Six recent undergraduate alumni have received Fulbright U.S. Student awards for international study, research, and teaching in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Laos, Mexico, Peru, and Vietnam.
SMU’s Fulbright Finalists for the 2025–2026 cycle are:
Lillian Duma, Kosovo, English teaching assistant
Lillian Duma graduated in May 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Human Rights with minors in History and Spanish. In 2023, she received the Boren Scholarship for a semester of Albanian language training in Tirana, Albania. During her time on the Hilltop, Lillian served as an SMU Student Senator, Caswell Fellow, Orientation Leader, and Undergraduate Research Assistant. For her outstanding academic achievements, she was invited to join Phi Beta Kappa, the United States’ oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Lillian looks forward to fostering academic community in Kosovo and immersing herself in the Balkans’ renowned café culture.
Shivani Kosuri, Bulgaria, English teaching assistant
Shivani Kosuri graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Advertising (Digital Media Specialization) and a B.A. in Psychology. Her research in these fields earned numerous accolades and awards, including a best conference paper prize from the American Academy of Advertising, the National Student Advertising Competition Best Presenter Award, Outstanding Digital Media Student, and the Face of Temerlin Award. Outside of the classroom, Shivani participated in Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Psi, Consult Your Community, Mock Trial, and Mustangs for Hope. Shivani said, “I chose Fulbright because it aligns with my belief that language, education, and storytelling are powerful tools for connection. As someone who grew up between cultures, I’ve seen firsthand how education can bridge divides. This program provides me with the opportunity to integrate creative expression, such as dance and improv, into English learning. I am excited to work in a classroom that empowers students to see language as a gateway to self-expression and cultural dialogue.”
Anika Krieger, Peru, English teaching assistant
Anika Krieger graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Creative Computing, a B.A. in Religious Studies, and a B.A. in Human Rights with Departmental Distinction. Inspired by her previous work with Minga Peru, an organization serving Indigenous people living in Peru’s Amazon River Basin, Anika seeks to reconnect with Peruvian students and further develop her teaching skills. Her dedication to research, leadership, and service is evident from her wide-ranging awards and honors including membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board, election to the Hyer Society, service as an SMU Student Senator, and receipt of the Isaac Gustave Bromberg Award for Outstanding Work in the Humanities, the Caswell Fellowship, and more. Anika said, “As a teacher and policy-minded practitioner, I was drawn to Fulbright’s mission of cultural exchange through service. The program offers a rare opportunity to build meaningful relationships across borders, to teach in a deeply engaged and localized way, and to grow alongside the community I serve. Fulbright will allow me to deepen my understanding of educational equity in a global context while contributing to something larger than myself.”
Vivian Thai, Vietnam, English teaching assistant
Vivian Thai graduated in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a B.S. in Health and Society with a minor in Human Rights. She quickly made her mark as both a dedicated student researcher and student leader. In 2024, Vivian was awarded the CDC’s John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholarship to conduct research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health during the summer before her senior year. She then received the University Honors Program’s Richter Independent Research Fellowship to interview women undergoing IVF treatment at Binh Dinh Provincial General Hospital in Quy Nhon, Vietnam in order to better understand social and cultural barriers to medical fertilization. As a further testament to her achievements, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and chosen by her peers for the “M” Award. Vivian also served on SMU Student Senate, as a Student Ambassador, and as president of both the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and SMU’s chapter of Circle K International. She said, “Growing up translating between English and Vietnamese for my parents, I’ve seen how language can open up opportunities. I applied for Fulbright because it is a meaningful way to give back, share American culture, and keep learning from others along the way.”
Anna Kelley Zielke, Laos, English teaching assistant
Anna Kelley Zielke graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.F.A. in Dance Performance. From virtually her first moment on campus, she distinguished herself as a dedicated and creative researcher. As a second-year student, she carried out research supported by the Engaged Learning Fellowship on bridging political divides among young people, which resulted in the publication of a children’s book promoting the value of pluralism. Anna Kelley also interned at the George W. Bush Presidential Center as a member of the Strengthening Democracy and Veteran Affairs teams. In recognition of her many achievements, she earned the 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Dance award and joined both Phi Beta Kappa and the Hyer Society. Anna Kelley said, “Fulbright’s mission to form relationships across cultures that cultivate mutual understanding excites me as I have the opportunity to be part of a cohort working towards increasing international connectivity and peace.”
A sixth student who did not wish to be included in this post is a Finalist for the Binational Business Program award in Mexico.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.
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SMU undergraduate students interested in pursuing international study, research, or travel should reach out to Dr. Brandon Gray Miller (bgmiller@smu.edu), assistant dean for Honors and Scholars.