How Mabel Zuñiga, a Panamanian Scholar, Secured a Master’s Through the Fulbright Scholarship

My name is Mabel Zuñiga. I am a graduate student from Panama pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Maryland. I studied Environmental Engineering as an undergraduate because I have always been interested in the intersection between science and human well-being, and environmental engineering gave me the opportunity to explore both of those worlds.

I quickly realized that I would not be focusing on the technical aspects of engineering in my career, as human interactions and their relationship with the environment were what really captured my interest early on. In 2018, I had the opportunity to participate in a one-week program on climate change, and it made me realize that this was an area where I wanted to focus my career, not because I was already very knowledgeable about the topic, but because it felt extremely relevant.

During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to join the Ministry of Environment as a Climate Intern. Further down the line, I became a Climate Analyst, where my work focused on supporting the development and implementation of climate adaptation policies and programs to help ensure that frontline communities experiencing some of the most severe impacts of climate change had the necessary tools to address them.

Working in climate policy and being able to influence it firsthand pushed me to pursue this master’s degree. I knew that, in order to make better policy, I needed to better understand what policy actually is and how it works from an academic perspective. So, in 2024, I decided to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, and by December of that year, I received the news that I had been selected as one of the recipients from Panama.

Educational Background

I have a degree in Environmental Engineering from the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá and a Master’s degree in Project Formulation and Evaluation from the Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua. However, I believe that, more than my degrees, what really prepared me to apply for scholarships was my professional experience in my field of expertise and my ability to identify the needs and gaps that I could help address by pursuing further education.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Maryland?

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright Scholarship and University of Maryland?

The Fulbright Scholarship is granted in conjunction with an institution in Panama called SENACYT. They publish information about when applications open, the requirements, and the steps that each applicant should follow. I first learned about the scholarship through their website.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I had to take the GRE and TOEFL. I think one of the best ways to prepare is to review online resources that explain how the tests are structured, what types of questions to expect, and how you are expected to answer them. In my case, these were really helpful resources when preparing for the standardized tests, especially the practice tests available online. If you have the opportunity to take a short preparation course, I also think it can be a very useful investment

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

I prepared by creating an organized plan that outlined the requirements, how I could fulfill them, and the timeline by which I needed to submit all the documents. I am a true believer that you are never 100% ready to apply because, as humans, we always want everything to be perfect. However, having a clear plan and understanding where my weaknesses were and which areas I needed to work on the most were really useful in helping me be ready by the time the application needed to be submitted.

How Do You Rate the University of Maryland Academically?

UMD is one of the leading public universities in the U.S., and I think that is reflected in the way its programs are structured and delivered. Being at the School of Public Policy has allowed me to learn different perspectives and approaches to addressing pressing policy issues while being guided by professors with strong academic and professional backgrounds.

What Did You Pursue After the Fulbright Scholarship?

I was at a point in my life and career where I wanted to take a step back and strengthen my academic understanding of policy so that I could do a better job once I returned to Panama. I wanted to be better informed about what good policy looks like and the key factors that need to be taken into account for policy to have a meaningful and lasting impact

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think one of the strengths of my application was that I connected my proposed studies with existing gaps and needs in Panama that required me to pursue further education. For me, it was important to highlight that my desire to pursue a master’s degree was grounded in real-life challenges that exist in my home country and in the work I had already been doing.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have taken more time to research programs and universities. I was very fortunate to work with an amazing advisor who guided me through the process of identifying programs and universities and was extremely helpful in finding the right match for me. However, looking back, I think it would have been useful for me to be more informed about the different options available from the beginning

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Just do it! We will never feel 100% ready, but I think it is important to be intentional about the purpose of the scholarship and how you will use that knowledge to give back to your community. Have a clear objective and identify the need you want to address through this new academic milestone. Most importantly, connect that purpose with your current work, experiences, or interests so that there is a clear reason why you want to pursue further education.