2022-23 Fulbright: Sarah Brady

Sarah Brady, a senior music and microbiology major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, has earned a Fulbright award to teach English in Poland.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Brady will graduate on May 14. The University Honors Program member said research in the Department of Chemistry and playing harp in musical ensembles in the Glenn Korff School of Music have cultivated her interdisciplinary mindset. Through serving as a chemistry teaching assistant, Honors peer mentor, and after-school club leader for Lincoln Public Schools, she said she realized she is also passionate about encouraging learners.

Having never been abroad, Brady was inspired to apply for teaching opportunities with the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Her love of science, technology and sustainability drew her toward the European Union and Poland in particular, where she notes that the Fulbright program places a strong emphasis on scientific, as well as cultural, exchange. When she travels abroad this fall as an English Teaching Assistant, she hopes to incorporate her love of science and technology in the English language classroom and encourage Polish university students to learn about U.S. culture while developing career-relevant skills.

Brady said she is excited about Poland’s history of musical leadership and the chance to experience Polish orchestra performances. She said she plans to cultivate friendships by volunteering in musical ensembles and giving music lessons — combining her passions for music and teaching.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to forge lasting connections between Americans and citizens of other countries; counter misunderstandings; and help people and nations work together toward common goals. Since its establishment in 1946, the program has provided more than 400,000 participants from more than 160 countries the opportunity to study; teach and conduct research; exchange ideas; and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

At Nebraska, the Office of National and International Fellowships advises and nominates undergraduate candidates for 30 supported scholarships and fellowships. To learn more, students and campus community members may contact Courtney Santos, director of national and international fellowships, at courtney.santos@unl.edu.