Derek W. Ren, Human Biology and Society B.S., class of 2024 has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award for the 2024-2025 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Each year, recent graduates, graduate students, and more than 800 faculty and professionals, are selected for the Fulbright Program. These finalists engage in graduate study, research, or English teaching abroad, fostering ongoing collaborations and building future institutional partnerships. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has empowered over 400,000 individuals from various backgrounds to contribute globally, producing 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, and other notable figures.
As a Human Biology and Society major at UCLA, his interdisciplinary background has fueled his passion for a career in medicine with a global perspective. This Fulbright experience will deepen his understanding of Global Health and the impact of policy on clinical healthcare.
“Understanding global health through the Fulbright program is a fantastic opportunity for me to really apply and expand my interdisciplinary education,” Derek shares. “It’s all about preparing myself to face and solve complex health issues around the world.”
At UCLA, Derek distinguished himself with his passion for integrating diverse fields to address pressing social issues—a reflection of ISG’s mission to foster interdisciplinary research that extends beyond traditional boundaries. In addition to his teaching and research, Derek plans to volunteer with local and state organizations in his host country to enrich his understanding of International Relations and Public Policy, while also allowing him to serve as a cultural ambassador, representing both UCLA and the broader values of academic and cultural exchange embodied by the Fulbright Program.