Unity Environmental University Graduate, Allyson Gilbert, Awarded Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship
Unity Environmental University is proud to announce that, Allyson Gilbert, a dedicated educator and the 2024 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research in Morocco. This scholarship supports Gilbert’s commitment to addressing global challenges by empowering young women in STEM education.
“Receiving this Fulbright Scholarship is a profound honor, both personally and professionally. Personally, it represents a chance to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a culture rich in history and tradition, while also growing as an individual. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to bridge two of my passions, education and equity, and to contribute to a global dialogue about empowering women in STEM fields. This scholarship affirms the value of educators as change-makers on a global scale, and I’m eager to take on this responsibility,” says Gilbert.
Gilbert credits Unity, and the journey to receiving her MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Management through Unity Environmental University Distance Education for much of her preparedness. “Unity has equipped me with a deep understanding of how environmental challenges intersect with education and community needs. My work on my capstone project, which emphasized connecting research and environmental education to local communities, has been particularly influential. This project taught me how to make academic content tangible and relevant, a skill I look forward to applying in Morocco. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning has also prepared me to approach this research holistically.”
During her time in Morocco, Gilbert will explore methods to dismantle barriers, such as cultural stereotypes and limited access to resources, that can often prevent women from pursuing STEM studies. “The inspiration came from seeing the untapped potential in female students who lacked the resources, mentorship, or encouragement to pursue STEM. STEM fields offer powerful tools to address critical global challenges like climate change, healthcare inequities, and technological advancement. However, the underrepresentation of women creates a significant gap in diverse problem-solving perspectives. My research in Morocco will examine ways to dismantle barriers such as cultural stereotypes, limited access to resources, and a lack of female role models, providing strategies that could be adapted worldwide.”
“Allyson’s unwavering commitment to empowering young women in STEM and her deep understanding of how environmental challenges intersect with education truly reflect the core values of Unity Environmental University,” said President Melik Peter Khoury. “We are incredibly proud that her passion and hard work have garnered this Fulbright Scholarship. We have every confidence that the innovative research she conducts in Morocco will not only enrich her own teaching, but bring new perspectives and solutions to the broader field of education. Her journey is a testament to the power of education to transform lives, and we celebrate this milestone along with her.”
In the future, Gilbert says she is eager to bring her experiences back to her classrooms. “I’m deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues, students, and mentors, who have all played a part in shaping my journey. I hope this experience will inspire others to see education as a powerful tool for equity and innovation, both locally and globally. I’m eager to bring back what I learn to make my teaching more impactful and to encourage my students to see themselves as part of a connected world.”
Could you be Unity’s next Fulbright Scholarship Award Winner? Check out all of our innovative environmental-based programming by clicking this link.
