Megan Fuerst, a pre-professional studies major with minors in anthropology and peace studies, has spent two summers in rural Uganda immersing herself in women's and children’s health issues. Dedicated to improving maternal healthcare in vulnerable populations, she plans to become an OB/GYN and has deferred medical school for a year to undertake this fellowship.
As a Kellogg Summer Intern, Megan worked in Uganda with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children and the next year, funded by a Kellogg/Kroc Undergraduate Research Grant, returned to conduct independent fieldwork on barriers to accessing maternal healthcare. The research formed the basis for two conference presentations as well as a senior thesis in anthropology supervised by Faculty Fellow Vania Smith-Oka.
A science student with 3 1/2 years of experience in the biochemistry lab, Megan was drawn to her minors by their emphasis on interactions with people and connections to a wider community. Her work is informed by Catholic social teaching.
As an International Development Fellow, Megan will work with VSO’s Africa fundraising team, responding to funding opportunities and participating on proposal bids. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, the position involves research, proposal development, special initiatives, and travel to country offices in the region.
VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organization that works through volunteers to build community resilience and active citizenship. Its high-impact approach involves bringing people together to share skills, build capacity of local and existing structures, innovate and promote international understanding and action. VSO utilizes a range of skilled professionals, 30% of whom are from the Global South, within signature VSO projects. VSO is well positioned to leverage resources (financial and human) to promote sustainable social and economic development.
Megan is a 2015 Kellogg Institute International Development Fellowship Recipient.