Taile Leswifi, a graduate student from South Africa, has been named a winner of an American Association of University Women (AAUW) international fellowship.
The prestigious fellowship is highly competitive. International fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Recipients are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls. The overwhelming majority return to their home countries to become leaders in government, academia, community activism, the arts and science.
Studying environmental engineering at Michigan Tech, Leswifi is researching new ways to produce a sustainable, renewable, low-cost source of hydrogen energy from water and sunlight–energy that does not add to the pollution of the environment. She is also preparing herself to teach at Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, where she plans to work with a South African Fulbright group to take the promise of success through education to children in remote reaches of her country.
“In a graduate school filled with interesting and hard-working students, Taile Leswifi stands out as a leader,” said Jacqueline Huntoon, dean of the Graduate School. “While she has been active in promoting civic-mindedness on campus, her dedication doesn’t stop there–she can often be seen volunteering time and talent for community programs. Whether on or off campus, her passion for research, global stewardship and education is beyond impressive–it is inspirational. Taile Leswifi is a strong female role model who will undoubtedly return to South Africa and be a leader in shaping new initiatives in academia, community activism and science.”