Two College of Liberal Arts (CLA) students in the Mount St. Mary’s University Class of 2025 have been selected as semifinalists for prestigious academic awards. Gabrielle Hendricks and Abigail Jarrett are semifinalists for a Fulbright Study Research Award and an English Teaching Award, respectively.
Hendricks, a native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a contender for the Fulbright Spain Study Research Award. If selected, she will attend the University of Salamanca, eventually obtaining her Master of Arts in global and international studies.
“My love for Spain and Spanish culture inspired me to apply. I fell in love with Spain through two summer study abroad trips with [Diana Rodriguez-Lozano, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of world languages and cultures],” she shared.
Hendricks, who graduated early in December 2024, double majored in Spanish and international studies, with a minor in conflict, peace and social justice.
She particularly expressed gratitude to Rodriguez-Lozano; Professor of Spanish Literature and Culture and Director of the Office of Competitive Fellowships Christine Blackshaw, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Political Science William Christiansen, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Theology Barrett Turner, Ph.D.; and Assistant Professor of Spanish Manuel Garzon, Ph.D. for their encouragement and assistance during the lengthy application process.
“Being chosen as a Fulbright semifinalist is one of the most immense prayers of mine and those who support me to be answered. I have been interested in the University of Salamanca for over a year, and to be so close to reaching it through the Fulbright is one of the most exciting things to happen to me this year,” Hendricks exclaimed.
Jarrett, an English major with minors in philosophy and communication, is a semifinalist for the English Teaching Assistant Fulbright award in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Jarrett first became intrigued by the Southeastern European country after working at a local Utz factory in her hometown of Hanover, Pennsylvania. She developed friendships with several of her Bosnian coworkers and later visited Bosnia during the semester she spent in Dublin.
“I spent 10 days meeting incredible people, racing through the mountains in a beat-up, old van, and eating the most delicious food I have ever tasted. The visit left me wanting more,” noted Jarrett.
Jarrett credited Blackshaw and Associate Professor of Education Michelle Ohanian, Ph.D., who mentored her through the intense application process.
“The Fulbright would afford me the opportunity to further immerse myself in a culture I fell in love with, and living like a local in Bosnia,” shared Jarrett. “Becoming a Fulbright semifinalist has reassured me that I am capable, whatever the future holds. It’s an honor.”
The Office of Competitive Fellowship is led by Professor Blackshaw, Ph.D., with Assistant Professor Christiansen, and Associate Professor of Neuroscience Angy Kallarackal, Ph.D. as associate directors. In addition to Blackshaw, Christiansen and Kallarackal, members of the Faculty Advisory Committee are Associate Professor of Business Josey Chacko, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Chemistry Sarah Krueger, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Philosophy Rika Dunlap, Ph.D.; Associate Professor Ohanian; Director of the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship Garth Patterson, Ph.D.; and Assistant Professor of Science Eric Sakowski, Ph.D.
Students interested in learning more about the Office of Competitive Fellowships can visit the program’s webpage.
