Fellowship Success Stories: Interview with International Student Diana Githu, Fulbright Alumna, McNamara and AAUW Fellow

In this edition of our Student Success Stories, we highlight Diana Githu, a Ph.D. candidate in the Arid Land Resource Science program. Originally from Kenya and with a strong background in socio-ecological research, Diana’s journey includes securing prestigious awards such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship and the AAUW Fellowship. 

Our Graduate Center Office of Fellowships team (GCOF) spoke with her about the strategies behind her success, how she approaches both opportunities and setbacks, and what advice she offers to fellow graduate students pursuing funding for their research. Read on for valuable insights into balancing time, planning ahead, and staying resilient.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your research?

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"I am Diana Githu, originally from Kenya, and I am currently pursuing my PhD in Arid Land Resource Science, which is an interdisciplinary program.  With over a decade of experience as an ecologist specializing in socio-ecological research within rangeland ecosystems, my work spans restoration ecology, environmental project planning, and collaborative governance. 

The goal is to balance ecological priorities and socio-economic needs. My research is dedicated to improving land management practices in arid regions and bridging the gap between science and policy to foster effective decision-making for environmental resilience and sustainable development."
 

Can you talk about a fellowship (or more) you applied to and did not get? What did you learn in the process? 

"I’ve been fortunate to have success with most of my applications. However, there have been instances where I worked on applications but ultimately chose not to submit them because I doubted my chances of success. In these situations, I realized that: 

• Understanding the application requirements thoroughly is crucial to overcoming those doubts.
• I pay close attention to the prompt and eligibility criteria, and
• I also research the source of the funding and the purpose of the fellowship. 

Many fellowships are connected to a legacy or vision from a notable individual or organization, and I find that aligning my responses with those values can strengthen my application.

Recently, I applied for a consultancy position with the World Bank, believing I was a strong candidate. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the position, despite researching the role and doing my due diligence. I am learning the importance of persistence and resilience in the application process. Not every opportunity is a perfect match, but it's important to keep applying and learning from each experience."

Can you talk about a fellowship you applied to and did get? How was the process? Were there any challenges that you encountered in the application process?

"I had the honor of coming to the United States on the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship for my Master’s degree. This was my first successful application, and it opened doors to many other opportunities. Since then, I’ve received multiple fellowships and grants, including the University of Arizona Fellows award, McNamara Educational Grant and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowship.

One of the greatest challenges I faced with scholarship applications, especially during my early experiences, was time management. Unlike assignments that have clear deadlines and expectations, scholarship applications can feel like a trial-and-error process with no guaranteed outcome, which can sometimes reduce motivation. Additionally, applications can be very time-consuming, and as a graduate student, there is already a heavy workload. The challenge is balancing the application process with other responsibilities.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of planning ahead. Knowing what’s needed in advance helps you build a stronger application over time. For grad students, particularly PhD students, it is essential to:

• Start planning for grants and fellowships well in advance
• Look at past calls for applications
• Review the requirements, and
• Gather materials early. 

To make the process less overwhelming:

• Consider setting smaller goals for each stage of the application (e.g., break down the tasks into manageable sections: researching the fellowship, gathering required materials, drafting your personal statement, etc.)
• Also, seek out support from your academic advisors or fellow graduate students who may have experience with the process.
• Use campus resources like the Graduate Writing Lab and the Graduate Center Office of Fellowships. Their insights in reviewing your application materials can be invaluable in improving the quality of your application."
   

How would you describe your experience with scholarship opportunities as an international student in the U.S.?

"As an international student, I’ve observed that in my home country, most scholarships are primarily linked to aid and relief—typically awarded based on financial need rather than merit alone. In essence, one qualifies because they are academically capable but lack access to quality education due to financial hardship.

In contrast, the scholarship landscape in the U.S. presents a more diverse mix. While need-based aid remains available, there is also a strong focus on supporting students from underrepresented and marginalized groups—such as women in STEM, Latinx communities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. In addition, many scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, talent, and the broader societal relevance of your research.

What stands out most is that there are people and institutions genuinely invested in the specific aspects of your work—your research methods, your findings, your theoretical contributions, and the significance of your arguments. Applying to these calls for applications and having your research recognized and financially supported is not only affirming but also a valuable addition to your academic and professional profile. I strongly encourage students—especially international students—to take advantage of these opportunities. There is support out there for your work, and your perspective matters."

Do you have any advice for students preparing their fellowship applications?

"There are countless opportunities out there waiting for you. As the saying goes, 'Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.' Earlier in my career, a mentor gave me a life-changing exercise: they asked me to create a "futuristic" CV, one that included all the admirable skills and experiences I hoped to acquire. I set ambitious goals, ranging from professional development to academic achievements. 

Afterward, I created a CV based on my current status, and, to my surprise, many sections were either empty or had just a single entry. My mentor challenged me to use my time as a graduate student to add at least one new line to my CV every month. It was ambitious, but it was also doable. The first few years were relatively easy, as there was so much to learn and accomplish, but it’s a practice that has truly helped me grow both as a scholar and a professional.

Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new or improve upon a skill, and with each new skill or improvement, you are setting yourself apart from others. While it’s easier said than done, it’s crucial to take action. The best time to start is now. Dedicate time to applying for fellowships and opportunities and consistently work toward those goals to continuously enhance your unique qualifications."
 

Diana’s story is a reminder that consistency, intention, and long-term planning are crucial in securing funding. Her advice encourages students to start early, build their profiles intentionally, and view each application as a learning experience. Whether it's creating a "futuristic" CV or dedicating time monthly to career and professional development, Diana’s approach exemplifies how preparation opens doors. For more inspiration from students navigating the funding landscape, explore other stories in our Student Success Stories series, run by our GradFunding Newsletter from the University of Arizona Graduate Center Office of Fellowships.

Are you interested in funding opportunities and working with a mentor to develop a strong application? Join us this summer for the Summer Fellowship Application Development Program, where you’ll receive feedback and support on your applications.

If you are a fellowship awardee and would like to be featured in our Student Success Stories, please contact us!