Show-Me State Times

Anuj Gandhi, a Fulbright Scholar, has been awarded the Fulbright-Nehru Student Research Award. After being named an alternate last year, Gandhi has now secured this prestigious recognition. The Fulbright Program is an international educational exchange initiative sponsored by the U.S. government, aiming to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. It collaborates with over 160 nations to provide opportunities for graduate study, research, or teaching English abroad.

With his award, Gandhi plans to explore how globalization-based acculturation affects Indian young adults' views on mental health and treatment options. "I plan to conduct an independent research study investigating the effect of globalization-based acculturation on the cultural identity, mental health, and treatment attitudes of Indian young adults in Mumbai," he explained. He noted that as Indian metropolitan areas become more globalized, young adults face dual cultural influences that may impact their mental health and treatment preferences.

Rebecca Muich, Ph.D., director of the Saint Louis University Honors Program, commended Gandhi's determination in securing the award. "Anuj's award is especially notable because he was chosen by Fulbright as an alternate last year and returned to the competition with renewed determination this year," she stated. She highlighted his commitment throughout a rigorous campus review process.

Muich further elaborated on the demanding nature of applying for a research award: "Applying for a research award is both ambitious and grueling." She noted that applicants must develop comprehensive research plans justifying nine months abroad while establishing institutional affiliations in their target country. Many applicants are pursuing master's or doctoral degrees; however, Gandhi's project was conceived during his undergraduate studies and refined since his initial application in fall 2024.