A UW–Madison graduate student in the School of Education has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year. Libby Hladik, a doctoral candidate with the Department of Kinesiology and the Occupational Therapy Program, is among 11 scholars who were selected from UW–Madison this year.
These distinguished scholars will teach and conduct research in collaboration with institutions abroad, representing a wide spectrum of disciplines including astronomy, biology, communication sciences and disorders, engineering, English, kinesiology, law, medicine, and political science.
For her research project, titled “Moving Towards Cultural Community Participation for Czech Children with Developmental Disabilities,” Hladik will travel to the Czech Republic, where she will work with Czech families who have children with developmental disabilities.
Hladik’s goal is to first understand what is important to these families about their participation in museums, libraries, and historical sites. She will then develop a Czech version of “The Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkit for Cultural Institutions,” which was developed with the Madison Children’s Museum during Hladik’s time working with UW–Madison’s Ausderau Lab.
Other UW–Madison Fulbright U.S. Scholars will be located in Austria, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Iceland, India, Rwanda, and Spain. Through their participation, they will engage in innovative research, expand their professional networks, and develop collaborations that often continue beyond the academic year. These experiences lay the groundwork for future partnerships between institutions.
Upon their return, Fulbright Scholars enrich campus life by sharing experiences, fostering international connections, and often becoming advocates for inviting foreign scholars to campus. These individuals encourage colleagues and students to pursue international opportunities, thereby enriching the academic environment at UW–Madison.
“It is outstanding to see so many from UW–Madison selected for these prestigious awards,” said Frances Vavrus, International Division vice provost and dean. “The research and teaching that will take place during the coming academic year will enrich communities and further dialogue around the globe. Congratulations to UW–Madison’s newest Fulbright Scholar Award recipients!”
Learn more about UW–Madison’s 11 Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2024-25 and their plans for the coming semster.