A Notre Dame PhD student's groundbreaking research has earned her the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, marking the first time the honour has been awarded to a currently enrolled Notre Dame student.
Charlotte Sofield, who is completing her PhD in Environmental Neuroscience, will spend six months at Harvard University next year as part of the Fulbright Program, a globally renowned academic exchange initiative.
Charlotte's research, which delves into how microplastic exposure affects brain development and function of the gut-brain axis, will take place in a world-leading lab at Harvard, offering her access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise.
"Being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship has been a surreal experience," Charlotte said.
"Through this award I will have the opportunity to complete part of my PhD in a world-leading neuroscience lab with access to exceptional technologies and expertise. This will be a unique learning experience, and I hope to see ongoing collaboration with my host lab in the future."
Charlotte's Fulbright Scholarship is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to Notre Dame's growing reputation for research excellence. The Fulbright Program fosters innovation and collaboration, building strong ties between Australia and the United States.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor David Sadler, who served as Chair of the Tasman Fulbright Commission, praised Charlotte's achievement.
"The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the highest honours in academic research, and it highlights the calibre of our students," he said.
"This award underscores Notre Dame's commitment to nurturing research that contributes to global scholarship and strengthens ties between nations."
Aron Murphy, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, said the University was proud to see one of its students recognised on such a prominent stage.
"This is an incredible accomplishment showcasing the high-impact research emerging from Notre Dame," he said.
"Charlotte's work is a brilliant example of what our researchers can achieve, and we look forward to seeing the transformative impact of this collaboration with Harvard."
Charlotte's six months at Harvard are set to be a defining moment in her academic journey, with her work further solidifying Notre Dame's ethos of fostering research that bridges local and international communities.
