Sahana Shah, Honors Biochemistry and Biophysics, Class of 2024
Sahana Shah is setting up shop this week in her new apartment in Barcelona, Spain. It's the beginning of her grant year as a recipient of the 2025-2026 Fulbright US Student Program and she's already hitting the ground running: orientation to the program has come and gone, and now it's time for the work to begin, researching a protein involved in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As is the mission of the Fulbright US Student Program, Sahana will also soon be out and about in Spain, learning Spanish dance and volunteering in the local community. It's a promising and exciting beginning, and already Sahana has been busy making friends and starting her work.
But Sahana's journey thus far has sometimes not gone as she intended. Sahana originally applied for the 2024-2025 Fulbright US Student program, and intended to embark on the program the fall after she graduated in 2024. As is the way with many a Fulbright application, she did not receive the grant in 2024. However, Sahana did not let this prevent her from applying again, and found that there is a right time and place for everything.
We caught up with Sahana just as she was preparing to leave for Spain and asked her if she had any thoughts on her journey to Fulbright. Here are her reflections:
There's a common saying that goes, "You may not end up where you thought you'd be, but you always end up where you're meant to be." I've reflected on this quote a lot throughout my nonlinear journey towards becoming a Fulbright scholar. I applied for the grant twice, to the same country with the same proposed lab. Although a frustrating process at times, I have learned how to be even more resilient, self-aware, and confident in my future goals.
When I applied for Fulbright the first time, I had a strong reason to apply for my project, but intuitively, the timing felt off. This is why it was less surprising when I did not make the cut to be a semifinalist in the 2024-2025 cycle. Applying again, no one could dissuade me from pursuing the same project: studying a protein involved in the development of autism, a condition which has shaped my family's life for nearly two decades and affected my little sister. It felt like a puzzle piece clicking into place, and Fulbright the next logical step in my life journey: bridging passions in advocacy, biomedical research, and clinical care to become a physician scientist advocate. After finally doing this soul searching and creating a larger vision, I knew my chances were much better. I refined every part of my application and laid my authentic voice on paper, leaving the universe to the rest. Against all odds and the decisions of the US government, a miracle happened: I won this year.
My advice for Fulbright applicants is a little less conventional. I would tell students to reflect deeply before and while applying. Being able to show how this award fits seamlessly into your future is the best way to demonstrate why you should receive it. Additionally, don't be afraid of being vulnerable. Remember, your life story matters just as much as your qualifications.
Finally, know that many things in life happen for a reason. Last year, I was able to return to WashU Medicine and continue working with one of my research internship advisors. We now have an even stronger rapport, professionally and personally. Living in St. Louis also prepared me to work and thrive more independently, a skill necessary for living abroad. This never would have happened if I had won the Fulbright last year.
I am excited to see where this year takes me and the growth I will experience. Onwards and upwards!
- Sahana Shah
The Fulbright US Student Program provides opportunities for US citizens and nationals to go abroad for 6-10 month grants in which they complete an independent research project in any discipline, embark on graduate study, or teach English in K-12 or university classrooms. The program is open to graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni to apply, and OSU National and Global Scholarships Advising supports students through the application process.
We are so excited to see where Sahana goes next, and we couldn't be prouder of her for taking this step into the unknown. Congratulations, Sahana!