A senior Honors neuroscience major, Catherine Zimmerman has received a
Fulbright Award to pursue research in public health at the University
of Copenhagen in Denmark.
“The research lab that I will be working in
focuses on the genetic components of metabolic disorders like obesity,
Type I and Type II diabetes from an epidemiological perspective,” said
Zimmerman. “I will be exploring whether we can predict obesity rates
based upon data from pregnant mothers.”
Zimmerman traveled to Denmark once before, as a UD student, taking
courses in psychopharmacology, social psychology, neuroimaging, and
European history. Outside of the classroom, she became inspired to
pursue her research in public health.
“I lived in a public health
living-learning community, where we spent time exploring the
similarities and differences between the U.S. and Danish healthcare
systems,” she said. “I think I am most looking forward to that moment
when I arrive back in Copenhagen. Leaving was incredibly difficult, but
the ability to return to Denmark with Fulbright is a dream.”
Alternates
In addition to UD’s five Fulbright grantees, the following were also recognized:
- Elizabeth Huhn, Fulbright ETA alternate to South Korea
- Amanda Kasman, Fulbright Study/Research alternate to the Netherlands
- Markie Masucci, Fulbright ETA alternate to Spain
- Kiera McNeil, Fulbright Study/Research alternate to Spain
For future Fulbrighters
For future applicants, this year’s recipients advise:
“Plan early. I had a couple of appointments with the Institute for
Global Studies (IGS), and that was really helpful. I had already
started working at the Writing Center and with the ELI to gain
experience in teaching English. But from then on, I definitely started
to think about how I could develop more relevant experience.” — Matthew Anderson
“Build your network. The first thing I wanted to do when I
received my award was to thank everyone who had helped me during the
process. As I was looking at the list, I realized that there were so
many people who helped me — professors, mentors, IGS and Honors staff.
There are so many connections out there who can give you advice,
especially about Fulbright.” — Catherine Zimmerman
“Get to know yourself. Putting yourself into unknown territory
with some limited support can be thrilling and terrifying. Once you
learn that you can thrive in these environments, you’re ready for a
program like Fulbright. Describing those experiences that prepared you
will demonstrate that you are a great candidate who can make the most of
such an opportunity.” — Leah Putman
“An interesting challenge of the Fulbright application is that we
propose to do very specific work, but are reviewed by committees that
are not necessarily experts in our field. You have to be careful not to
include too much jargon, but to demonstrate your passion, experience,
and interest in engaging with the host community.” — Isaac Messina
Interested students are invited to attend a Fulbright Interest Meeting
on Tuesday, June 2 at 3:30 p.m. with UD alumna and Fulbright Alumni
Ambassador, Gerti Wilson, and IGS Interim Director, Lisa Chieffo.
Students and alumni hoping to apply during the fall of 2020 for a
Fulbright Award are encouraged to meet UD’s priority deadline of July 10
in order to receive summer mentorship and advising. For more
information, visit the IGS website.
Article by Nikki Laws
Photos by Nikki Laws, Katerina Acuna and courtesy of Leah Putman and Catherine Zimmerman
Published
May 29, 2020