies at UW–Madison, she was also adjusting to independent living and the constant use of English in daily life.

“It was challenging at first to be confident in just speaking, but two months in, I would say, I was more comfortable just being myself,” she said.

Her first years in Madison were focused on adjusting to life and studies in a new culture and environment. But as she continued on her college journey, she began to take a more active role on campus.

That involvement grew through a series of roles that connected her more closely to the Global Badger community. She joined the International Student Services Advisory Board, contributing her student perspective while also learning how the office supports international students, before later becoming a Reach Ambassador representing Saudi Arabia on campus and in the community.

“Representing my country and sharing my experience as a Saudi Arabian, and proud citizen, has been a really rewarding experience,” Alnakhil said.

She expanded her involvement further with business-focused organizations like Women in Finance & Accounting. Alnakhil also joined Badger Consulting, starting as an analyst and later becoming director of marketing, taking on increased responsibility within the organization.

Looking back on her time at UW–Madison, she shared that studying abroad was about more than just education, it gave her the opportunity to discover herself on her own timeline.

Alnakhil also reflected on the role of her involvement in shaping her time in the U.S., noting that it “wouldn’t have happened the same if I wasn’t as active as I decided to be.”

Now, as graduation approaches, she is preparing to return to Saudi Arabia and begin her career with SABIC, carrying with her the academic, professional, and leadership experiences she built throughout her time at UW–Madison.

These students represent a wide array of our international community—including the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program, the International Student Services Advisory Board (ISSAB), the King-Morgridge Scholars Program (KMScholars), and several area study centers within the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS). Below, we highlight several graduates whose outstanding achievements and global perspectives have left a lasting impact on the UW–Madison campus and beyond.

Sneha Chandrika Chavali

Degree: PhD in anthropology

Department: Department of Anthropology 

Teaching fellowship: “In 2022, I received a Teaching Fellowship offered jointly by the International Studies department and the Center for South Asia. Through this fellowship, I developed an undergraduate course titled Globalization and Transformation: South Asia and its Diaspora, which I taught virtually in 2022.”

Experience with the Center for South Asia (CSA): “The Center for South Asia has played an instrumental role in my academic journey. The Thursday lectures/talks and the Annual Conference on South Asia provided important platforms for networking, scholarly exchange, and sharing developments relevant to my field. I also benefited from having Dr. Preeti Chopra on my committee, whose expertise in South Asian visual arts and architecture, along with her strong affiliation with CSA, added meaningful interdisciplinary depth to my training.”

Future plans: Currently applying for postdoctoral and academic positions in the United States and internationally

Reem Itani

Degree: BA in political science with certificates in Middle East Studies, Arabic, African Studies, and Educational Policy Studies.

Received a 2024-2025 AY Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship from IRIS NRC in to study intermediate Arabic language and culture: “Through this fellowship, I studied third and fourth semester Arabic and other cultural courses related to the Middle East, such as the politics of gender and women’s rights in the Middle East. My favorite instance of studying at UW–Madison through FLAS was learning Arabic. I always came out of them with a robust understanding of Arabic writing mechanics and grammar.”

Studied abroad through the CIEE Middle East Studies Amman program in fall 2024: “This program entailed intensive study of intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), colloquial Jordanian Arabic, an independent research course, an internship course, and a Middle Eastern politics course. I also stayed with a host family, allowing me to further practice my Arabic outside the classroom. My FLAS award was integral to my attendance of the CIEE program. Without the generous funding granted to me to study Arabic in my region of heritage, I would likely not have as much local exposure to the language and would not have been able to conduct field research for my senior thesis.”

Campus positions: “I worked as a student assistant at the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Language Institute (MEDLI) between May 2023 and August 2024, worked at the Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI) during the summer of 2025, and have been working as an IAP Engagement Intern in the Study Abroad Office since September 2025. My favorite part of working at WISLI was continuously contributing to students’ language learning. Regarding my position at the Study Abroad Office, I most enjoy guiding other students through their application process, playing a part in ensuring their goal of studying abroad comes true.”

Experience with IRIS NRC: “My experience with IRIS NRC has been one of overwhelming support, first from FLAS, and especially from my exceptional and endlessly patient advisor Dr. Csanád Siklós. He helped me with everything throughout my four years, advising me on the FLAS application process, giving me detailed feedback on my graduate application materials, and navigating challenging coursework.”

Future plans: Pursuing an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford

Ndinda Kasyoka

Degree: Economics and Data Science

Highlight of her time at UW–Madison: “The highlights of my time here are centered on being able to learn through research. Right after my first Python class, and coding class, I got to do natural language processing research (NLP) at the Molecular Imaging Magnetic Resonance Lab. Being able to learn on the job was a cool experience, and I was able to learn the application of RAG (retrieval augmented generation) on medical data. I am currently working with IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Getting to work on astrophysics data as a web development and data visualization intern is an experience that I really value. Both of these experiences have helped prepare me for graduate school.”

Experience as a King-Morgridge Scholar: “The KMScholars Program fosters community and connection, as well as individual support. I’ve appreciated being able to work closely with program staff. I also partnered with KMScholar alumna Sifa Mildred Chome on my Wisconsin Idea Fellowship. The alumni network is strong. The KMScholars Program exposed me to speakers and leaders I wouldn’t otherwise have met. The program is very well-connected and the speakers’ experiences are valuable and helped me navigate through personal/professional development and career navigation.”

Future plans: Obtaining an MS in Business Analytics at the Wisconsin Business School at UW–Madison

Sascha Isabel Krause

Degrees: BS in neurobiology and Spanish

Certificates: Global Health; Chicana Latina Studies; Health Policy

Study abroad experiences:
Chiang Mai University, Thailand – UW biological research internship (summer 2023)
San José, Costa Rica – UW Spanish medical language immersion (winter 2024)
Vienna, Austria – UW Obesity & Nutrition internship (summer 2024)
University of Sydney, Australia (fall 2025)
Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain (spring 2026)

Highlight of her study abroad experiences: “My highlight at the University of Sydney was interning at the Daffodil Centre, a cancer research institute, to assist in the implementation of a digital health innovation for those who have undergone their first treatment of breast cancer.

Experience as a WISc Scholar: “Every WISc event was highly intentional, pure knowledge and inspiration. Learning from the experience of my peers from such a diverse range of career trajectories truly opened my eyes to what is possible and what we need to do as future changemakers. The support from the WISc team enabled me to pursue international work interwoven throughout my degree in ways I could not have dreamed of.”

Future plans: Continuing to pursue clinical work while applying to medical school to study women’s health

Andrea Lamarche 

Degree: Master of International Public Affairs (MIPA)

Department: La Follette School of Public Affairs 

Experience as a Project Assistant in European Studies: “When I first arrived at UW–Madison, having always lived in France, I was nervous about fitting in. But I was immediately welcomed by an amazing community of international and domestic students, and a position in European Studies that allowed me to keep ties with my home region. Saying yes to every conversation and opportunity became my greatest strength.”

Member of the International Student Services Advisory Board (ISSAB): “I had joined ISSAB to advocate for my international peers, and Madison now feels like home. This city and this campus taught me that confidence is built by doing, and I am immensely grateful for the unique opportunities I was given to do so.”

Future plans: Pursuing policy positions in the nonprofit sector at the intersection of evidence-based research, civic engagement, and advocacy

Hailey Shevitz

Degree: BA in international studies

Certificates: Leadership, French, European Studies, and Global Cultures Languages & Education

Awards and honors: Wolff Fellowship finalist, Richard Ralph Winter Phoenix Rising Humanitarian Scholarship, Germaine Mercier Scholarship, Hugh A. Smith Scholarship, Earl D. Johnson Endowed Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa

Experience as a WISc Scholar: “WISc truly changed my life! By providing me with an enriching community in Madison and funding for two study abroad internship programs, WISc has challenged my perspectives, built my confidence, and guided my path forward towards a career working with refugees. Not only have I developed strong leadership and language skills, but I’ve become more aware of the importance of uplifting local knowledge, asking questions, and listening to others. “

Future plans: “I am hoping to continue working with refugees, right now I am at the International Rescue Committee in the D.C. area (Wisconsin in Washington Program)”

Ethan vanderWilden

Degree: PhD in political science

Received an RA fellowship funded through the UW Center for German & European Studies (CGES-DAAD): “The fellowship was extremely helpful to me because it freed up my time during my third year of the PhD. Support from the fellowship ensured that my full focus could go to my dissertation and other research projects. Without this time and focus, getting these projects off the ground would have been significantly harder/slower.”

Experience with European Studies: “European Studies has been an excellent resource throughout graduate school. Beyond the fellowship and grant opportunities that the center provided, I was able to engage in and participate in multiple events sponsored through the European Studies center that offered a chance to meet excellent scholars from around the world, learn new things, and seek feedback on my own work.”

Future plans: Assistant Professor of Political Science starting next fall at University of Utah

Annika Marie Santos Webb

Degrees: BA in Spanish and conservation biology

Departments: Departments of Spanish and Portuguese, and Integrative Biology

Journalism internship through the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS): “I worked with a progressive media outlet, Rappler, which was based in Manila, Philippines. I was assigned events to cover, and wrote articles about cultural, political, and environment events. With this internship, I really enjoyed being able to interact with the local people during coverage events, and write about real-world issues that I wouldn’t have known otherwise without this opportunity.”

Experience with CSEAS: “I have enjoyed my experience with CSEAS. Dr. Michael Cullinane has been wonderful in supporting my internship as well as being my professor. The Rappler internship has changed my life, and is one of the top experiences I’ve had in college. I am incredibly grateful that I had this opportunity to explore my family’s country of origin in a unique way and had a summer of a lifetime!”

Future plans: Work on campus as a post-grad lab tech for a year and apply to grad school in a few years

The graduates featured here are just a few examples of the talent and dedication found within the International Division. Whether they are moving on to global careers, further research, or community-led initiatives, we congratulate all of our spring 2026 graduates and look forward to the impact they will make as Badger alumni.

Story by Kayla Daum