Trevor Russell is first Montana Tech student to earn a Fulbright award

A Materials Science and Engineering graduate student from Clancy, MT is the first in the history of Montana Technological University to be named a student Fulbright Scholar. Trevor Russell will study ceramic composite processing at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) in Lugano, Switzerland.

Russell departs for Switzerland on September 1.

“As Montana Tech’s Fulbright Program advisor, I am thrilled to see Trevor be the first student in Montana Tech’s rich history to win a Fulbright award,” Professor of Science and Technology Studies Pat Munday said. “The Fulbright program is the U.S. State Department’s flagship international exchange program, fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other countries since 1946. It is the world’s largest and most diverse international education exchange initiative. The award is highly competitive, and Fulbright has recognized Trevor's unwavering commitment to research, his academic excellence, and his fervent passion for innovation. His achievement is truly exceptional.”

Former Assistant Professor Mario Caccia served as Russell’s advisor.

“I am immeasurably proud of Trevor for being awarded the prestigious Fulbright Award for research in Switzerland,” Caccia said. “This recognition is a testament to his exceptional dedication, talent, and hard work. Trevor’s pioneering research in the field of advanced technical ceramics promises to make significant contributions to the advancement of materials science and engineering. This achievement not only reflects Trevor’s desire to elevate his academic and research capabilities, but it also exemplifies his pursuit of innovation and excellence. I am incredibly proud of Trevor’s accomplishments and eagerly await the groundbreaking results that will emerge from his research abroad.”

Russell transferred to Montana Tech after finishing studies at a community college in 2017. He earned a Metallurgical and Materials Engineering bachelor’s degree, and then a Materials Science and Engineering master’s degree in 2023. He’s currently enrolled in the Materials Science Ph.D. program, and studies ceramics.

Russell said he wanted to pursue the Fulbright because he had always been interested in studying and traveling abroad, but his academic and personal experiences did not readily provide those opportunities.

“I want to be a lifelong researcher,” Russell said. “If I ever want to do research outside of the U.S., a Ph.D. is a degree that is respected. If I succeed as a Fulbright exchange student and get a lot of good experience working abroad, I intend to pursue my post-doctorate somewhere in Switzerland, or even somewhere else in Europe.”

Switzerland is an international innovation hub, and Russell’s area of study, advanced technical ceramics, is important to emerging technologies and the global transition to renewable energies.

While Russell cannot travel to work or study at institutions outside of Switzerland while he’s participating in the Fulbright program, he can travel to meet new people and go to professional conferences. He’s looking forward to exploring European research culture, and representing the United States, as well as Montana Tech.

Russell is grateful for Caccia and Munday’s support. Caccia helped him make the connections with Professor Alberto Ortona at SUPSI. Munday, a three-time Fulbright recipient, helped Russell tailor the written part of the application to Fulbright specifications.

“Montana Tech is a small school,” Russell said. “The university doesn’t have a big presence when traveling abroad, but it can be advantageous because the staff here can afford to help students one-on-one. I don’t know if that can be said of universities with a large number of applicants.”

Russell may be Montana Tech’s first student Fulbright winner at Montana Tech, but he encourages others to apply so that he’s not the last.

“You just have to try for it,” Russell said. “If you don’t ever apply, you’ll never get it.”