Layaly Hamayel, a first-year graduate student in the Masters in Developmental Psychology Program, has received a grant from the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Hamayel worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Community and Public Health in Palestine for three years prior to coming to Illinois State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, graduating with honors, from City University, London in the United Kingdom. Her research interests include play, cross cultural psychology, and political aspects of children’s development. She plans to get a master’s degree in play therapy. Hamayel’s long-term plans are to live in Palestine and work to improve the well-being of children and youth.

The Fulbright Scholarship Program is administered by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This federal grant program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists who wish to experience their career field from an international perspective.