UMW Grad To Study Chernobyl Disaster

As students around the country graduate from their respected colleges and go out into the world, one University of Mary Washington graduate has big plans. Michele Alexander, who graduated this past May, received an U.S. Fullbright Scholarship for 2011-2012, which will allow her to continue her research over the next year. Focused on healthcare policies toward children affected by the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, Alexander proves that she can and will make a difference in the larger world. 

The Fullbright Scholar Program began in 1946 in a large attempt to keep up international education relations between the countries of the world. Sponsored by the U.S., the program allows participants full of academic excellence and leadership potential to study, conduct research and find creative solutions to problems all around the world. Alexander is the eighth student to receive the scholarship from UMW, six of those grants were awarded in the past four years. 

The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, released radiation into Ukraine, Belarus and Russia after an explosion and fire at the plant. To this day, the affected areas are still suffering from the consequences of the fallout due to radioactive contamination. The scholarship will allow Alexander to travel to Ukraine to further her research. Alexander plans to look directly at the children affected by the incident, working to establish government policies that will help the children’s needs today and help improve their condition in the future. 

“I really hope to research the Ukraine healthcare system and see what policies they’ve put in place,” she says. 

Alexander understands that many have done research surrounding the Chernobyl incident, but she finds that most of that research leaves out the children. 

“I want to gain a better understanding of the children’s needs, really understand what they’re getting and not getting.”

She will work at a local university, hand in hand with other professors and students who are working towards the same goals. Alexander will also be taking graduate classes at the University focused on healthcare policies and government. 

Alexander’s interest in the Chernobyl children dates back to Alexander’s teenage years. Her family participated in a program called the Children of Chernobyl, where they hosted a girl from the affected region for two years. The program allows children to come to the U.S. and get the healthcare they need. 

Alexander will head to Ukraine in September. She’s excited about meeting new people, having new experiences and getting a chance to travel. 

“I can’t wait to embrace a new culture,” she says.