At Fulbright Jordan, we are proud to see our alumni continue to make a difference long after their exchange programs. Through Fulbright Jordan Alumni Research Advancement, Alumni Enrichment, and Alumni Impact Grants, Fulbright alumniare using their expertise, creativity, and leadership to create meaningful change in communities in Jordan and the U.S. and beyond.

Here are the inspiring stories of our alumni and their projects:

Advancing Education and Research

Dr. Patricia K. Kubow (Fulbright U.S. Scholar, 2017–18)
Recipient of the Alumni Research Advancement Grant, Dr. Kubow translatedher award-winning book, Citizen Identity Formation of Domestic Students and Syrian Refugee Youth in Jordan, into Arabic. Rooted in the Fulbright research she carried out in Amman’s public schools, this extension provides educators, policymakers, and school leaders in Jordan and the MENA region with direct access to students’ voices, supporting inclusive education and social integration.

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Corporate Diplomacy and Cross-Sector Leadership

Maddie Ulanow (FulbrightETA, 2015)

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Using her Alumni Enrichment Grant, Maddie participated in a MeridianI nternational Center Corporate Diplomacy Workshop in Washington, D.C. She enhanced her skills in negotiation, cross-cultural leadership, and diplomacy,applying them in her current role at the Global Impact Investing Network tofoster international partnerships and mentor young professionals.

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Arts,Mental Health, and Community Engagement

Seth Andersen (ETA, 2019)
Recipient of an Alumni Enrichment Grant, Seth strengthened mental health outreach using arts-based programs and language learning. He completed nearly 150 hours of Arabic tutoring in Amman and trained his tutor to lead First AidArts activities for underserved children.

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Betty S.Anderson (U.S.Scholar, 2019)

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Awarded an Alumni Research Advancement Grant, Betty partnered with Jordanian artists to produce illustrations and interactive maps for her manuscript, Amman: Storytelling in a Restless City, bringing the city’s narratives to life while showcasing local creative talent. This grant allowedher to build directly on the foundation of her earlier Fulbright research.

Scientific Innovation and Healthcare

Prof. Yaser Alnatour (FFSP,2011)
Using an Alumni Impact Grant, Prof. Alnatour launched teletherapy initiative offering free online sessions for patients with speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders. With a volunteer team of his speech-language pathology students, he provided over 70 therapy sessions to individuals with mobility challenges and those living in remote areas. The project equipped students with hands-on clinical experience while improving healthcare access through technology. Prof. Alnatour’s ongoing volunteer-led teletherapy model shows how Fulbright alumni continue to make lasting community impact through innovation and mentorship.

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Dr. Lina Dahabiyeh (FVSP, 2022)

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Recipient of the Alumni Research Grant, Dr. Lina conducted pioneering research on chemical compounds to fight glioblastoma, revealing pathways that could lead to new targeted cancer therapies. Her project represents acontinuation and expansion of the work she began during her original Fulbright research.

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Dr. Ramia Albakain (FVSP, 2017)

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With her Alumni Enrichment Grant, Ramia developed portable microbead-based sensors for detecting trace contaminants in water, providing practical solutions for environmental monitoring and public health in Jordan.

Women’s Empowerment and Social Change

Ms. Rawda Hamadneh (FFSP, 2020)

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Using an Alumni Impact Grant, Rawda trained four women through her Mermaid initiative, offering swimming and water safety training while creating economic opportunities and strengthening community ties.

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Dr. Zaheer Razack (SR, 2004)

Recipient of an Alumni Impact Grant, Dr. Zaheer launched TEXAS AMAL,a mentorship and career program for Muslim students that combats Islamophobia and connects participants with leading companies. The program has already helped over 30 students secure job offers and is now expanding to includemore universities, strengthening its path toward becoming a sustainable,long-term initiative.

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These alumni projects reflect the Fulbright mission in action: fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and community impact. Through their continued work, our alumni advance their fields while strengthening the social,cultural, and educational fabric of communities around the world.

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