Fulbright Awarded to LMU Senior Sabriya Seid, Research Embraces Care of the Earth

Loyola Marymount University's Sabriya Seid, BA '25 biology and studio arts, has received a study/research award from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Seid's research aligns well with two of LMU's major initiatives, advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Laudato Si' Action Platform. During her Fulbright, Seid will travel to Ecuador to research the restoration and conservation of two Scalesia tree species commonly known as Darwin's giant daisies. The project will combine studying the tree's germination and growth, and include a community-based conservation component which will develop urban gardens in Puerto Ayora. These gardens will support biodiversity while engaging local residents, particularly students, in hands-on restoration.

"Ecuador is such a rich environment for conservation work, and the Galápagos, in particular, is an incredible place for me to grow as both a person and a scientist. Researchers from all over the world work there, creating a strong network of scientists and conservation programs that are already doing amazing work, making it the ideal place for me to learn and contribute," said Seid.

Seid majors in both biology and studio arts-a pairing some might see as unusual. But Seid has an illuminating perspective on each field's relatedness and relevance-a unique perspective that makes her research interests stand out from the crowd:

"I've always believed that science and art are intrinsically connected. Many early biologists and naturalists were also incredible artists, and scientists have always, and likely always will, rely on visuals to communicate their work. For me, combining these majors was driven by my love for both disciplines, and it provides a way for me to do meaningful conservation work, which I have always been passionate about. Biology gives me the foundation to do the research, and art helps me share it. During my Fulbright, I'll be creating visual materials like infographics and educational worksheets for the gardens we'll be building, especially any gardens in schools. It is my hope that art will help explain my research and make people feel more connected to the environment," said Seid.

At LMU, the Office of National and International Fellowships (ONIF) provides support to students pursuing a variety of funding opportunities, including the Fulbright. ONIF helped Seid get started with the application; developed a timeline to keep her on track throughout the application process; and offered guidance on the overall structure and strategy for her application-especially the personal statement. Seid also appreciated ONIF's "help sessions," as well as access to a dedicated space to work on her application, noting that the discipline-specific feedback she got from her research advisor,Demian Willette, assistant professor of biology, was critical. "ONIF helped me shape the broader narrative of my application, and my professors helped me refine my Statement of Grant Purpose and research project. Overall, LMU had great resources to help with the application," said Seid.

Five additional LMU student scholars were Fulbright semi-finalists, indicating the strength, clarity, and value of their applications:

• Jenissa Casillas, MA '25 Educational Leadership: ETA (English Teaching Assistant), Spain
• Dana Connell, BA '24 Political Science, minor in International Relations, Peace and Justice Studies: Study/Research, Israel
• Cormac Dorzal, BA '21 Film and Television Production: ETA, Turkey
• Ryan Fawwaz, MA '25 Transformative Education: ETA, Spain
• Elsa Mitchell, BA '24 Philosophy and Spanish: ETA, Spain
• Alexandra Pacheco Santana, BA '24 Political Science: ETA, Mexico

Whether finalists or semi-finalists, each of these LMU students is on the path to developing themselves as ethical leaders, prioritizing community while valuing experiential opportunities and collaborations. We congratulate them on refining their goals and pursuing the opportunity to entrench themselves as stakeholders in the global community.

"Doing a Fulbright has been a dream of mine ever since I first learned about their existence, which was actually way back in middle school. It was one of those totally surreal moments, and I'm beyond excited!" said Seid.