Washington, Feb 28, 2006 -

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman John Carter (TX-31) is congratulating the outstanding individuals from the 31^st District who have been selected as Fulbright scholars. The Fulbright Program gives individuals who excel academically or professionally the opportunity to study, lecture, or conduct research abroad.

Local Fulbright Scholars include:

Dr. Alex Kocurek, a Professor in Environmental Sciences from the University of Texas and a resident of Round Rock, will be representing the program in the Czech Republic.

Ms. Leslie Reed Hauenstein, a student of Modern History at Yale University and resident of Cedar Park, will be representing the program in Chile.

Ms. Sweta Vohra, a student of South Asian Studies at the University of Texas and resident of Round Rock, will be representing the program in India.

“I commend Dr. Kocurek, Leslie, and Sweta on their outstanding achievement in their respective fields of study. The Fulbright Program is a rewarding and enriching experience that allows individuals from throughout the world to gain firsthand knowledge of the academic, professional, and personal culture of other countries,” Congressman John Carter said. “International exchange programs such as the Fulbright program are critical to increasing the mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries as we address issues of global importance.”

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Program was established by Congress in 1946, and has exchanged over one quarter of a million people in more than 150 countries worldwide.