Kerwyn Casey (KC) Huang, from Palo Alto, California, is a Professor of Bioengineering and Microbiology at Stanford University. Trained in physics and mathematics, his research uses quantitative approaches to study microbial communities, with his Fulbright work at Otago University in Dunedin focusing on how traditional medicines influence the human gut microbiome.
From New Jersey, Carolyn is studying for a Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University in Christchurch, drawn to land-centred design and sustainable landscape practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Xin Feng from Columbus, Ohio, is a Professor of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University. Her research at Massey University in Palmerston North explores children’s emotional regulation and the development of depression and anxiety across cultural contexts.
Lili Kuchar is from Berkeley, California. This Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Research recipient will be based at Victoria University of Wellington, researching literacy practices in highly vulnerable communities. Lili brings 15 years of experience teaching in public elementary schools and currently teaches at a pregnant and parenting teen school in Oakland, California.
Dr Christine (Chris) Pagen, from New York, is the 2026 Ian Axford Fellow in Public Policy. A senior development professional with 15 years’ experience at USAID, she has worked across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. During her fellowship, she will be based at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington, researching international development cooperation.
From New York and Massachusetts, Stephanie Graham is undertaking a Master of Museum and Heritage Practice at Victoria University of Wellington, focusing on how museum education supports K–12 learning.
Julia Mansfield, from New York City will be completing a Master’s in Geology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, where she is researching the Green Island Fault and its seismic risk.
Yitong Tseo is a PhD candidate and bio-artist at MIT whose work explores sustainable materials and bio-fabricated soft robotics inspired by living systems. Yitong will be hosted by the University of Auckland and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to conduct research on biohybrid robotics.
From Great Falls, Virginia, Sahana is hosted by Massey University in Palmerston North, researching leptospirosis through a One Health lens that connects human, animal, and environmental health, with a focus on prevention and community awareness.