Purdue ECE alumni earn Fulbright awards for research in Indonesia and France
Two alumni of Purdue University’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering have been offered prestigious Fulbright awards to conduct research abroad.
Sihun Kim will travel to Indonesia, while Jehan Shalabi will conduct research in France. Both were selected for Fulbright Study/Research Awards in June 2026.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides funding for recent graduates and graduate students to study, conduct research or teach internationally. In addition to advancing their academic work, participants build connections with people and institutions in their host countries, supporting the program’s broader goal of increasing mutual understanding across cultures.
Kim (BSEE ’23) specializes in high-efficiency hardware deployment and wireless power systems. Through his Fulbright research award in Indonesia, he will have an opportunity to advance his technical work while collaborating with researchers and engaging with communities in the country. Fulbright research grants in Indonesia support independent projects and emphasize collaboration with Indonesian researchers and institutions.
Shalabi (MSEE ’25), who is a current PhD student in Purdue ECE, conducts fundamental physics research in electromagnetic fields, optics, and advanced infrared sensing. Shalabi will continue her research in France, where the Fulbright program supports students and researchers working across scientific, technical and other academic fields. The program encourages recipients to form lasting connections with their host institutions and participate in the cultural life of their host countries.
The awards recognize Kim and Shalabi not only for the strength of their research but also for their potential to serve as international collaborators and representatives of Purdue.
Through their Fulbright experiences, both alumni will have the opportunity to expand their research, develop global partnerships and bring new perspectives to engineering challenges that cross national borders.