2026 Fulbright Scholarship Semi-finalists
Juliana Castro, E’26, industrial engineering, Lucas McCauley, E’26, bioengineering and biochemistry, and Sasha Pavlov, E’26, civil engineering and architecture, are semi-finalists for the 2026 Fulbright Scholarship, which is awarded to exceptional students to research, study, or teach English abroad, in order to foster diplomacy and mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.
Castro is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and minors in Consulting and Mathematics. Raised across three countries and fluent in four languages, she brings a global perspective to her work, deepened by a semester studying abroad at Bocconi University in Milan. Across three co-ops at Bain Capital, RisePoint, and Grant Thornton Stax, she built experience in strategy, operations, and private equity due diligence, bringing an analytical lens to her senior thesis optimizing packaging operations for a candle manufacturer. She is drawn to the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, with a long-term goal of launching her own venture.
McCauley is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and Biochemistry. He aims to use biomedical research as a tool to improve patient lives by deepening the understanding of disease states and building novel therapeutics. As an undergraduate researcher, he developed an interest in studying the relationship between mechanical forces and cellular response. He plans to bring these passions into his PhD. Whether working on medical devices for Ghanaian hospitals as part of Innovators for Global Health or training to run his next race, McCauley embraces the journey toward each goal and is excited to see what comes next post-graduation.
Pavlov is pursuing a degree in civil engineering with a structural concentration and a minor in architectural design. In her work, she hopes to help preserve the existing built environment in a historically, socially, and environmentally mindful way. Pavlov’s experience include structural engineering co-ops at SGH, where she worked on new construction and existing buildings, as well as research at the NU STReSS lab and an e-board position with NU ASCE. These experiences have reinforced her love for preserving structures as a way to make a positive impact on people’s lives. In her free time, Pavlov enjoys painting and spending time outdoors.
See related Northeastern Global News article: Academic honors abound for students and faculty across the global network