TWU former student selected for Fulbright

Apr. 16, 2020 — DENTON — Texas Woman’s University is pleased to announce that alumna, Diana Funk, who received her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from TWU in 2015, has been awarded a grant through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Funk, the seventh TWU participant in the program, will focus her research on reducing fall rates among the elderly in Croatia, where deaths from falls have more than doubled since 2001. She will work with Libertas International University in Zagreb, local nursing homes and a local church. The nine-month grant period will begin in October 2020.

While Funk has been working at Baylor Scott and White, she said that she is looking forward to making a difference and enriching her own understanding of the therapeutic process and examining the value that culture and family play in public health.

“My parents and church have always emphasized the importance of service, and I thought this would be a great way to learn and share with people that are in need,” said Funk.

Funk said she also received encouragement and support from TWU faculty, Dale Anderle, PT, DPT and Stephen Souris, Ph.D. who provided assistance with the application process. 

In the future, Funk hopes to be able to join a university to continue her research as well as work on creating policy and awareness for the elderly.

“I am really looking forward to experiencing the purpose of the Fulbright program which is mutualistic learning. Living in a place for nine months will really help me experience the culture and learn about Croatia and share things that I have learned from TWU and from work experience,” she said.

As the largest U.S. exchange program for students and young professionals, the Fulbright U. S. Student Program awards approximately 2,000 grants annually in all fields of study and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is administered at Texas Woman’s University through Dr. Stephen Souris, Professor of English and TWU Fulbright Program Advisor and Dr. Monica Mendez-Grant, Vice President for Student Life.

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Page last updated 11:57 AM, April 17, 2020