Introducing Pitt’s latest Fulbright student finalists

Ten University of Pittsburgh students and alumni have been selected as finalists for the 2026-27 cycle of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, one of the nation's most prestigious global academic exchange programs.

Continuing Pitt's tradition of global scholarship and cultural exchange, these outstanding students will teach English, pursue advanced degrees and conduct research in countries from Germany to Tajikistan.

Alanna Schill, who graduated from the David C. Frederick Honors College at Pitt-Greensburg in May, made history as the first student Fulbrighter from the regional campus. She also won a nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship during her undergraduate studies.

"I'm so proud of this year's class of Fulbrighters, including our first-ever from Pitt-Greensburg," said Chancellor Joan Gabel. "These students are embarking on a remarkable journey that embodies how 'It's Possible at Pitt.'"

The University's 2026-27 finalists are:

Maria Anto (A&S '22), of Laughlintown, Pennsylvania, graduated with a major in English writing, a minor in film and media studies, and a Certificate in Children's Literature from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Memorably, she volunteered as a puppet-maker and puppeteer with The Herds, a traveling public art project. Anto will teach English in Taiwan before pursuing a PhD in childhood studies.

Katie Boyes (A&S '25), of Philadelphia, graduated with a major in environmental studies, a minor in secondary education, and certificates in global studies and African studies from the Dietrich School. Boyes' agroecology research will analyze how historical and contemporary migration patterns shape agricultural landscapes in Senegal and explore community-centered work that's addressing critical issues in rural agriculture. After completing her Fulbright research project, Boyes will pursue a PhD in global sustainable development.

Samantha Corey (A&S '26), of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, graduated with a major in environmental science, a minor in Hispanic language and culture, and a Global Studies Certificate from the Dietrich School and Frederick Honors College. She has volunteered with Jumpstart to implement early childhood literacy programming and has interned with the Watersmith Guild for environmental education. Corey will teach English in Spain before returning to work in marine conservation and environmental education.

Ryan Druffner (SPIA '25G), of Elgin, South Carolina, earned a master's in public and international affairs along with a minor in human security and a concentration in security and intelligence studies from the School of Public and International Affairs. Druffner previously won a Boren Fellowship to study Persian Farsi and Tajiki in Dushanbe. He will teach English in Tajikistan before pursuing a career in the foreign service.

Sophia Freemyer (ENGR '26), of Fairfax, Virginia, graduated from the Swanson School of Engineering with a major in environmental engineering, a minor in geology, and a Public Communication of Science and Technology Certificate. During her studies, Freemyer interned at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Energy Technology Laboratory. She will use her scholarship to fund a master's degree in sustainable mining and remediation management at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology in Germany.

Kristian Punu (MED '25), of New York City, graduated from the medical science graduate program in the School of Medicine. During his studies, he conducted clinical research at the UPMC Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Harvard Division of Cardiac Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Punu will conduct a research project on improving valvular heart disease outcomes in South Korea at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul.

Gia Routh (A&S '26), of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, graduated with majors in German, philosophy, and gender, sexuality and women's studies, as well as certificates in West European studies and Central European studies, from the Dietrich School and Frederick Honors College. Routh, a Stamps Scholar, has held leadership positions in Pitt's marching band, has interned at the German American Chamber of Commerce and has conducted research abroad. Her Fulbright research project will explore the emergence of social regulation and new methods of criminology in interwar Germany. After returning from Berlin, Routh will pursue a JD with a focus in international law.

Alanna Schill (UPG '26), of New Castle, Pennsylvania, graduated with majors in history and secondary education; minors in political science, psychology and English literature; and a related concentration in European and Eurasian studies from the Frederick Honors College at Pitt-Greensburg. During her undergraduate studies, Schill won a Gilman Scholarship to support international study in Germany. She will teach English in the Czech Republic before returning to Pennsylvania to teach social studies.

Hannah Schwarz, of Boise, Idaho, is pursuing doctoral studies in behavioral and community health sciences and a Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies from the School of Public Health. She has served in the Peace Corps in Nepal, where she founded a menstrual health management program. For her Fulbright research, Schwarz will partner with adolescent girls and their communities in Chhayanath Rara, Mugu District, to explore local experiences and perspectives on menstrual isolation practices in Nepal.

Niobe Tsoutsouris (A&S '24), of Morristown, New Jersey, graduated from the Dietrich School with a major in law, criminal justice and society; minors in Arabic and French; and a Global Studies Certificate. After graduating, Tsoutsouris has pursued advanced immersive study in Arabic at the American University in Cairo. She will teach English in Jordan before pursuing graduate studies in global development with a focus on expanding educational development projects for marginalized and refugee communities abroad.