May 01, 2017

Biology and Spanish double major Kara Eckert, of Boalsburg, Pa., has been selected to participate in the Fulbright Summer Institute, one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide.

A rising sophomore, Eckert will study at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. The Fulbright Commission University of Sussex Summer Institute is a four-week academic and cultural program open to only eight U.S. students at the university’s International Summer School.

“I am eager to live in Brighton, explore intertidal habitats and work with the flora and fauna,” Eckert said. “Additionally, I look forward to fully immersing myself in British culture, visiting historic sites, seeing the beautiful countryside and possibly even learning about English agriculture from a local farmer.”

Eckert is the eighth Susquehanna student or recent graduate to win a Fulbright in the past four years.

As a participant, Eckert has been selected from a strong applicant pool to experience the U.K. on a four-week summer program at the University of Sussex. Eckert will engage in a field biology program where she will study wildlife and habitats including marine life and chalk grasslands. Additionally, she will embark upon field trips to visit cultural and historical attractions in England including Stonehenge and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studio set.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bilateral, transatlantic scholarship program, offering awards and summer programs for study or research in any field, at any accredited U.S. or U.K. university. The commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Sen. 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 program participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K.

Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join institute alumni networks.