Hira Abid

As a Fulbright Scholar Hira will study at Koҫ University in Istanbul, Turkey, to earn a graduate degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering. With experience as a research assistant in polymers and nanomaterials, Hira wanted to learn even more about biotechnology and bolster her growing interest in gene therapies and is excited about pursuing the coursework in Istanbul. 

Fascinated with Turkey from a young age, she remembers watching Turkish dramas on television, dubbed in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. Even then, she imagined herself in Turkey, enjoying the culture and its people. “I’ve always noticed that Turkey was a mix of East and West together. That’s what I feel I am more comfortable with, and that is how I see myself,” she says.

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The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a prestigious award that provides funding to study for a master’s degree, complete an independent research project, or teach English for up to a year outside the U.S. During their grant period, Fulbrighters meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of their host country.

RIT students or alumni interested in applying for a Fulbright fellowship should contact Jenny Sullivan (jenny.sullivan@rit.edu), Director of Education Abroad & International Fellowships.