First-Gen Student Becomes TU’s First Fulbright UK Summer Institute winner

This summer was one of many firsts for Lloyce Frimpong. The first-generation college student and first-generation Ghanian American became Towson University’s first student to participate in the Fulbright United Kingdom Summer Institute.

The junior, who majors in biology in the Fisher College of Science and Math, traveled to Bristol, England, in July to join the Fulbright UK Summer Institute for Arts, Activism and Social Justice.

Immersing herself in arts, culture and history

The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are three- to four-week programs for U.S. undergraduate students with little to no prior travel experience outside North America. Participants can explore the culture, heritage and history of the U.K. while experiencing higher education at a U.K. university.

Frimpong was drawn to the program’s focus on exploring the United Kingdom’s history, cultural identity and the lingering impact of colonialism. “I was especially interested in the program’s focus on mediums of changemaking within the U.K. setting,” she said.

Through the fellowship, Frimpong immersed herself in Bristol’s vibrant arts and historical scene while gaining a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

“I had the opportunity to engage with individuals from various countries and walks of life,” Frimpong said. “Our discussions were comprehensive and thought-provoking. Being immersed in such an intensive environment reshaped my perspective on activism and how to engage with it meaningfully.”

Finding a mentor

While Frimpong became TU’s first student to join the program, her journey almost didn’t happen.

As a freshman, she attended an information session hosted by the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards (OCFA), where she met director Mary Devadas. After a one-on-one meeting, Devadas felt that Frimpong had nearly talked herself out of applying for any fellowships.

Devadas saw more than just the doubt—she saw potential. She invited Frimpong to join her research group studying nanotechnology and synthesizing metal nanostructures.

While serving as her research mentor, Devadas continued to encourage Frimpong to pursue fellowships. That encouragement grew stronger once she read Frimpong’s application.

“What convinced me she would succeed was the kindness and thoughtfulness with which she approached the problem of food deserts in the United States,” Devadas said. “She recognizes the importance of addressing these disparities not only within the U.S. but also globally.”

Being immersed in such an intensive environment reshaped my perspective on activism and how to engage meaningfully with it.

Lloyce Frimpong '27

Over the spring semester, the two worked together to prepare Frimpong for the rigorous application process—even spending spring break practicing interview questions.

“Supporting her in crafting a strong Fulbright application was rewarding because it allowed me to watch her articulate her vision more clearly,” Devadas said. “But even more rewarding was witnessing her steady intellectual and personal growth.”

When Frimpong learned she had been awarded the fellowship, she rushed from class straight to Devadas’ office to share the news.

“We celebrated the moment together,” Frimpong said. “It felt incredible to see all the effort I had invested, and the invaluable support I had received, culminate in such a meaningful achievement.”

Applying her Fulbright studies to career goals

Back on campus this fall, Frimpong is continuing her classes and research with a goal of becoming a medical doctor. After her experience in Bristol, she now hopes to expand her research to include environmental applications.

“I especially loved how interactive our sessions were—they encouraged real-time thinking and responsiveness,” Frimpong said. “Being immersed in such an intensive environment reshaped my perspective on activism and how to engage with it meaningfully.”

Devadas said mentoring Frimpong has been one of the highlights of her work at TU.

“Lloyce is one of those rare students who combines academic excellence with humility and a service-oriented, collaborative mindset,” Devadas said. “She not only masters the material but constantly looks for ways to apply it to real-world challenges. Seeing her passion translate into an international opportunity that broadened her perspectives and networks has been a true joy.”