Two LCAL Students Named Fulbright Scholars

Carnegie Mellon University’s dedication to global engagement continues with seven members of its community receiving Fulbright grants for the 2025–26 academic year. Among them are two exceptional students from the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics — Alice Crafford and Rachel Wilson — who will pursue advanced study and research in France and Peru, respectively.

Alice Crafford, French & Francophone Studies minor

Alice Crafford graduated with a major in physics and minors in mathematical sciences and French & Francophone studies. She will use her Fulbright to pursue a master's degree at the Université Paris-Saclay and conduct research at the Institut de Physique Théorique in France.

"I’ve always wanted to explore French culture but didn’t really see how I could combine my interests in both physics and French into something that would work toward furthering my career. A Fulbright for higher education abroad seemed like the perfect opportunity, so I figured I had nothing to lose in applying," Crafford said.

Rachel Wilson, Hispanic Studies minor

Rachel Wilson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in Hispanic studies, applied for a Fulbright as a way to spend more time abroad in Spanish-speaking communities to better understand their relationship with technology. She is going to Peru, where she will help teach both English and computer programming part-time in high schools.

“The project is still a bit vague because it is very important to me that I tailor my teachings and offerings to the people in the community and their technological needs and interests,” she said. “I know that as a CMU graduate, wherever I am, I will have valuable tech skills to offer.”

As the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative, the Fulbright Program provides unmatched opportunities for students and professionals to foster cross-cultural collaboration and understanding. 

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs once again recognized Carnegie Mellon as a Top Fulbright-Producing Institution, a distinction awarded to colleges and universities with the highest number of students selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. 

The university’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development (OURSD) plays a pivotal role in preparing applicants, offering both broad outreach and personalized guidance. Collaborations with the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics and the Office of International Education have helped expand access to global opportunities for students across disciplines.

“We are incredibly proud that these new Fulbright Students and Scholars are representing CMU on nearly every continent in the upcoming year,” said Richelle Bernazzoli, director of OURSD. “They showcase the wide breadth of expertise the CMU community has to offer, and will contribute to positive U.S. relations with their host countries.”