Chase LaSpisa, a PhD candidate in political science from the University of Iowa, is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Grant to Norway for 2024-25.
Hometown: Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Degree: PhD candidate in political science
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
During my Fulbright year, I will be in Tromsø to study why Norway is more cooperative on maritime security issues despite having substantial interest in offshore fossil-fuel resources. I will be conducting interviews with local community leaders, foreign policy officials, and fossil-fuel industry experts as well as attending international conferences hosted in Tromsø. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in Norwegian culture and to learn first-hand what it is like to live in the Arctic Circle.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
As a future maritime conflict scholar, this opportunity to do research on Arctic international relations in Norway will significantly enhance my dissertation research, allow me to gain international connections, and learn more about the geopolitical challenges countries face in the fast-changing Arctic Circle. I plan to use this experience to set myself up for a career that will allow my research to reach foreign policymakers and advocate for peaceful and sustainable interactions in our oceans.
What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
The Fulbright is an amazing opportunity, but it can seem extremely daunting in the beginning. My advice for future students is to start early, not be afraid to ask questions, and trust Iowa's process! We have an amazing group of people at Iowa who help prepare and support Fulbright applicants, and they want you to have as best of a chance as possible to get the grant. The feedback can be tough at times, but the staff and faculty mentors have a ton of experience and will make your application much stronger!
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
As a graduate student, I have not been able to participate in any of the numerous international experience opportunities that Iowa offers, but I was inspired by the many success stories that we have every year for Fulbright applicants. I would often check the International Programs page around this time every year to read the short blurbs from the numerous UI students who were receiving grants.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I'd like to thank the Fulbright advising team, especially Karen Wachsmuth and Bill Reisinger, for their help with my application. I would like to thank my mentor Sara Mitchell for reading drafts and writing me a letter of recommendation as well as Brian Lai and Holley Hansen for also writing me letters. I want to thank my friends in my department who helped read drafts and listened to me talk things through, specifically Carly Millerd and Dasha Kuznetsova. Lastly, I'd like to thank my family for always supporting me!
EXPLORE THE MANY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO UI STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.