Ryann Hubbart (BS economics, BA international studies ‘23) is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Grant to Belgium for 2025-26.
Hometown: Clinton, Iowa
Due to a decision to begin a PhD program in history at Johns Hopkins University this fall, Hubbart has opted not to accept the Fulbright grant.
Although you are unable to accept the award, could you share with us what you had planned to do with your Fulbright grant?
My application was to study for an MA in African studies at Ghent University.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Start the process early! It takes a very long time – I started nearly a year before the application was due, and it still felt like a rush to the finish line! Those deadlines come up fast, but Dr. Karen Wachsmuth, Sylvia Dean, and the UI Fulbright team set internal deadlines earlier than the national deadline so that you have that thinking and editing time built in.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
My Arabic language studies, which began at Iowa, and immersion experiences in Jordan and Oman through the Critical Language Scholarship program were pivotal in developing and deepening my interest in African and Middle Eastern histories, languages, and cultures. Additionally, I was fortunate to have the support of many people at Iowa who encouraged me to apply for a Fulbright and guided me through the process.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
Certainly! Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean, who supported my application long before it even began; Drs. William Reisinger and Melissa Tully, two UI Fulbright faculty mentors who read and edited multiple drafts; Dr. James Giblin, who in addition to being a wonderful teacher, scholar, and person, also generously connected me with a colleague of his at Ghent University, Dr. Felicitas Becker, who I would also like to thank for her time and support for my application; and finally, all the language instructors I’ve had at Iowa, abroad, and online!
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