Drexel Alumna and Ithaca Native Caitlin Costello Awarded Fulbright Scholarship for Research in Senegal

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Caitlin Costello

PHILADELPHIA, PA (05/13/2011)(readMedia)-- Caitlin Costello, an Ithaca, N.Y. native and recent graduate from Drexel University in Philadelphia, has received the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship for study and research abroad in 2011-12. Costello is one of four Drexel students receiving the Fulbright award this year, the most in any year in Drexel's history.

Costello will focus her efforts on domestic rice production in Senegal. Her project will examine rice production strategies and explore how to mimic the most successful methods in areas where rice production is less developed. The research can help to increase food security, improve health, increase productivity and provide employment. Costello performed related research on the topic for her senior thesis at Drexel. She earned a bachelor's degree in International Area Studies in 2010.

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, and teaching opportunities. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study abroad for one academic year.

Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel is the nation's 14th largest private university and is ranked second among national universities in the U.S. News list of "Up-and-Comers." Drexel is widely recognized for its focus on experiential learning through its co-operative education program, technology and use-inspired research.