Purdue University has been named among the top-producing institutions of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the fifth consecutive year, strengthening its reputation as a global leader in research and academic excellence.
The Fulbright Scholar Program is the flagship international academic exchange initiative sponsored by the U.S. government. It aims to promote mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries through education and research collaboration.
Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists and scientists with opportunities to study, teach, conduct research and exchange ideas worldwide.
For the 2025–26 academic year, nine Purdue faculty members received Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards — the highest number in the university’s history for a single year. Many of the scholars are currently carrying out research projects at institutions across the globe.
Among the awardees is Austin Cooper, an assistant professor of history, who will conduct research at the University of Antwerp focusing on French nuclear weapons in the 1970s.
Sébastien Hélie, a professor of psychological sciences, was selected as Distinguished Chair in Arts and Social Sciences in Canada and North America. He will conduct research at Carleton University on how people perceive time and mental effort during problem-solving.
Stephen Meyers, an associate professor of horticulture, will complete his research on sustainable weed management at Southern Cross University.
Zoltan Nagy, professor of chemical engineering, will undertake research on artificial intelligence-driven crystal engineering at Politecnico di Torino.
Krishna Nemali, an associate professor of horticulture, will conduct climate-smart agriculture research at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.
Huidan (Whitney) Yu, professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indianapolis, will complete her project on digital technologies for oil recovery and sustainability at Santa Catarina State University.
Wenbin Yu, professor of aeronautics and astronautics, will research bioinspired materials at Tel Aviv University.
Qianlai Zhuang, professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, will investigate climate and environmental changes in the Arctic at the University of Eastern Finland.
Arun Bhunia, professor of food science, received an award to research prevention of Salmonella infections at the National Research Centre, but declined the opportunity.
Christopher Lukasik, associate professor of English and director of faculty Fulbright awards, praised the scholars, saying: “Purdue’s Fulbright Scholar awardees are a testament to the strength of our faculty and the global impact of their research. Purdue continues to be a leader in fostering intellectual exchange between America and the world.”
Fulbright alumni have made significant contributions globally, including 63 Nobel laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners and 83 MacArthur Fellows.
Each year, the Fulbright Scholar Program offers more than 400 teaching and research awards across over 135 countries.
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