even University of Georgia faculty members and administrators have received Fulbright awards that will take them to Armenia, Brazil, Bulgaria, India, and Israel in the 2026-2027 academic year. Their work spans biochemical engineering, poultry science, landscape architecture, religion, communication sciences and disorders and international education.

The awards fall under the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, which supports faculty, researchers and administrators who teach or carry out research with institutions around the world. UGA’s recipients this cycle include traditional Scholar awardees, Distinguished Scholars, Fulbright-Nehru Academic & Professional Excellence Award recipients, and an International Education Administrators award.

“These Fulbright awards reflect the high caliber of scholarship across our campus, as well as UGA’s overall commitment to continued internationalization,” said Martin Kagel, associate provost for global engagement. “I commend all award winners on their success and am grateful for their investment in expanding UGA’s international reach.”

The Fulbright Scholar Program awards merit-based grants to scholars who teach, conduct research or carry out professional projects abroad. Recipients join a network of alumni that has included heads of state, Nobel laureates and leaders across many fields and industries.

A returning Fulbrighter heads to Armenia

Mark A. Eiteman, professor of biochemical engineering in the College of Engineering, will spend the spring 2027 semester at Yerevan State University in Armenia, where he will teach a course in bioprocess control and lead research on microbial fermentation. His work centers on how microorganisms can be used to produce chemicals and materials through fermentation.

The Armenia award is Eiteman’s second Fulbright. He completed a Fulbright award to India in 2014. During his time at Yerevan State University, he plans to collaborate with Armenian scientists on teaching and research.

The 2026-2027 UGA Fulbright recipients

The recipients are listed below by name, college and department, award type, host country, and project focus.

• Samuel E. Aggrey; Distinguished Research Professor and Richard B. Russell Endowed Chair, Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Fulbright-Nehru Academic & Professional Excellence Award (Research); India; conducting research to identify novel biomarkers and sustainable strategies to combat Eimeria infections in chickens to reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals

• Javad Anjum; Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education; Fulbright-Nehru Academic & Professional Excellence Award (Teaching & Research); India; a community-based cognitive enhancement program for older adults in Mysuru District, India

• Mark A. Eiteman; Professor of Biochemical Engineering, College of Engineering; Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award; Armenia; teaching bioprocess control and research on microbial fermentation

• Baruch Halpern; Covenant Foundation Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies, Departments of Religion and Linguistics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award; Israel; research on identity formation during the transition from the Late Bronze to Iron I period in the southern Levant

• Sonia Hirt; Robert T. and Mary B. Hughes Professor in Landscape Architecture and Planning, College of Environment and Design; Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award; Bulgaria; research on the public green spaces surrounding Sofia and proposals for their preservation

• Katherine Melcher; Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Environment and Design; Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award; Brazil; teaching urban design strategies and research on community ownership of public spaces in Porto Alegre

• Leah Peck; Director of International Initiatives, Office of Global Engagement; Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Award; India; a seminar on India’s higher education system

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 and is one of the most widely recognized international exchange programs in academia. In 2026, the program marks its 80th anniversary, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Since its founding, Fulbright has supported more than 400,000 participants from the United States and more than 160 other countries.

Fulbright Scholar awards are open to U.S. citizens, and most awards ask applicants to hold a Ph.D. or the terminal degree in their field. Requirements vary by award, so applicants are encouraged to review the criteria for the specific award that interests them.

The Office of Global Engagement supports UGA faculty and staff who are interested in applying for Fulbright Scholar awards. The application deadline for 2027-2028 awards is Sept. 15, 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Leah Peck, Director, International Initiatives, Office of Global Engagement, [email protected], or visit https://fulbrightscholars.org.