Fulbright Recipient Spotlight: Lynn Secondo, Chemical Engineering, Greece
Lynn Secondo, from Maumee, Ohio, will receive her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from VCU in August of 2018. With the support of her Fulbright grant, Secondo will be continuing her current research on metal oxide fuel additives in diesel exhaust and the nanoparticle effects on the human lungs with the project’s collaborator in Thermi, Greece at the Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute. After her Fulbright year, Secondo plans to finish her degree at VCU and pursue a career in academia related to sustainability in chemical engineering.
What is your research focus or proposal for your Fulbright award?
I will be continuing my current research on metal oxide fuel additives in diesel exhaust and the nanoparticle effects on the human lungs with our collaborator in Greece at the Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute. The focus of my research is involved with air pollution, which affects Greece greatly in the degradation of its historical monuments and the health of its people. Through my experience, I hope to learn more about the worldwide challenges of sustainability and bring this knowledge back to VCU to finish my degree.
What initially drew you to apply for the Fulbright?
I was initially drawn to apply for this scholarship by the opportunity to experience my field and living in another country. I saw Fulbright as a once in a lifetime opportunity and I had to take a chance. What gave me even more drive to apply for this scholarship was that I would be able to continue my research while abroad.
What do you plan on doing in the future?
After returning from my Fulbright time, I plan to finish my degree at VCU and pursue a career in academia related to sustainability in chemical engineering.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Remember the application is ultimately yours. Take all of the advice from panels and people who read your application, and get as many people as you can to read it, but in the end you are the one who is in control of the wording and the impression you will make with it when you press submit. Make it the best you can and make it be you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a Fulbright?
Lynn and her 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.