University of Rochester Senior Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

University of Rochester graduating senior Michael Potere has been named a 2007-2008 Fulbright Scholar and is the University's first scholar to teach in Malaysia.

Potere will spend the academic year, which runs from November 2007 to May 2008, teaching conversational English in rural Terengganu Province, an area with a strong cultural and religious heritage.

Upon his completion of the program, Potere will attend the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom to pursue a master of science degree in public policy and administration.

Potere, of West Newton, Mass., is pursuing his bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in history. Potere transferred from the University of Colorado-Boulder in the fall semester of 2004. Since arriving at the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, he has achieved great academic success, such as making the Dean's List every semester, participating in two national honor societies, receiving honors in political science, serving as a teaching assistant in several political science courses, and working as a Writing Fellow. Potere has also served as an orientation volunteer and mentor for transfer students and is a Sigma Chi fraternity member.

As a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia, Potere plans to learn the local language and culture, and explore his interest in Southeast Asia, Islam, and democracy.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and designed to promote mutual understanding and peace between the United States and other nations through educational and cultural exchange, the Fulbright Program offers opportunities for career-launching study, teaching, and research abroad. Scholars design their own programs and arrange institutional affiliations in the host countries. The grants cover expenses such as travel and health insurance and also provide a monthly stipend.