Ta kontakt med en Fulbrighter!

Randi Solhjell (randi.solhjell@jus.uio.no)
Visiting Researcher to UC Santa Cruz, Criminology & Intl. Relations (2025-26)

“The research center where I stayed has like anywhere its pros and cons, because it is not physicially at a specific department. This means I was kind of “alone” at an office, but I am great at reaching out and I had an excellent facilitator who were administrative in charge of the center, who gave me heads about the key research groups to join. There are also good things about having dedicated full time to write and work and I was free to be at the talks, meetings and events that would fit me and my interests. 

It has been truly inspiring and enriching to experience a radical university where a lot of scientists and students are moving across several fields and are open to a variety of scientific approaches. I will take home several of the pedagogies I learned from professors back to my home institute.”

Magnus Austad Løkken (magnuslokken@outlook.com)
Master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music, Jazz Drums (2024-26)

“During my Fulbright grant period, I completed a Master of Music degree in Jazz Arts at Manhattan School of Music in New York City. The study was focused on music performance, with the major bulk of it consisting of instrumental studies, both in private lessons with my drum professors and in ensemble work. My goal was to develop my personal artistic voice through private instruction, ensemble playing, and immersion in one of the world’s leading jazz scenes.

The programme provided opportunities to study with highly regarded musicians and educators, perform regularly with fellow students, and engage with the wider musical community in New York. Beyond the formal curriculum, I attended concerts, participated in jam sessions, and built relationships with musicians from a wide range of cultural and artistic backgrounds.

The Fulbright experience gave me a much richer understanding of the U.S. outside of school. I was able to travel around the country, see different parts of American life, and build friendships with Americans. I took part in Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, attended a bar mitzvah, and learned about the U.S. in a much more personal and intimate way than I could have from the outside. These experiences enriched my stay greatly and changed how I understand both the U.S. and Norway.“

Aksel Kolstad (akselkolstad@outlook.com)
Master’s degree at Harvard University, Law (2025-26)

“I came to Harvard to deepen my understanding of the rule of law, international law, and the theoretical foundations of law through an American lens. During my studies, I focused in particular on questions of international responsibility. I was able to explore how American lawyers and scholars think about policy and institutions that sustain the rule of law, how the U.S. legal system has evolved, and how American legal theory approaches the foundations of legal obligation. Through coursework, research, and engagement with faculty and peers, I have achieved my goal of gaining a much richer understanding of these issues, and my perspective on both international and domestic legal systems has significantly expanded.“

Peter Klivnoy (peterklivnoy@gmail.com)
Master’s level/non-degree at MIT, Computer Science/Math (2025-26)

“My Fulbright year at MIT has been a deeply transformative experience. My primary project goal was to study machine learning and statistics at the highest possible level. I am thrilled to say I achieved this, having the surreal opportunity to be lectured and mentored by some of the very creators of the fields I studied.

Beyond the classroom, I actively engaged in U.S. community life. Living in an international fraternity and playing intramural soccer and basketball provided a vital balance to the academic pressure. It was on the field and in the fraternity that I formed close friendships with students from all over the United States, allowing me to experience American culture far beyond the Cambridge bubble. I am returning to Norway not only with advanced technical expertise but with a fresh educational perspective, a profound sense of accomplishment, and an invaluable global network.“

Eunice Kabanyana Mchaina (ekm@hvl.no)
Visiting Student Researcher to Stanford University, Biology (2024-25)

“My time at Stanford was an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. I worked on exciting projects and saw how research is approached in a different setting. Along the way, I formed valuable connections, built meaningful friendships, and found mentors. Living in California added even more to it.It’s truly something I will never forget.”

Martin Quoc-Tuan Buu Huynh (martiqhuynh@gmail.com)
Nondegree student to MIT, Computer Science (2024-25)

“Studying at my dream university, MIT, on a Fulbright scholarship has given me unforgettable experiences. The courses I have taken have been challenging yet incredibly rewarding, equipping me with valuable insights and skills I’ll carry back to Norway. I have met some truly wonderful and talented people, collaborating with hard-working peers and learning from professors who are both skillful and truly passionate about teaching. Beyond academics, I have also been a member of the MIT Symphony Orchestra, playing orchestral masterpieces and meeting other music-loving students. I will forever remember the magical moment of silence following the performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “A Sea Symphony” with a full choir and orchestra. Through these experiences, I have also formed new friendships with people from all over the world, who inspire me to aim even higher!“

Hilde Restad (hilde.restad@oslonh.no)
Researcher to University of Texas, Austin. Political Science (2024-25)

“My research stay at the Clements Center for National Security at UT Austin was an invaluable experience. I was given my own office and warmly welcomed by everyone at the Clements Center as their very first Fulbright fellow. I got to know professors, students, and Military Fellows and even audited a class in the history department on statecraft and strategy (I had to write response papers every week…!). I highly recommend the Clements Center for anyone interested in security politics or U.S. foreign policy. It is a well-run and well-funded institute. As a city, Austin offers great food and cultural experiences and lots of quirky coffee shops for working away from the office.

Teodor Barane Lindell (teodor.b.lindell@ntnu.no)
Nondegree student to MIT
Mechanical Engineering & Computer Science (2024-25)

“I came to MIT with high expectations for the academic quality, and while those were certainly met, it was the experience as a whole that really mattered. I learned that my studies are important to more than just me as I became equally invested in cheering for my peers. I learned that my background was less defining than I thought when so many others share the things that I care about. Finally, I learned that living abroad was not so intimidating as it first seemed.”

Håvard Kjesbu Skjellegrind (havard.skjellegrind@ntnu.no)
Researcher to Yale University, Medical Sciences (2024-25)

“I spent a year at Yale University living in the East Rock neighbourhood of New Haven with my wife and four children. At Yale I was given the opportunity to audit several courses in statistics and epidemiology, and by that boosted my skills as a researcher and supervisor. It also gave me a thorough experience of the teaching culture at Yale. My host and mentor at Yale introduced me for a number of colleagues and collaborators, and had almost weekly meetings with me for advice on both science and life in the US. Events offered in New York City through the Fulbright Program introduced me to other international students and scholars. Through neighbours, schools, sports, the university, and travels we have experienced culture and life in the US. We have been so happy with it all, and have made friendships and collaborations we hope will last.”

Sikunder Ali (sikunder.ali@ntnu.no)
Researcher to University at Buffalo The State University of New York (SUNY), Education (2024-25)

“The Fulbright program has added a valuable dimension to both my professional and personal life. I have made new friends and colleagues, and I feel empowered to take bold action in not only understanding the complex challenges that our world faces but also in finding creative solutions to these challenges. For me, creating critical engagement with AI through education is a significant challenge, and my research work under the Fulbright Fellowship has provided me with the necessary tools to tackle this challenge more thoughtfully.”

Christine Terjesdotter Bangum (christine.t.bangum@bi.no)
Visiting Student Researcher to Columbia U., Economics (2024-25)

“My Fulbright stay has been key in advancing my PhD thesis on the political urban-rural divide. I have gotten useful feedback on my research and gained valuable insight from attending seminars and conferences with leading researchers in my field. My understanding of U.S politics and polarization was also enhanced through traveling in urban and rural Pennsylvania during the election. At a more personal level, I have experienced the craziness and wonder of New York, and made friends from all over the world.“

Charlotte Hidle (charlotte.hidle@media.uio.no)
Visiting Student Researcher to Penn State U., Communications (2024-25)

“My scholarly experience was rewarding in many ways. I have established an excellent international network and gained so many new perspectives I know will be influential for years. It was also intense in terms of the political and family situation. My only regret was not applying for a full year.“

Abysinia Kasu (abysiniak@gmail.com)
Master’s degree, New York University, International Relations (2024-25)

“My Fulbright stay in the United States has been memorable and wonderful in many ways. Arriving at NYU as an international student I was greeted by faculty and students during orientation week in August. My classes provided great connections in my field of study andwith professors eager to prepare us for the professional world. I believe the rigorous academic approach was great in terms of being up to date and practical in nature, whilst creating a theoretical foundation. The social aspect of life in New York can be daunting at first, but I found a great community and made friends for a lifetime. Taking trips upstate, going to different neighborhoods, and trying iconic coffee shops and restaurant in the city that never sleeps made some of my favorite memories from my time in New York.“

Arne Johan Pollestad (arne.j.pollestad@ntnu.no)
Visiting Student Researcher to College of William & Mary, Business (2024-25)

“My Fulbright stay in the United States has been an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. Working closely with leading researchers in my field has expanded my knowledge and improved my research skills. The academic environment has been great, and I’ve been fortunateto become a part of a community of inspiring scholars in real estate finance and economic. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with dozens of colleagues who have all been both welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of my career as a young scholar. My time as a Fulbright scholar has not only advanced my academic career, but also given me lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. I return home inspired, grateful, and with a network and perspective that will benefit me for years to come.

Betina Slagnes (betina.slagnes@gmail.com)
Visiting Student Researcher to Stanford U., Political Science (2024-25)

“My partner and I had an unforgettable experience during our stay in the U.S. SCANCOR provided a vibrant and supportive community, where we met incredible individuals and formed lasting friendships. Professionally, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in my PhD work, engage with inspiring colleagues, and refine my research through insightful discussions and presentations. Beyond academia, we explored breathtaking national parks like Yosemite (where we hiked Half Dome!), Kings Canyon, and Lake Tahoe, and spent a memorable Christmas in Maui. I am incredibly grateful for the Fulbright experience and the friendships and opportunities it provided!“

Vebjørn Haugland (hauglandvebjorn@gmail.com)
Nondegree student to MIT, Computer Science (2024-25)

“My Fulbright stay in the U.S. consisted of masters level classes at MIT. This is an opportunity I had been seeking for years, and when I got there, it was like adream come true. Being a student at MIT differed from being a student in Norway at NTNU. I felt the focus was more put on academics rather than extra curriculars. Moreover, I felt that the instructors were more encouraging, and it was more exciting material presented in lectures.

My year at MIT has been one of the best years of my life. It has shown me that I am capable of A LOT, and has instilled great values inme. Also, it has sparked new interests in me, in fields i tought was too hard for me.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to study at MIT. Thank you, Fulbright

Julia Kristine Gundersen (juliakgundersen@hotmail.com)
Postdoc Researcher, Stanford University, Pediatrics/Medicine (2024-25)

“I spent a little over 3 months at Stanford as a visiting postdoctoral scholar in a research group working with human brain organoids. During my stay, I gained experience in brain organoid culture, while also contributing to other ongoing research projects in the lab. I was fortunate to live in on-campus housing, where I could easily get around by bike. I formed close friendships with my colleagues and fellow international postdocs, all who I hope to invite to Norway in the future. On the weekends, I explored San Francisco, went hiking in the surrounding area, and enjoyed the rich local food culture. I am very grateful to Fulbright for this opportunity!“

Torgrim Sneve Guttormsen (torgrim.guttormsen@niku.no)
Researcher to Iowa State University, Uses of archaeology & monuments (2024-25)

“During my three-month Fulbright period, I visited the Department of Community and Regional Planning (CRP) at Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames, locatedin the Midwest, along with my family. ISU has developed an interdisciplinary program in Historic Preservation that interfaces heritage and planning, which closely aligns with the research profile of the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), where I am employed. ISU served as an excellent base for field trips and excursions to examine Leif Erikson monuments, which are predominantly located in the Midwest. In addition to holding a series of in-class and public lectures at ISU, St. Olaf College, and North Dakota University, I had the tremendous reward of meeting with local Scandinavian-American associations such as the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, Vesterheim in Decorah, as well as Norway House, and the Swedish American Institute, both located in Minneapolis. My travels through the Midwest to visit colleagues from a variety of institutions and organizations have significantly extended my network, laying the foundation for further cooperation and joint visits across the Atlantic.

Kerim Hestnes Nisancioglu ( Kerim@uib.no )
Fulbright Distinguished Arctic Scholar 2024-2025 to Scripps Institute of Oceanography/UCSD Oceanography

” Together with my family and my spouse, who is a marine biologist, I spent a year as a visiting scholar at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of UC San Diego in La Jolla, California. After discussing sabbatical options with the family — including Hobart, Tokyo, and Nuuk — our children made the final call: it had to be California. While it was important that they were excited about the move, it was also essential that both of us, as academic parents, found relevant research communities to engage with. San Diego turned out to be the perfect choice. Scripps, located in the coastal town of La Jolla just north of the city, is a vibrant and historic research institution. Its legacy includes the pioneering work of Norwegian oceanographer Harald Ulrik Sverdrup, who helped establish oceanography at Scripps nearly a century ago. The ties between Norwegian and American oceanographic communities remain strong, and it was an honour to be part of this tradition and to learn from the many brilliant scientists and students there.

San Diego is a place of extraordinary diversity — both in nature and culture. From the incredible Mexican cuisine and vibrant Mexican communities to the California surfing culture, world-class academic institutions, rich arts scene, and the stunning landscapes of the county, state, and national parks across the southwestern USA, the year was filled with exploration and inspiration.