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Fulbright Finalist: Aubri Farniok ’24

St. �������� is pleased to announce that Aubri Farniok ’24 has received a award to serve as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Malta for the 2024–25 academic year.

For Farniok, a psychology major, the Fulbright award will build upon her previous travels to Uganda, Costa Rica, and Cambodia, and exemplifies her commitment to cultural exchange. 

Farniok says, “Completing my degree in psychology has helped me better understand the social, psychological, developmental, and academic needs of others, and I feel confident and prepared to help my students meet these needs in the classroom, while also practicing cultural humility.”

She was drawn to Malta because of its history and the presence of many migrants and refugees in the country. “Malta has been influenced by many different civilizations, and the people’s effort to preserve their unique language and culture in the face of many foreign powers is a testament to their resilience and determination,” Farniok wrote in her application “Efforts to understand and preserve my Native background give me an appreciation for Malta’s resilience and what these populations have endured to ensure they maintain their distinct culture while also remaining open and welcoming to new people seeking refuge in their land.” 

Farniok was supported in her Fulbright application by Susan Bosher, PhD, professor of literature, language, and writing and ESL director, and Katherine Campbell, PhD, associate professor of interprofessional education and director of Competitive Fellowships. 

“Aubri is an exceptional student whose passion for cultural exchange and building community is clear from the moment you meet her,” says Campbell. “Her energy and dedication to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program was palpable through her written application materials and her mock interviews at the semi-finalist stage. I cannot wait to follow her success in Malta next year and see the impact of her future career!” 

Following her Fulbright year, Farniok looks forward to taking advantage of the network of possibilities offered by the program.

“I am excited to see what doors open because of this opportunity,” she says. “Living and working abroad has always been a goal of mine, and I would love to continue my education abroad after completing my Fulbright.” Her future career plans include completing a master’s degree in school counseling and becoming a school counselor who creates a welcoming environment and effectively helps all students reach their academic and personal goals.  

About the Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. 28 Katies have received this fellowship since 1953. 

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which has operated in over 160 countries worldwide.  In the United States, the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.  Learn more about the Fulbright Program.

About Competitive Fellowships

Competitive Fellowships is part of the Office of Scholarly Engagement, the University hub for engaged learning. St. Kate's supports students and alumni in applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and other fellowships, in all areas of study and degree levels, through Competitive Fellowships.