Felipe Herrmann (BS psychology ‘23) is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Grant to Spain for 2025-26.
Hometown: Ames, Iowa
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I'll be in Madrid, Spain, developing and testing a digital mindfulness-based safety planning tool to support individuals at risk for suicide. The project builds on my experience working with high-risk patients and aims to make mental health care more accessible.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
This experience will strengthen my commitment to suicide prevention, research embedded with contemplative values, and prepare me for a career as a clinical psychologist.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Be persistent, stay authentic, and make sure your project reflects both your values and the needs of the host country. Don't be afraid to reach out to mentors—they can help in ways you might not expect.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
Absolutely. Being part of the Iowa Science Academy and the MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) program gave me the chance to engage in research on mindfulness and mental health. Those experiences helped me recognize the importance of culturally responsive interventions and gave me the confidence to pursue international research opportunities like Fulbright.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
Yes, I’m incredibly grateful to my research mentor at Iowa, Dr. Emily Thomas, and to the Fulbright team at International Programs especially Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean, for their support throughout the application process. I’m also deeply thankful to my mentors from these last two years at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital: Drs. Matt Nock, Kate Bentley, and Rebecca Fortgang, whose support and guidance has meant a great deal to me.
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