From New York to South Korea: Spelman Graduate Awarded 2011 Fulbright Fellowship

ATLANTA, GA (11/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Spelman College graduate, Itisha Jefferson, from Brooklyn, NY, who graduated from Spelman in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry on a pre-med track, was selected as a 2011 Fulbright Fellow. Jefferson was selected to travel to South Korea to teach, as well as grasp an understanding of the Korean culture. Jefferson is also participating in Korean culture activities such as Hanji, Taekwondo, and Korean language classes. However, her main project, aside from teaching, is to work with South Korean health organizations that are responsible for the healthcare of North Korean refugees because in North Korea due to the high rate of TB and child malnutrition.

Itisha is striving to attain a medical degree with a concentration in international health and with a history of research and study abroad she is well on her way. Jefferson has traveled to Cape Coast, Ghana (2008) and Kathmandu, Nepal (2010-2011). In Ghana, Jefferson conducted research on organic chemistry techniques to find the chemical components of Scoparia Dulcis, an annual herb with serrated leaves and many small white flowers, which is used against menstrual disorders, dysentery and fever. In Nepal she volunteered at the Helping Hands Community Hospital for a month over winter break during the 2010-2011 academic years.

In 2011, Spelman tied for seventh as a top-producing bachelor's degree institution for Fulbright students with five winners, all of whom are English language teaching assistants in Vietnam, Macau, Korea, Venezuela and Spain. In addition, Spelman has been positioned among leading colleges and universities for the international education exchange program for five consecutive years.

Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically black college boasts an 83 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 85 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 9:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.