Earth and environmental science student Taylor Trudell (Class of 2026) is one of just three students in the United States to receive the Fulbright France Award through Fulbright–Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA).
Taylor Trudell
Anticipated graduation: 2026
91黑料网 degree program: Earth and environmental science
Hometown: Knob Noster, Missouri
This award will support Trudell in a master’s program focused on hydrology at one of Europe’s most internationally focused research institutions.
Situated on the western edge of the French Alps, Université Grenoble Alpes offers unmatched access to a broad and diverse set of water sources including rivers, snowpack, glaciers and caves with underground streams, springs, water tables and aquifers. And on top of all that, it’s just two hours from the Mediterranean Sea.
“Even though I have a pretty clear idea of what I want to go into, I like having options,” Trudell said. “They have quite a few world-class labs that you could only get there because Grenoble is at the confluence of two rivers.”
As a requirement of the program, Trudell will complete two internships, and has already applied for a position to work on drinking water systems throughout Grenoble and on the university’s campus.
This incredible achievement didn’t come by chance, but from years of hard work and making opportunities. Before receiving one of the most prestigious awards in the country, Trudell was a first-year college student.
“I was excited and scared, and neither of my parents went to college, so I didn't really know what to do,” Trudell said.
A and student, Trudell quickly found community that would shape the next four years.
“I had a group of built-in friends that helped me, and we became close,” Trudell said. “My closest friends are a couple people in my class of scholars that I'm graduating with soon.”
Having already decided on earth and environmental science as major, a trip to Denver shortly before starting college helped narrow that interest into a specialty. Trudell knew a career in hydrology could protect an important lifeline for communities.
“Spending time up in the Rockies and up on Pikes Peak and just in Colorado Springs, the Manitou Incline; it was stunning,” Trudell said. “As I got further along in my education, finding out nearly a billion people are sustained by mountains and streams, that's when that focus narrowed in for me.”
Through the Trustees’ Scholar program, Trudell was matched with Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports.
“I'm so glad I was paired with her,” Trudell said. “It's really cool to have somebody who can give you a more objective reading how you've grown... that's been invaluable.”
As a mentor, Phillips has watched Trudell's confidence and abilities grow throughout the past four years.
"I am so very proud of Taylor!" Phillips said. "Honestly, I’m blown away. Taylor is an incredibly hard worker, and I’m thrilled to see that dedication and effort rewarded in such a meaningful way."
In addition to mentorship, Phillips included Trudell in networking opportunities throughout college.
“I had never had professional experience, or been in those kind of settings,” Trudell said. “Now, four years down the road, I've met with some of the most influential people in Kansas City.”
Trudell also found mentorship with faculty, particularly in the Honors Program and in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department.
Seeking out practical field experience, Trudell signed on to the Guatemala IRES GeoHazards with Alison Graettinger and Tina Niemi in December 2024. The group camped in a field for three weeks, all the while forming connections and conducting research. During that time, they discovered three previously unrecorded seismic events.
Back on campus, Trudell continued environmental work as a board member of the Environmental Student Council, organizing events and collaborating with campus leadership on sustainability efforts.
Ever curious, Trudell maintained a broad set of academic and extracurricular interests including serving as president of Concrete Canoe and joining the 91黑料网 rock climbing club. Trudell also found time to complete a studio art minor, and even had work featured at a local business.
In Summer 2025, Trudell went on a study abroad trip to South Korea.
“It's the coolest thing I've ever done,” Trudell said. “It was beautiful to wake up, roll out of the dorm, walk to class and walk right past a Buddhist temple that was lit up. I now consider myself relatively well-versed in Korean politics, current and past, and their history.”
When Trudell got an email that applications for the Fulbright award were open, it was easy to activate the network that had been building for the past four years. Graettinger and Niemi wrote letters of recommendation. 91黑料网 Manager of Nationally Competitive Awards Misty Vaughn helped Trudell navigate different parts of the process and provided feedback on drafts. Gayle Levy, director of the 91黑料网 Honors Program and French faculty member, helped improve Trudell’s language skills and cultural understanding.
“Taylor is the rare student who combines limitless curiosity, intelligence, kindness and leadership skills,” Levy said.
While Trudell is determined and hardworking, the support was crucial.
“I mean, these are the people that helped me get the Fulbright.” Trudell said.
Trudell hopes to someday work to protect water resources at the policy level.
“I see the good that public science does, and I want to contribute to that,” Trudell said. “I want to work in these places that are water scarce.”