Conservation through global collaboration

When Alexis Correira took her first language class at Taunton High School in Massachusetts, she had no idea that Portuguese would introduce her to an international world of possibilities.

Later, as a Kansas State University Wildcat, those language skills and global interests connected her with the international community on campus, which led to friendships, research opportunities and mentors around the world.

As her research in natural conservation expanded, Correrira continued seeking ways to broaden her cultural horizons at K-State. Her passion and persistence culminated in a nationally competitive scholarship that will bring her new experience and expertise.

Correira completed her doctoral degree in agronomy at K-State in the spring and will travel to Honduras in 2027 to attend Zamorano University, where she will study Lake Yojoa — the country's largest natural lake — and have an immersive cultural experience, thanks to her Fulbright U.S. Student Program award.

"This opportunity would not have been possible without the experiences and support I received while at K-State," Correira said.

Commitment to international collaboration, passion for conservation

In K-State's Department of Agronomy, Correira specialized in soil conservation practices with Professor DeAnn Presley, her doctoral advisor.

"We are all connected to soil, and it is often underrated or reduced to 'dirt' by the general public," Correira said. "Soil is the medium for crop growth, the filter and reservoir for our groundwater, and the host for whole ecosystems.

"Any time we apply something to the soil, there is a ripple effect across biological and geological systems. By conserving our soils, we are supporting food security through resilient systems and preventing nutrient and chemical contamination in our waterways."

Correira was the founding president of the K-State student chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society and vice president of the Agronomy Graduate Student Association at K-State. She received an award for outstanding graduate teaching from the College of Agriculture and a leadership and service award from the K-State Alumni Association.

Her involvement in the agronomy department through student organizations, research opportunities and faculty collaboration ultimately led to a perfect opportunity to combine her interests: a Fulbright award to study conservation in Central America.

From campus in Kansas to the largest natural lake in Honduras

"There is so much value in experiencing other cultures in an immersive way," Correira said. "Furthermore, connecting with international researchers can offer us deeper insights into our disciplinary knowledge and present new paths for solving problems that affect us domestically and internationally."

During Correira's Fulbright U.S. Student Program experience in Honduras, she will conduct research at the intersection of land use and natural resource conservation at Lake Yojoa.

"Lake Yojoa is a very important environmental and cultural resource for the people there," she said. "It has been affected by various pollution sources, and there is public interest in monitoring these pollutants for community well-being."

Correira will study the water quality around the lake, specifically quantifying nitrates and heavy metals in the interest of public health in nearby communities.

By conserving our soils, we are supporting food security through resilient systems and preventing nutrient and chemical contamination in our waterways.

She will be hosted at Zamorano University and will be working closely with Erika Tenorio on the water quality project and other natural resource conservation projects.

"I am hopeful that this collaboration will open doors for future exchange between students at K-State and those studying at Zamorano — or any other universities for that matter," Correira said. "I want to give back and pass along these opportunities to future students."

Future Fulbrighters have resources at K-State

K-State's Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research office connects students to transformative learning opportunities, including nationally competitive scholarships like the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

The office publicizes upcoming opportunities, advises students on relevant awards and competitive applications, processes campus nominations and institutional endorsements for the awards, and supports students throughout the application process.

Any Wildcats interested in pursuing a Fulbright award or other nationally competitive scholarship should reach out to the Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research team.

"I applied for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program because the opportunity bridged my desire to study natural resource conservation and develop international collaborations," Correira said. "I hope this is just the beginning, and the projects we complete in Lake Yojoa will leave a legacy on the local community and the students at Zamorano.

"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to build new relationships, gain perspective and be a cultural ambassador for my country."