Three recent Brandeis University graduates have been awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships, a recognition granted to exceptional students for teaching and conducting research abroad. The recipients are Floriesha Bastien ’24, Gauri Gajeshwar ’25, and Dalya Koller ’25, each embarking on unique projects that reflect their academic interests and personal passions.
Bastien has been awarded an English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea, where she will teach English and promote cross-cultural exchange. “I’m excited about connecting with people whose lives and perspectives may differ from mine,” she shared. “I’m especially excited to fully immerse myself in Korean society and culture, and in doing so, help cultivate a more interconnected, empathetic world.” Bastien has already demonstrated leadership at Brandeis through her roles as a peer mentor, teaching assistant, and study abroad ambassador. After her Fulbright year, she plans to pursue a career in global brand marketing, helping bridge the gap between Korean and American markets.
Gajeshwar, awarded a Chile Science Initiative grant, will study embryogenesis in South American annual killifish at the Universidad de Chile. Her research will explore the developmental mechanisms that mirror those in human development and cancer metastasis, with an aim to prevent developmental diseases and cancer progression. Looking ahead, Gajeshwar will pursue a PhD in bioengineering at Stanford University. “This is a huge opportunity for academic and personal growth,” said Gajeshwar. “As an Indian American, I am excited to share food, stories, and dancing to promote cultural exchange and form a strong connection with the Chilean community.”
Koller’s project in Israel focuses on a cross-cultural biblical literary study, specifically examining the relationship between the Song of Songs and Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”. She will collaborate with scholars specializing in biblical studies and comparative literature. After her Fulbright year, Koller plans to pursue a doctorate in comparative literature, with a focus on poets like Milton, Keats, and Shakespeare. “Brandeis nurtured my intellectual curiosity and pushed me to think in interdisciplinary and nuanced ways,” Koller said.
All three Fulbright recipients credited Brandeis for its essential mentorship and support throughout the application process. “Brandeis’ fellowships office offered invaluable, hands-on guidance throughout my Fulbright journey,” Bastien remarked, while Gajeshwar noted the university’s active involvement in her personal and academic growth.
“Brandeis instilled in me a sense of purpose—believing that thoughtful engagement with the world can lead to meaningful change,” Koller concluded.
As they head abroad, these Brandeis alumni will not only represent the university but will also foster cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and global understanding through their diverse projects.
