Fisher was one of three U.S. college seniors to receive the Keasbey Scholarship, which pays for all school expenses at one of four British institutions: Oxford, Cambridge University, University of Edinburgh in Scotland and University College of Wales at Aberystwyth.
An interdisciplinary major in sociology, physiology and social policy, Fisher expressed excitement about receiving the award. "I'm thrilled," said Fisher. "It's an amazing opportunity." Fisher will leave for Oxford in the last week of September.
Fisher chose Oxford because an interdisciplinary program at the university will allow her to study different social justice policies as well as applied interventions for troubled youth and families. She will be in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work and will read for a Master in Psychology in Comparative Social Policy.
Fisher, a Student Health Educator and Peer Advocate of Sexual Respect, is writing a thesis on youth violence, examining media misrepresentations of youth and the motivation behind punitive juvenile justice policies.
Fisher gave credit and thanks to Denise Gagnon, the Fellowships Coordinator. "Denise Gagnon has been incredibly helpful, and she's a fabulous resource," she said.
Fisher is also excited for the other opportunities the award will provide her, including a chance to tour Europe. "I also hope to travel ... to take advantage of being in Europe," she said.
The Watson Fellowship is a one-year grant that awards recipients $22,000 for independent research and travel abroad. Participating institutions nominate graduating college seniors in order to be considered for this prestigious award.
Rachiele's research proposal, entitled "The Global Diffusion of Basketball," will take him to Argentina, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.