Ten University of Pittsburgh students and alumni, including five from the Dietrich School, have been selected as finalists for the 2026-27 cycle of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious global academic exchange programs.
Continuing Pitt’s tradition of global scholarship and cultural exchange, these outstanding students will teach English, pursue advanced degrees and conduct research in countries from Germany to Tajikistan.
The University’s 2026-27 finalists are:
Maria Anto (A&S ’22), of Laughlintown, Pennsylvania, graduated with a major in English writing, a minor in film and media studies, and a Certificate in Children’s Literature from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Memorably, she volunteered as a puppet-maker and puppeteer with The Herds, a traveling public art project. Anto will teach English in Taiwan before pursuing a PhD in childhood studies.
Katie Boyes (A&S ’25), of Philadelphia, graduated with a major in environmental studies, a minor in secondary education, and certificates in global studies and African studies from the Dietrich School. Boyes’ agroecology research will analyze how historical and contemporary migration patterns shape agricultural landscapes in Senegal and explore community-centered work that’s addressing critical issues in rural agriculture. After completing her Fulbright research project, Boyes will pursue a PhD in global sustainable development.
Samantha Corey (A&S ’26), of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, graduated with a major in environmental science, a minor in Hispanic language and culture, and a Global Studies Certificate from the Dietrich School and Frederick Honors College. She has volunteered with Jumpstart to implement early childhood literacy programming and has interned with the Watersmith Guild for environmental education. Corey will teach English in Spain before returning to work in marine conservation and environmental education.
Gia Routh (A&S ’26), of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, graduated with majors in German, philosophy, and gender, sexuality and women’s studies, as well as certificates in West European studies and Central European studies, from the Dietrich School and Frederick Honors College. Routh, a Stamps Scholar, has held leadership positions in Pitt’s marching band, has interned at the German American Chamber of Commerce and has conducted research abroad. Her Fulbright research project will explore the emergence of social regulation and new methods of criminology in interwar Germany. After returning from Berlin, Routh will pursue a JD with a focus in international law.
Niobe Tsoutsouris (A&S ’24), of Morristown, New Jersey, graduated from the Dietrich School with a major in law, criminal justice and society; minors in Arabic and French; and a Global Studies Certificate. After graduating, Tsoutsouris has pursued advanced immersive study in Arabic at the American University in Cairo. She will teach English in Jordan before pursuing graduate studies in global development with a focus on expanding educational development projects for marginalized and refugee communities abroad.
You can see the full list of winners on Pittwire.