Global Scholars: 2023-2024 Gilman and Keylor Grant Recipients
The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies proudly announces the 2023-2024 recipients of the Graduate Student Travel Grants, made possible through the generous support of Lynda Gilman, and the William R. Keylor Undergraduate Student Travel Grants. These transformative programs enable both graduate and undergraduate scholars to conduct vital international research, advancing the Pardee School’s mission of fostering a globally engaged scholarly community.
The Graduate Student Travel Grant program, established through Lynda Gilman’s visionary support, empowers graduate students to pursue self-directed research for their MA Papers and Capstone projects. In parallel, the Professor William R. Keylor Travel Grant Program supports undergraduate researchers in their pursuit of international scholarship.
This year’s Keylor Grant recipients will conduct research across multiple continents. Zach Sherman (BA IR ’24) will explore post-WW2 Nazi immigration patterns to South America, providing insight into his upcoming research in Chile, Argentina, and Colombia: “I will be studying the co-existence of Jewish refugees and former Nazi Officers in Post-War Argentina, building off my summer research project.”
Fellow Keylor recipient Trev Turnbow (BA IR ’24) is poised to explore Australia, where he will study the AUKUS agreement through interviews with political figures, academics, and defense analysts. Sora Heo (BA IR ’24) embarks on a venture into Kenya, and Alex King (BA IR ’24) sets off on a research journey in Colombia.
Among the Gilman Grant recipients, Muhammed Cetinkaya (MA IA) will explore Israel’s digital diplomacy in the Caribbean. His thesis, “From Pixels to Policy: Israel’s Public Diplomacy Initiatives in Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago Through Social Media and AI,” represents pioneering work in an understudied region. “My research focuses on Israel’s concerted efforts to bolster its global reputation in the face of ongoing legitimacy challenges, making it the sole nation consistently under scrutiny,” Cetinkaya states. “For those reasons, I am thankful that I got the Gilman Grant and I would like to thank the Gilman Family for their generosity and The Awards Committee for their consideration.”
Mahitha Owk (MA IA) will conduct research in Bangladesh’s refugee camps, focusing on educational initiatives for Rohingya children. Rachel Hull (MA IA), who will investigate AI development in South Korea, notes, “I think too often international relations centers around those perceived as the most powerful, but it ignores the agency we all have in shaping the direction of our future.”
Clare Budin (MA IA) ahead of her journey to Guatemala, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to her MA thesis: “I am incredibly grateful to the Gilman family and the Pardee School for Global Studies for the opportunity to travel abroad and gather the perspectives of grassroots activists working tirelessly to provide essential resources to their communities.”
The Pardee School’s commitment to empowering scholars transcends borders, providing a platform for students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, tackle pressing global issues, and contribute meaningfully to international dialogues.
The William R. Keylor Undergraduate Student Travel Fund was established in 2018 in honor of Pardee School Professor Emeritus of International Relations and History William Keylor’s many contributions to Boston University and to the Pardee School — especially to undergraduate education. The fund was established – with an initial contribution from Pardee School Dean’s Advisory Board member Karen Ansara – to support international travel for research by Pardee School undergraduates.
Congratulations to all recipients of the 2023 William R. Keylor Undergraduate Student Travel Grants and the Lynda Gilman Graduate Travel Awards. These grants represent not only financial support but also the enduring legacy of the Gilman family’s commitment to advancing international scholarship. For more information about travel grants at the Pardee School including on how to apply, click here.