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College of Engineering

College of Engineering Hosts Five Fulbright Grant Recipients

Nazareno Roggero
Nazareno Roggero

by Rebecca Watson, ’15 CLAS

Villanova University College of Engineering is serving as the academic home to five Fulbright grant recipients in graduate studies programs. Fulbright grants, available to students and academics around the world, provide grant money and support for programs, initiatives and research which deepen cultural understanding between nations.

Much of the attraction of the College’s masters’ programs for Fulbright scholars is the opportunity to work closely with faculty and staff. “It is unique,” says Nazareno Roggero, a student from Argentina, “to have such good contact with the staff. I emailed the program director when I was beginning the application process, and he was very helpful and encouraging.” Roggero, a student in the Sustainable Engineering master’s program, focuses his research on biofuels, and looks forward to bringing his Villanova experiences back to Argentina. “Traveling internationally is always good,” he says, “because it allows you to experience other cultures, and share what you learn with your home country.” 

Jhoanna Montaño
Jhoanna Montaño

Jhoanna Montaño, a Fulbright scholar in the Water Resources master’s program, credits Villanova’s prestige as an internationally-ranked university for her application. “It wasn’t just the program that I based my decision on,” she says. “I asked people about Villanova and it came with high recommendations. Seeing that it was a top-ranked university added to my interest in the program.” Montaño, who already has a masters’ degree from a university in the Dominican Republic, also is excited by the focus and applicability of what she’s learning: “Water treatment is not only going to be a problem in my home country; it is an issue worldwide. This program will allow me to develop ideas and plans to combat this matter on a global scale.”

In addition to the international students who have chosen to study here, Villanova has become a top producer of Fulbright grant recipients. In the past year alone, 14 undergraduates have earned awards for international study.  This exchange of students further enhances the dynamic relationship between Villanova University and the Fulbright Institute.