West Plains High School alumna Ellie Cropper, a University of Missouri senior majoring in psychological sciences, has been selected to travel to Japan through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Cropper is the daughter of Nathan and Lisa Cropper of West Plains. Her father, who shared the news with the Quill, said she will conduct research at Jichi Medical University to study Japan’s rural health care model.
Specifically, her research will focus on the country’s rotating doctor system, which is used to provide consistent access to health care in underserved rural communities.
She left Monday and is expected to return around July 1, 2027.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides scholarships for recent graduates, graduate students and young professionals to conduct research, study or teach abroad. The program promotes cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.
“Each student recipient brings a deep curiosity about the world and an eagerness to make a difference in their communities,” said Erik Potter, program manager for the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships. “The Fulbright application process is lengthy, and as an advising team, it was a pleasure to support them as they grew in their vision for learning and leadership. I’m excited to see each of these students go abroad to represent Mizzou and the United States.”
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, before the start of the grant. The application process includes submitting a project proposal, obtaining letters of recommendation and completing a campus interview.
