Fulbright Fellowship: Embracing My Identity, Culture, and Leadership Potential

Growing up as a Haitian immigrant, I have always carried with me the complex beauty and resilience of my homeland. Haiti, a small island rich in culture but with limited resources, has shaped the way I see the world and my place within it. Now, as I embark on my Fulbright Fellowship journey, I realize how much my background, my curious mind, and my deep-rooted desire to make a difference have guided me to this moment.

When I look back at my early days, I can see how my cultural nuances impacted my research perspective in positive, profound ways. In Haiti, where resources were often scarce, creativity was not an option—it was a necessity. Growing up in an environment where I had to innovate with limited materials, I developed a deep sense of curiosity and resourcefulness. I didn’t always have access to cutting-edge technology or labs, but I had my imagination and determination. This resourcefulness became the foundation of my scientific creativity. Even in moments when it felt like the odds were stacked against me, I found ways to explore and investigate the world around me.

The Role of Community in Nurturing Leadership and Mentorship 

What’s more, being part of an underrepresented community in STEM made me hyperaware of the importance of mentorship and leadership. As a young girl in Haiti, I was surrounded by people who believed in my potential, even when opportunities seemed out of reach. Teachers and family members who saw promise in me helped build my confidence, showing me that my dreams were not just valid but achievable. It was through this community that my leadership journey began—one built on the foundation of supporting others and fostering an environment where underrepresented voices could thrive.

The gift of mentorship, which I now cherish as both a mentor and mentee, was born from this deep-seated belief in the potential of individuals, no matter their background. As I progressed in my scientific career, I realized that leadership in STEM is not just about achieving personal success. It’s about creating space for others who, like me, might have felt invisible at some point. Through mentorship, I hope to inspire future generations to step into their own power, embrace their uniqueness, and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

The Fulbright Fellowship: A Convergence of Identity, Culture, and Scientific Potential 

The Fulbright Study/Research Grant has given me the opportunity to dive deeper into my passion for neuroscience research—an opportunity that embodies the intersection of my cultural identity, academic aspirations, and leadership potential. The Fulbright program is not just a fellowship for me; it is a platform where I can showcase the richness of my Haitian American culture and how it has shaped the way I think and conduct research. It allows me to combine my cultural nuances with my scientific inquiries, bringing a fresh and unique perspective to the table.

As someone deeply passionate about understanding the neurobiology and neurocircuits of stress resiliency, I recognize that this work goes beyond academic curiosity. It’s about making a tangible difference in how we understand stress-related disorders—something that affects people globally, but that I have witnessed on a very personal level, having grown up in Haiti. My work, driven by the resilience I saw in my community, is aimed at contributing to solutions that can improve the lives of people worldwide. The Fulbright Fellowship has given me the space to pursue this research while allowing my cultural roots to inform my approach and vision.

For me, this fellowship is the embodiment of who I am in all my complexity: a Haitian immigrant, a scientist, a leader, and a mentor. It represents not just my academic potential but also my cultural richness and my aspirations to lead with purpose and compassion. The Fulbright Fellowship is an acknowledgment of my journey and the belief that my story—and the stories of so many others like me—deserves to be told and heard.

A Shift in Aspirations: More Than Just a PhD 

Five years ago, when I was just starting as a graduate student, my sole goal was to earn a PhD. At that time, I saw the degree as the ultimate achievement—proof that I had "made it" in academia. But as I stand here today, with all the experiences I’ve gathered, I realize that I want much more than just a PhD. I want to make a difference. I want to create a lasting impact in the world, especially in underrepresented communities.

Now, my aspirations go beyond the title of “Doctor.” I want my work and my story to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the barriers they may face. I want to ensure that the cultural richness and unique perspectives that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to the table are valued and celebrated. These cultural nuances are not limitations—they are essential to innovation, progress, and creating solutions that reflect the diverse world we live in.

The Fulbright Fellowship gives me the opportunity to contribute to a global conversation about neuroscience, stress resilience, and how cultural context plays a significant role in our understanding of mental health. Through this fellowship, I am not only advancing my research but also advocating for the importance of diverse voices in science. This opportunity aligns with my long-held belief that science should be inclusive and reflective of the varied experiences of people from all corners of the world.

Embracing the Future: A Leader, A Mentor, and A Global Citizen 

As I move forward in my Fulbright journey, I am excited about the possibilities ahead. This fellowship represents the culmination of my past experiences, cultural identity, and scientific potential. It provides a platform for me to pursue my academic goals while staying true to the cultural values and leadership qualities that have been instilled in me since childhood.

The opportunity to represent Haiti and the United States, to carry my cultural richness into my research, and to advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, is one that I do not take lightly. I am committed to making an impact, not just for myself, but for all those who have supported me along the way—and for those who will follow in my footsteps.

I hope that through this journey, I can inspire others to believe in the power of their own stories, to see their unique backgrounds as strengths, and to use their cultural richness to shape their careers and aspirations in meaningful ways. The Fulbright Fellowship is not just about research—it’s about making connections, building bridges, and showing the world that diversity in science leads to greater innovation and progress.

In the end, my journey is about more than achieving a degree—it’s about making an impact. It’s about using my story, my culture, and my passion to create a future where every voice is valued, and every perspective is seen as an essential part of the collective advancement of knowledge.

Nella C. Delva