Philosophy Doctoral Student Earns Fulbright to Study in Germany

Diligence and perseverance have propelled philosophy Ph.D. candidate Jacob Greenstine into an elite group of five Duquesne University students who have earned Fulbright awards in just the past three years.

Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study; advanced research; and university, primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. Each year, the program awards roughly 1,900 grants, with opportunities in more than 140 countries.

Greenstine’s opportunity resides in Germany, where he’ll continue his investigation into the problem of non-being in Aristotle’s philosophy with Dr. Gottfried Heinemann at the University of Kassel. Greenstine said he was motivated to apply for the Fulbright in Germany for many reasons, including the nation’s rich tradition of ancient philosophy scholarship. “There is no question that serious and interesting work in ancient philosophy, especially Aristotle, is coming out of Germany,” he said. “The Fulbright gives me an opportunity to dive into this scholarship and to work in the German system for my dissertation.”

The Fulbright award will fund Greenstine’s research for 10 months and provides a stipend for airfare and books. He’ll also polish his language skills at a Fulbright-funded, eight-week language course in Marburg before the German academic year begins in October.

“Jacob is a very energetic student. He’s done very well in the department, and is the type of student who can take advantage of these grant opportunities by diligently applying and preparing,” said Dr. Ronald Polansky, Greenstine’s advisor, and professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy. “We like to think the department contributed to preparing him for this excellent opportunity.”

Greenstine’s award marks the second for the Department of Philosophy.

“A more focused recruitment program and a supportive faculty committee have made Fulbright a successful program at Duquesne in the last three years,” said Joe DeCrosta, director of the Office of International Programs. “As students become more familiar with the program and understand its prestige, we hope Duquesne’s Fulbright applicant pool will continue to grow and succeed.”

For those wishing to follow in his Fulbright footsteps, Greenstine offered three tips: start the application process early, have others—especially those with a critical eye and experience with grant committees—review your proposal and personal statement, and take advantage of the mock interview Duquesne offers.

“I’m looking forward to researching at the University of Kassel, and to connecting with others working in related projects across Germany,” Greenstine said.