Whether it was an impromptu conversation on a plane, a parent’s life-changing experience, or a yearning to delve further into a personal interest, Fulbright recipients from Tufts have been inspired by a curiosity to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Now they are about to embark on their journeys across the globe.

Fourteen Tufts alumni are participating in the Fulbright U.S. Student program for the 2026–2027 cycle. The prestigious program is administered by the U.S. State Department and offers a year-long grant for recent graduates to spend a year abroad conducting research, attending a graduate program, or teaching English.

Nandini Krishnamoorthy, A26

Community health major 
Fulbright destination: India

Photo: Courtesy of Nandini Krishnamoorthy

As a Laidlaw Scholar at Tufts, Nandini Krishnamoorthy collaborated with Saloni Dev, assistant professor of public health and community medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, and Indian non-governmental organization Pukar to conduct research on mental health in urban informal settlements in India. Her Fulbright in Mumbai, India, will allow her to build on this work.

“I will be doing qualitative research on mental health during and around the period of pregnancy in Mandala, an urban informal settlement in Mumbai,” said Krishnamoorthy, who will be continuing to work with Pukar as well as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences during her Fulbright year. “Alongside local researchers and members of the community, I will be creating interview guides, conducting semi-structured interviews, and then, once I have enough data, using reflexive thematic analysis to analyze everything.”

Though Krishnamoorthy grew up and is currently living in Mumbai, she’ll be working in a very different setting. “I grew up in a part of Mumbai that is very different from where Pukar does their work,” said Krishnamoorthy.

“I’ve been a cultural ambassador of India to the U.S., and now for the U.S. to India,” she added. “This will be a fascinating opportunity to connect my upbringing and everything that I’ve learned in the last four years at Tufts.”