Behind-the-scenes: How Marleigh connected her passion for water sustainability with an overseas experience as a Fulbright Scholar

Marleigh Hutchinson ’25, a graduate of Kansas State University’s environmental engineering program and a recipient of a Fulbright scholarship, is on her very own odyssey on the Greek island of Crete.

Marleigh is attending the Technical University of Crete under a Fulbright Graduate Studies Award. K-State's Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research (SDUR) asked her some questions about the program to provide a quick overview of what the Fulbright experience is like.

SDUR: Why Greece?

Marleigh: I'm in Greece because water management here, shaped by the island geography, is so different from systems I'm used to in the Midwest. It's an amazing chance to see how geography drives sustainable solutions and to work with local communities and researchers to develop strategies that really fit the environment and culture.

SDUR: How long will you be there?

Marleigh: I arrived at the end of September 2025 and my program is 1.5 years. I plan to graduate in January 2027.

SDUR: What are you working on?

Marleigh: My master's thesis focuses on advancing circular water management by examining how closed-loop treatment systems can be integrated into regions experiencing growing water stress, particularly those with high tourism demand. I aim to bridge technical design with policy that supports sustainable water reuse and help mitigate the pressures that tourism places on local water resources.

SDUR: Any challenges? How have you overcome them?

Marleigh: Learning Greek has been tough. I attend daily courses, but the language is unlike anything I have tried to read, write or speak before. And like adjusting to any new city, it took time to figure out day-to-day life, such as what to buy at the grocery store, the best means of transportation, etc.

SDUR: What's been the best part?

Marleigh: The place and the people...and the food! I live in the most beautiful place and am surrounded by people from all over, making this a really special experience!

SDUR: So what’s next?

Marleigh: I don't have plans for after the program yet... but upcoming news: This February I was selected to attend the EU-NATO Seminar from the Fulbright commission in Belgium! I am truly excited for the opportunity to engage directly with leaders and peers who are shaping the future of EU and NATO.

Marleigh’s hard work, dedication to her scholarship, and drive to achieve built the bridge to her Fulbright experience.

The first step to an opportunity like this is getting the information and resources you need to build a competitive application, and the nationally competitive scholarships office at Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research is ready to help you take that step! Whether you want to go on your own Fulbright adventure, explore other nationally competitive scholarship and research opportunities, or simply learn what resources are available, SDUR is ready and waiting to help you set sail.

Email us at sdur@k-state.edu for more information, or visit the Nationally Competitive Scholarships website to learn more.