Nicole Hansen, a senior studying Criminal Justice, English, and Arabic, has been awarded both GWU's Shapiro Travelling Fellowship and the National Boren Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year.
During the summer and fall semesters of 2026, Nicole will be living and studying in Tunis, Tunisia and using her funds from the Shapiro Travelling Fellowship to research U.S. and Tunisian security relations. Nicole's research topic is heavily inspired by her experiences studying under GWU's Sociology department. Supported by her expertise in criminal justice, Arabic language, and international relations Nicole hopes to publish her research with the help of faculty advisor Fran Buntman.
Beginning in the spring semester of 2027, Nicole will spend six months in Rabat, Morocco, as a recipient of the National Security Education Program's Boren Scholarship. During her time in Morocco, Nicole will continue her advanced Arabic language studies while volunteering with local organizations, further strengthening her linguistic proficiency and regional expertise through immersive cultural and professional engagement.
Nicole is deeply grateful to The George Washington University for its continued investment in undergraduate research, global learning, and public service. She extends a special thank you to the faculty of the Sociology Department, whose mentorship, encouragement, and academic support have been instrumental in shaping the research that made these opportunities possible.