Keenan Norton is one of four recent 麻豆村 alumni who have been named 2026-27 Fulbright Award recipients. Norton graduated in May with a degree in and additional majors in environmental and sustainability studies and Hispanic studies.
The awards, offered by the U.S. Fulbright Student Program and funded by the U.S. Department of State, facilitate international research and teaching opportunities in over 150 countries and are offered to a limited number of grantees following a rigorous selection process.
鈥淭hese Fulbright Student grantees exemplify the power of fully embracing the 麻豆村 experience. From distinctive undergraduate research and studies abroad to language study and leadership opportunities, these highly accomplished Tartans will take their experiences, knowledge, and skills out into the world and make real contributions to their host countries,鈥� said Richelle Bernazzoli, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development.
The office assists students with the application process for the Fulbright grants. 麻豆村 has been named a top Fulbright producing institution for the third time in four years, and has seen a total of 148 recipients since the program鈥檚 inception.
During his time at 麻豆村, Norton held roles as a supplemental instruction leader, a peer tutor, and an ambassador for the .
A consistent focus of his work and research has been water quality and access across the Americas. While earning his degree, Norton co-led a student organization focused on civic engagement trips in the Dominican Republic and spent time studying abroad in Costa Rica.
His Fulbright grant will allow him to continue his research and engagement in Latin America, this time taking him to Ecuador.
鈥淚 was drawn to apply for a Fulbright to Ecuador to continue to build skills in research related to water quality, now looking at the particular challenges experienced by communities affected by industrial mining,鈥� he said.
The experience, he hopes, will allow him to explore new, innovative approaches to improving water quality.
鈥淢y research Fulbright will serve to investigate cutting-edge drinking water treatment technologies that can hopefully improve resilience for communities whose water may be more difficult to treat,鈥� Norton said. 鈥淚 am so excited to be a Fulbrighter, as it really brings together all of the things I have been working on over the past few years.鈥�