This quarter saw the end of the academic year and, thus, many heartwarming graduation stories. As Pakistani Fulbrighters in the United States donned their graduation robes, we celebrated their achievements in spirit.
Here is what some fresh graduates had to say:
Amna Shamshad
Fulbrighter Amna Shamshad didn’t just graduate from the Stevens Institute of Technology with a master’s in business intelligence and data analytics – she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and the Outstanding Academic Achievement award tucked under her belt!
“This Fulbright journey, filled with challenges and immense learning, led me to this proud moment,” said Shamshad. “I would advise all future Fulbrighters to embrace every opportunity that comes your way; it truly will pave the way for extraordinary achievements and personal growth.”
Azra Bano
Azra Bano earned her master’s degree in urban and regional planning, with a specialization in environmental planning and policy, from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Over the last two years, she honed essential urban planning skills and developed a keen ability to address urgent development issues.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Fulbright Program and USEFP for this incredible opportunity. During this time, many incredible opportunities came my way, most notably participating in the United Nations COP28 session in Dubai. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration in addressing global issues and underscored the shared responsibility we all have for the future of our planet. I now bring to Pakistan unique insights into crafting policies that will hopefully drive sustainable change,” said Bano.
Shehryar Qaisrani
Shehryar Qaisrani graduated from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs with a master’s degree in international development studies and a specialization in digital trade.
“Beyond my academic pursuits, I founded the Elliott School’s South Asian Board, a significant initiative that amplified South Asian voices in international affairs,” shared Qaisrani. “I also collaborated on key projects with the U.S. Department of State and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, showcasing my expertise in policy-related work. Thank you to the Fulbright Program and USEFP for connecting me with the international community so I could learn the best practices in my field.”
Muhammad Ali Idrees
Muhammad Ali Idrees earned his Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, with a concentration in operationalization of artificial intelligence (AI) for public policy.
“Beyond my academic journey, I had the honor of serving as the editor-in-chief of the Heinz Journal, where I led a dynamic team to elevate the publication’s reach and impact. Additionally, I was a founding member of the Pakistani Student Organization, creating a platform that fostered community and celebrated our rich cultural heritage,” said Idrees. “Collaborating on key projects with solid organizations, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy in Pakistan, has further solidified my expertise in policy implementation and AI integration. A heartfelt thank you to my mentors and USEFP!”
