Robin Ford awarded 2010-11 Fulbright Research Scholar Award

UAA student Robin Ford is the recipient of a 2010-11 Fulbright Research Scholar Award. Robin has a double major in languages (German) and international studies (Europe) and was also a national finalist and Fulbright Research Scholar Alternate last year.

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. Government's flagship international exchange program, is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program provides participants--chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential--with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

Robin's research project is entitled "Third Wave Feminism: Feminists Mobilizing through Grassroots Activism." She will conduct her research at the Transdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany where she will also have the opportunity to monitor informal grassroots activist methods such as zines, blogs, poetry, music, art, dance and theatre.

"Robin's research project on third wave feminism and its role in promoting positive communication and understanding is impressive," says Ronald Spatz, Dean of UAA's Honors College. "It is also exciting that she has taken her undergraduate community-based research experience to a global level."

Robin believes that a comprehensive understanding of Third Wave Feminism and its role in the United States and Germany is vital to the advancement of the movement and the development of progressive social, economic and political policies which are inclusive and fair for all people. She will explore the ways in which the movement and its supporters successfully help their communities promote positive communication and understanding among people.

Robin's faculty mentor, associate professor of German Natasa Masanovic, says, "Robin is a conscientious, responsible and active student who puts tremendous emphasis on bridging cultures and respecting peoples by celebrating both their differences and their similarities. I am very proud of what Robin has done and I am looking forward to her future accomplishments."

Robin also recently received the American Association for Teachers of German highly prestigious Langenscheidt Award for her dedication to the promotion of German studies in Alaska. Robin assumed leadership roles as the president of UAA's Third Wave Club and vice president of UAA's German Culture Club until May 2009. In 2007 and 2008, Robin was presented with the student appreciation citation of 'Students Who Make a Difference' in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.