Kyle Vuong is Pursuing His Dreams as a Fulbright Scholar

CFSI Scholar

Kyle Vuong is Pursuing His Dreams as a Fulbright Scholar

Kyle Vuong’s success is no accident. He is a first generation immigrant who came to the United States with a tremendous work ethic, personal ambition, and desire to make a difference.

“Malaria and HIV were prevalent in my home country, Vietnam,” said Vuong. “When I came here I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but my math and science teachers inspired me. During the summer of 2016, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP). Stanford’s program allowed me to spend nine weeks working on a microbiology research project. Being a part of the SSRP was an extremely rewarding experience; it allowed me to network with passionate undergraduate researchers around the United States and learned how to think like a scientist. Ultimately, the SSRP helped solidify my interest in pursuing a career in  research.”

In 2007, realizing there were greater opportunities in the United States, Kyle came to New Albany, Indiana to live with his uncle and aunt. In 2013 he graduated from New Albany High School and received the Bette Bennett Hammond Memorial Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.

“The Bette Bennett Hammond Memorial Scholarship changed my life. Not only has the Hammond Family been very supportive of me but the scholarship freed me up to focus on leadership, my education and my passions – instead of having to find work just to afford school.”

Throughout his time at New Albany High School and the University of Louisville Kyle worked hard. With a number of mentors helping him along the way and inspiring him to do more, Kyle gained incredible experiences that helped him become a better researcher and scientist. All that hard work paid off in the Spring of 2017 when Kyle received a Fulbright Research Grant to Geneva, Switzerland to perform research on a parasite of great medical significance in an outstanding lab.

According to their website, “The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program currently awards approximately 1,900 grants annually in all fields of study, and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide.” Fulbright awards are some of the most prestigious in higher education.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities provided me. I feel very fortunate for my time and experiences in high school and college, the scholarship from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, and now the Fulbright Research Grant because they’ve all allowed me to pursue my dreams.”