Student Dan Benesh Wins Fulbright Award to Do Research in Finland

Dan Benesh, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln senior from Omaha majoring in biological sciences, has won a Fulbright award to examine the evolution of a genus of parasites at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland.

Benesh, a Millard North graduate, is a Regents scholar, Honors Program student, Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences program participant, member of the Golden Key Honor Society, and a member of the dean's list each semester he has attended UNL.

"Mr. Benesh has demonstrated the wonderful opportunity afforded to all seniors and graduate students each September to apply for this very prestigious award," said UNL Fulbright Program adviser Robert Stoddard, who added that he encourages more students to try to take advantage of the program.

In his proposal for the award, Benesh said he plans to examine the evolution of Corynosoma, a particular genus of parasites. The members of this genus are found in many parts of the world, including the United States and Finland. They are peculiar in that they use very different hosts, including birds and mammals. Benesh intends to establish evolutionary relationships between members of the genus via molecular systematics. This process could provide insight into the nature of co-evolution.

Benesh will receive funds to support his research abroad, round-trip transportation, maintenance for the academic year, books and research allowances, tuition if applicable, and language and orientation courses.

The U.S. government-sponsored Fulbright U.S. Student Program has provided future American leaders with the opportunity to study and conduct research in other nations for more than 50 years. The U.S. student program awards about 1,000 grants annually out of about 5,000 applicants and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide.

CONTACT: Robert Stoddard, Professor Emeritus, Anthropology & Geography, (402) 472-3573