Fulbright Recipient Spotlight: Dylan Halpern, Graphic Design and Urban Planning, Brazil
Dylan Halpern, from Fairfax, Virginia, received his bachelor’s of fine arts degree in graphic design from VCU in 2015. Halpern will be studying urban planning in São Paulo, Brazil with support of his Fulbright research grant. After his Fulbright year, Halpern plans to pursue further graduate education in the realm of digital or connected urbanism.
What is your research focus or proposal for your Fulbright award?
In the city of S
ão Paulo, advertising signage was banned one decade ago. Billboards, truck signs, posters, and taxi ads are all generally outlawed. The law, Lei Cidade Limpa (clean city law), aims to remove visual clutter and respect citizens. My research project will conduct interviews with the people of São Paulo to understand how the law changes their perceptions as consumers and members of the urban fabric
What initially drew you to apply for the Fulbright?
In the city of São Paulo, advertising signage was banned one decade ago. Billboards, truck signs, posters, and taxi ads are all generally outlawed. The law, Lei Cidade Limpa (clean city law), aims to remove visual clutter and respect citizens. My research project will conduct interviews with the people of São Paulo to understand how the law changes their perceptions as consumers and members of the urban fabric.
What do you plan on doing after your Fulbright year?
After conducting my research, I plan to pursue further graduate education in the realm of digital or connected urbanism.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Speak simply, and make your proposal specific. The brilliance of your work is inherent to your proposal, and the Fulbright committee will see that as long as your ideas, your intentions, and your commitment are patently present in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a Fulbright?
Dylan and his ten fellow recipients from VCU worked with the National Scholarship Office (NSO) at Virginia Commonwealth University. The NSO works with VCU alumni, graduate students, and undergraduates who wish to compete for prestigious national and international scholarships, such as Fulbright. If you are interested in applying for Fulbright or other nationally or internationally competitive scholarships, please contact the NSO at natlscholar@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6868.
How many students from VCU are awarded the Fulbright?
With this latest group of Fulbright Student Scholarship recipients, 42 VCU students and recent alumni have been offered Fulbright awards since the National Scholarship Office was created in 2005.
Can you tell me more about the Fulbright?
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Learn more at us.fulbrightonline.org.