University of Michigan graduates Hannah Feng and Genevieve Welch are making strides in their Fulbright programs in Canada and Hungary. Feng is engaged in groundbreaking youth mental health research in collaboration with the Vancouver Island Counseling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees and the University of Victoria, British Columbia. Welch is enhancing her choral conducting skills at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. Their work underscores the impact of mental health advocacy and music in addressing cultural and social issues.
Feng and Welch are part of 12 U-M Ann Arbor students awarded Fulbright grants for the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, 10 faculty scholars from U-M’s Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses will conduct international research. “We are truly honored and delighted to share in honoring U-M’s extraordinary Fulbright students and faculty scholars,” President Santa J. Ono said. “Through their relentless excellence and brilliance, and their lasting commitment to service, leadership and life-changing education, they are demonstrating again why the Fullbrights are among the most prestigious recognitions made in academia.”
The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s primary international academic exchange initiative, has enriched over 400,000 individuals with opportunities abroad since 1946. U-M has earned more than 600 faculty and 1,000 student U.S. Fulbright awards, reports the International Institute’s Fellowships & Grants Office.
Addressing climate and energy
Among U-M’s Fulbright recipients is Omolade Adunbi, a professor in anthropology and Afroamerican and African studies. On sabbatical from his directorship at the African Studies Center, Adunbi is researching energy and climate change in Nigeria at the University of Ibadan. His work delves into technology’s role, social media, and China’s regional influence. “Ibadan has the oldest anthropology department in Nigeria and seeing students’ enthusiasm for the discipline gives me hope that anthropology, despite its colonial baggage in Africa, has a bright future,” Adunbi said.
Tackling mental health stigma
Feng’s research aims to reduce mental health stigma among immigrant and refugee youth in Canada through a peer ambassador program. Her study investigates how peer support can alleviate trauma and discrimination, fostering resilience and encouraging open mental health discussions. “Mental health stigma is one of the greatest barriers preventing newcomer youth from seeking the support they need,” Feng stated. Her findings will inform long-term mental health strategies for immigrant communities, with VICCIR planning to extend the program nationally.
Advancing choral conducting
Welch, who holds a master’s in choral conducting from U-M, seeks to deepen her expertise in Hungary’s rich musical traditions. She is studying under renowned faculty, attending performances, and participating in local ensembles. “Besides studying choral conducting, I am exploring the local choral scene and history by singing with local community ensembles and taking folk singing classes,” Welch said. Her research will culminate in an article or conference presentation to share her insights with academic and musical communities.
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