Angelina Evans (MS informatics ‘25, BA geography ‘24) is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Grant to Germany for 2025-26.
Hometown: Tiffin, Iowa
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I will be in Potsdam, Germany, researching the physical and mental health impacts of flooding in Germany and identifying communities that may be at risk of being affected by extreme flood events in the future. I look forward to strengthening flood-risk analysis in Germany by studying the social, environmental, and health characteristics of at-risk communities and modeling the impacts of future floods.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
When I return to the U.S., I hope to work in the geographic information science field on issues that affect human health, quality of life, and well-being. Fulbright will help me work toward my goals by providing real-world experience in this area, valuable international connections, and new perspectives on the world. Inside and outside of my future career, I want to understand the needs of people around me and find ways to meet those needs. I believe that spending time learning about flooding in Germany and listening to the concerns of citizens will make me a better researcher and better able to support others.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Reach out to faculty and mentors at the university to brainstorm ideas early. They are great resources and can help you narrow your ideas if you are unsure of what to research, study, or even if you cannot decide on a host country.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
I was mainly inspired to apply to Fulbright because of my study abroad experience. During my undergraduate program, I was able to go to Singapore, and the experience was more impactful than I could have imagined. I knew I wanted to study or do research abroad again, focusing on environmental challenges in another country. Applying for and receiving the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad also motivated me to apply for Fulbright. Participation in programs that connected me with the international community at the University of Iowa also fueled my curiosity and inspired me. Connecting with international students and even meeting a Fulbright grantee who was researching in the U.S. made me even more interested in being a member of exchange between countries.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I want to thank geography faculty mentors Dr. Margeret Carrel and Dr. Caglar Koylu, who were very supportive during the application process and invested valuable time in me as a student outside of applying. I also want to thank Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean for advising me through the process, helping with essays, checking in with me, and providing encouragement when things got difficult or intimidating. And lastly, my immediate and extended family, who were so encouraging and gave me German language lessons over the phone!
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