Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Alicia Nataly Greenberg ’10 was born in Honduras, and this summer she will return to her native country as UNCW’s latest participant in the Fulbright Program, studying how ongoing violence in the nation affects citizens’ mental health.

“The Fulbright is an incredible award and honor,” said Theodore Burgh, associate professor of philosophy and religion and adviser to Fulbright students at UNCW. “The recipient represents the U.S. and has the chance to immerse himself or herself in the culture of the country. The time abroad is life-changing.”

Greenberg hopes to continue her focus on mental health and plans to work toward an International MBA and a medical degree. According to Greenberg, the stigma in Latin America associated with mental health issues prevents many residents from seeking the care they need.

“Citizens are robbed, attacked and shot sometimes just for a phone,” she said. “I believe that there is an epidemic of PTSD and related anxiety issues in the community due to this wave of violence.”

Greenberg moved from Honduras to southeastern North Carolina when she was 11 and attended the Topsail-area schools before enrolling at UNCW, where she earned a degree in business administration. She is currently taking additional undergraduate classes at UNCW.

She was one of six Fulbright applicants this year recognized by the Honors College during a program on March 18. Since 1998, at least 15 UNCW students have received Fulbrights to teach or study in countries including South Korea, Canada, France, Belgium, Germany, Egypt, Mauritius, Vietnam, Spain, Ecuador, Australia, Norway and New Zealand.

UNCW was also named a top producer of faculty Fulbright Scholars this year, with three professors receiving grants to teach and conduct research abroad.

U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright founded the Fulbright Program in 1946. Administered by U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the goal of the program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. About 8,000 Fulbrights are awarded annually, and more than 360,000 people have participated in the program.

--Tricia Vance

#AA