K-State students to conduct sustainability, well-being research while earning degrees abroad

Prestigious Fulbright awards allow two Wildcats to earn master's degrees and conduct research in France and Greece.

By Grant Guggisberg and Marcia Locke

Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences

Two Kansas State University students are advancing their education and pursuing research abroad to support sustainable development and improve employee wellness in the U.S.

Kutina Cabrera, graduate student in psychology, and Marleigh Hutchinson, spring 2025 graduate in environmental engineering, are traveling to France and Greece to earn master's degrees and conduct research thanks to nationally competitive Fulbright Study/Research awards.

Kutina Cabrera

 

Cabrera, a recent graduate in French and psychology who is now pursuing a graduate degree, will use her Fulbright award to study France's well-regarded approach to worker well-being and earn a master's degree in social psychology of work and organizations at Aix-Marseille University in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Backed by psychological research conducted with experts in France's human-centric approach to labor, Cabrera aims to improve employee health, safety and well-being in the U.S. through occupational health and safety policy change.

"My goal is to bring back what I learn and get a position where I can continue to do research and improve the working conditions of vulnerable groups, especially immigrants," said Cabrera.

At K-State, Cabrera has been working with Jin Lee, associate professor of psychology, through a fellowship in the Work Systems and Occupational Health Psychology Laboratory. She helped the team write a paper on a new tool for measuring workplace safety climate, or employees' perceptions of safety in the workplace.

Cabrera is no stranger to France. In summer 2024, she had an internship with an industrial/organizational psychology professor at Aix-Marseille University and helped write a paper on cross-cultural adjustment of immigrants in France. She also studied the differences between American and French institutions' undergraduate research opportunities. In summer 2023, she participated in the French Honors Program at the Institute for American Universities in Aix-en-Provence, with support from an Allison Benson Memorial Scholarship.

Cabrera is active in multiple K-State organizations, including Latinas Unidas Poderosas y Educadas, Modern Languages Student Association, Psi Chi Psychological Honor Society, Student Governing Association, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Latin Dance Club.

She is a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awardee, a Hispanic Development Fund Scholar and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society.

"I very much align with Fulbright's mission to increase mutual understanding between the United States and other countries," Cabrera said. "I've spent a lot of time combining my two majors, resulting in exciting cross-cultural projects and collaborations. This award and the master's program will allow me to continue to do that with more impact."

Cabrera is a graduate of Olathe North High School and the daughter of Elder Cabrera, Kansas City, and Menda Candido, Lenexa.

Marleigh Hutchinson

 

Hutchinson, a spring 2025 graduate in environmental engineering, will use her Fulbright grant to conduct research in Greece on circular water systems, applying a combination of ancient practices, innovative reuse technologies and nature-based solutions to support sustainable development throughout the Mediterranean region.

She will also pursue a master's in sustainable engineering and climate change at the Technical University of Crete in Chania, Greece.

Hutchinson said her time spent doing undergraduate research at K-State helped her find a passion for sustainability, community engagement and international collaboration, which made her Fulbright application stand out.

"My application was shaped by several key experiences, including my senior capstone project, where I helped design a system that reuses fish farm wastewater to irrigate crops at a university in Cambodia," she said. "Working with the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab, I collaborated with international partners to shift the farm from traditional flood irrigation to a more efficient drip system, which involved creating a plan to clean the water and ensure it flowed properly."

Once she moves overseas, Hutchinson said she plans to collaborate with local researchers, utilities and communities to understand the social, technical and policy dimensions of water reuse.

"This experience will not only deepen my technical expertise in sustainable water engineering, but it will also prepare me to pursue graduate study in sustainability and environmental management," she said. "Long term, I aim to apply the interdisciplinary and global insights gained through Fulbright to develop equitable, climate-resilient water infrastructure systems in underserved regions."

During her time at K-State, Hutchinson was involved with a variety of organizations, including the K-State chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, College of Engineering Ambassadors, Food Security Scholars, Global Engineers and Engineers Without Borders.

She received the 2025 Kansas State University Alumni Association Inspirational Senior Award and the 2025 Outstanding Senior award for environmental engineering. She's also an inductee of the Order of the Engineer.

Hutchinson's message to anyone considering applying for a scholarship program like Fulbright is to go for it.

"Don't hesitate to apply," she said. "You'll learn so much about how to craft your story in a way that resonates with all kinds of audiences. Also, make sure to start early and get feedback from people who know you well. They'll help you find your voice and what makes your journey unique."

Hutchinson is a graduate of Manhattan High School and is the daughter of Shawn and Stacy Hutchinson, both of Manhattan.

Future Fulbright scholars have support at K-State

"Kutina and Marleigh are inspiring examples of K-State students who are conducting research with a global focus and a local impact," said Susan Rensing, associate director of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. "Kansans will benefit from this cross-cultural exchange when they return with new knowledge about climate-resilient water infrastructure and workplace health and safety."

The Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research team in the Staley School of Leadership connects students with transformative learning opportunities through research, mentorship and academic development to help them explore their interests, grow their potential and pursue meaningful futures.

K-State students interested in pursuing Fulbright opportunities can attend a virtual information session on Friday, Aug. 1, hosted by the Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research team. Register online or reach out to the team at sdur@k-state.edu for more information.

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