Florida Polytechnic University Sets Record with Largest Fulbright Cohort in History

Florida Polytechnic University has made notable strides in its commitment to global collaboration and academic excellence by welcoming its largest cohort of Fulbright awardees in history. The 2025-26 academic year marks a significant milestone for the University, featuring a diverse group of 21 distinguished international scholars and graduate students dedicated to pursuing advanced research and studies. This influx of talent underscores Florida Poly's role as a beacon of innovation and research.

According to Mustapha Achoubane, the University’s Senior Global Affairs Officer, Florida Poly is poised to enter a new decade characterized by academic and research excellence. Achoubane emphasizes that the arrival of these scholars not only reflects the University’s commitment to fostering international collaboration but also solidifies its position as a leader in prospective industry transformations. He states, "This dynamic convergence of talent firmly positions Florida Poly as a powerhouse for driving the industries of the future and shaping global competitiveness."

Among this record-laden group is Maimouna Keita, a graduate fellow from Guinea, who will embark on her journey into data science, viewing her time at Florida Poly as a pivotal chapter in her academic career. "As a proud native of Guinea, I see education as the pathway that transforms ambition into impactful change," she shares enthusiastically. Inspired by her educational pursuits, Keita looks forward to gaining knowledge, forming connections, and thriving in an innovative academic environment at Florida Poly.

Furthermore, three representatives from the University are part of this acclaimed cohort. Joseph Noble, a rising junior majoring in computer engineering, is set to study at the renowned McGill University in Canada as a Killam Fellow. Alongside him, Dr. Ajeet Kaushik and Dr. Chris Kelley, who serve as assistant professors in chemistry and mechanical engineering respectively, were recognized as Fulbright Specialists during the past summer.

The Fulbright program—championed by the U.S. State Department—has distinguished Florida Poly as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright STEM scholars in February 2025. This honor positions the University among the elite 5% of institutions nationwide recognized for their academic contributions, highlighting Florida Poly's growing influence in promoting leadership and exchange on a worldwide scale.

The influx of international scholars contributes significantly to the rich academic environment at Florida Poly, ushering in collaborative opportunities across various disciplines. Professor Xavier Fernando, a visiting Fulbright scholar from Canada, is particularly excited about his project alongside Dr. Rawa Adla. Their work will explore advancing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems through the integration of pioneering technologies such as visible light communication, artificial intelligence algorithms, and IoT sensor fusion to improve safety and decision-making in intelligent transportation systems.

The insights, cultural diversity, and passionate innovations brought by the visiting scholars and students enrich the entire Florida Poly community. Tugba Güneysu, a graduate fellow from Germany, succinctly captures this spirit of exploration by stating, "I’ve become someone who pops 'What if?' questions like balloons, just to see what’s inside. My upcoming time at Florida Poly is another one of those 'What if?' moments, and I’m excited to see how it will shape me."

In summary, Florida Polytechnic University is embracing a bright future through the extraordinary participation of its Fulbright cohort, reinforcing its reputation as an esteemed center for global academic collaboration and research innovation.