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Celebrating the Collective Impact of the 2025 Fulbright-National Geographic Award Recipients
Five individuals have been selected as Fulbrighters and National Geographic Explorers who will research global issues and develop narratives that promote cross-cultural understanding
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 26, 2025) — Today, the National Geographic Society and the Fulbright Program have named the recipients of the 2025 Fulbright-National Geographic Award. These five newly named Fulbrighters and National Geographic Explorers will embark on projects around the world that engage local communities and support the conservation of our planet’s lands and oceans, from the Arctic soundscape to vital aquatic and terrestrial habitats, with the goal of building a better future.
Their projects include researching the relationship between Ophiocordyceps fungi and “zombie ants” in Malaysia with the potential for discovering new antimicrobials, and an ethnographic study of Indigenous Tamang porters in Nepal’s trekking industry.
“The unique cultural heritage of our community and diverse Himalayan geographies offers an immersive experience for global visitors, and we want to be key partners in sharing it with the world,” said National Geographic Explorer Amrit Tamang. “Our community is dedicated to sustainable tourism and we want to ensure our traditional practices are respected and integrated into any new developments.”
Other projects will focus on developing geospatial mapping tools to support community mobility needs through electric vehicle infrastructure in the Azores, investigating the future of Tanzania’s sea cucumber economy, and researching Arctic marine soundscapes in Canada.
“Sea cucumbers are one of the most highly prized and valuable fisheries in the world,” said National Geographic Explorer Taylor Bratton. “Through my research, I hope to tell the story of harvesting sea cucumbers and its connection to international trade through the perspective of the traditional fishers.”
Meet the 2025 Fulbright-National Geographic Award recipients:
Amrit Tamang; Cultural Anthropologist; Nepal
As a cultural anthropologist, Amrit Tamang will conduct an ethnographic study of Indigenous Tamang porters' labor, mobilities, and worldmaking in Nepal’s trekking industry. His project aims to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions and historical realities of these porters, whose labor forms the backbone of Nepal’s mid-hill adventure tourism. Drawing from his own family’s experiences of portering, seeks to bridge academic research and policy by creating platforms for porters’ narratives, photographs, and short videos to be shared, to inform discussions about labor and to recognize their vital role in Nepali tourism.
Katie Vyhnal; Conservation Ecologist; Malaysia
As a mycologist, Katie Vyhnal will delve into the intricate relationship between parasitic Ophiocordyceps fungi and their ant hosts, commonly known as “zombie ants.” Collaborating with Monash University Malaysia’s School of Science, her research will involve field expeditions to Mulu National Park to collect specimens for molecular lab analysis. The goal is to identify both ant and fungal species and determine if a dominant host species exists, a concept suggested but not yet proven in existing literature. Beyond understanding ecological and evolutionary processes, Vyhnal research holds potential for discovering new antimicrobial agents from these fungi, contributing to future medical advancements.
Kyrin Pollock; Community Conservationist; Canada
As a conservationist, Kyrin Sandhu-Pollock will co-develop research with the Olokhaktomiut Hunters and Trappers Committee (OHTC) in Ulukhaktok, blending bioacoustics science with traditional Inuvialuit knowledge to document and interpret marine sound. Her research will investigate how industrial noise is transforming the sound of Arctic waters. Melting sea ice has opened the region to global shipping, military activity, and resource exploration, introducing anthropogenic noise into a previously quiet ecosystem. Her initiative aims to create an acoustic record for conservation and cultural preservation, while also supporting the OHTC’s efforts to establish a marine protected area to safeguard one of the world’s last remaining wild soundscapes.
Priya Talreja; Environmental Policy Researcher; Azores, Portugal
As an urban planner, Priya Talreja will focus on developing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to support community mobility needs in the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. Her project will develop a geospatial mapping tool to identify optimal EV charger locations, adapting proven methodologies from California to the unique Azorean context. Talreja will collaborate with policymakers to support their use of these tools and facilitate participatory mapping focus groups, ensuring that a wide range of community stakeholders inform planning decisions and benefit from EV access. Her work aims to serve as a model for other island communities transitioning to sustainable transportation.
Taylor Bratton; Marine Social Ecologist; Tanzania
As a marine conservationist, Taylor Bratton will investigate the future of Tanzania’s sea cucumber economy, focusing on the impacts of recent CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) listings on local livelihoods and trade. Her project will combine academic research with immersive photo-based storytelling to document how these new regulations reshape local dynamics — from institutional management challenges to the emergence of underground markets. Bratton will also explore Tanzania's pioneering solutions in sea cucumber aquaculture, particularly how new opportunities are benefiting women in coastal communities. Her research aims to inform more effective approaches to marine resource management that strengthen and broaden opportunities for coastal communities.
Now in its 12th year, the Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program provides additional funding and resources to enhance Fulbright projects in research, conservation, technology, education and storytelling. Annually, the program selects up to five individuals whose projects communicate powerful narratives that foster global understanding and peace, amplified through the networks of both the Fulbright Program and the National Geographic Society. Award recipients join a global community of Explorers, gaining lifelong professional development through Society-offered trainings, events, and public engagement opportunities. Chosen through a highly competitive process, recipients carry out their projects using various research and storytelling methods with support and mentorship from the Fulbright Program and fellow Explorers.
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About the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship international educational exchange program. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided nearly 450,000 accomplished students, scholars, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds and fields the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges. The Fulbright-National Geographic Award launched in 2013 as a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society. For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit https://www.fulbrightprogram.org/ or contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Press Office by e-mail: ECA-Press@state.gov. To learn more, visit www.fulbrightprogram.org and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Facebook.
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About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
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