MILWAUKEE — A Marquette University student has received a place at the Fulbright Summer Institute to study film and cinema at Lancaster University. Ryan Smith, a first-year student in the Diederich College of Communication and member of the University Honors Program, will be traveling to Lancaster University in the United Kingdom for a three-week film program to learn the formal and technical composition of films and the wider conventions of cinema.
Fulbright students at Lancaster University will participate in lectures, screenings and workshops to develop theoretical knowledge about film, which will provide an understanding of film composition, including imagery, soundtracks, shots and scenes.
“We are incredibly proud that Ryan will represent Marquette University as our very first Fulbright Summer Institute Participant,” said Dr. Karalee Surface, fellowships coordinator at Marquette. “Through this program, Ryan will not only advance his filmmaking skills, but he’ll have the chance to do so in a cross-cultural setting that will enhance his further study of film and digital media here at Marquette upon his return.”
Participants of the Fulbright UKSI program are chosen by a team that looks not only for academic excellence, but also for a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
Each year, the Fulbright Commission supports up to 60 U.S. undergraduate first- and second-year students who have limited travel experience outside the United States to undertake demanding academic and cultural summer programs at leading institutions in the UK.
“We are working to raise awareness of these fellowship opportunities here on campus,” Surface said. “This year, we were fortunate to have five amazing applicants for the Fulbright UKSI Program, and we hope Ryan’s success here will inspire other early career students to consider this fellowship.”
The U.S.-UK Fulbright Commission works to advance knowledge, promote civic engagement and develop compassionate leaders through education exchange between the peoples of the U.S. and the UK. It is the only academic awards program that operates on both sides of the Atlantic, providing grants for postgraduate study, research and teaching.
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover participants’ major costs and provide them with a distinctive support and cultural education program, including comprehensive predeparture guidance, enrichment opportunities in country and an opportunity to be part of the Fulbright alumni network.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
