Fourth Clemson graduate receives Fulbright grant

Published: August 20, 2012

CLEMSON — Recent Clemson University graduate Lauren Harroff of Concord, N.C., has received a Fulbright grant to conduct research in Uganda. Harroff originally was named to the Fulbright alternate list, but was promoted from that list to receive a grant.

Harroff is the fourth Clemson alumnus this year to receive a Fulbright. (See the related article about the other recipients.)

Harroff graduated in May with a degree in biosystems engineering. A member of Clemson's National Scholar Program, Harroff earned many accolades for her research, which is centered around the adaptation and application of sustainable biofuels, particularly in international settings. She volunteered with the Pendleton Place Children's Center, participated in peer mentoring with the Calhoun Honors College and worked with Engineers Without Borders.

“Receiving a Fulbright Grant is the academic equivalent of winning a national championship in sports,” said Steve Wainscott, international programs coordinator. “The competition is keen, the application is rigorous and the screening process, starting with the campus interviews and ending with final approval by the host country, is exceptionally selective.”

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and was created to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those in other countries.

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided approximately 310,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

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