By Jade Elwess
Feb. 5, 2026
The University of Missouri has been recognized as a top producer for the Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program for having a high number of faculty selected for the honor.
Six scholars from Mizzou were selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards for academic year 2025-26.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science and industry through international exchange and collaboration.
At Mizzou, applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program are supported by Professor David Crespy, Mizzou’s Fulbright liaison. Using his experience as a two-time Fulbright recipient, he gives back by assisting faculty with finding host countries and coaching them throughout the application process.
“Mentorship on external awards is deeply important, particularly from former Fulbright Scholars on campus — and it has been key to our continued success,” said Crespy. “Our previous Mizzou Fulbright Scholars have been extremely generous in their mentorship of Fulbright Scholar applicants and we will continue to do so.”
The deadline to apply for the U.S. Scholar Program for 2026-27 is September 15. Faculty are encouraged to reach out to Crespy for application assistance.
Where in the world are our current Fulbright Scholars?
Here are updates from a few of Mizzou’s 2025-26 U.S. Scholars.
Anne Sales, Sinclair School of Nursing — South Africa
Sales is with her team at a mobile research clinic belonging to the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. There, she met with research colleagues and trainees to understand the needs for training in implementation science. AHRI's focus has been on a broad spectrum of health surveillance, epidemiology and interventions to improve the health of local residents.
Allison Pease, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources — Paraguay
Pease is currently studying fish diversity and fisheries conservation in collaboration with Paraguay’s national museum of natural history. Pease is investigating habitat associations for fish species across the country, with emphasis on the unique species common to the Dry Chaco region.
Sachin Handa, College of Arts & Science — India
Handa’s research team is focused on advancing green and sustainable organic chemistry through efficient catalyst design for development of large-scale syntheses of highly functionalized molecules relevant to pharmaceuticals, specifically for the drug development against hepatitis C.
