Martineau, who will graduate in May 2026 with a degree in biology, will travel to Budapest, Hungary, in September of this year to spend nine months conducting research based on her proposed project on the effects of exercise on cognition in aging populations. Her research will be carried out at the Hungarian University of Sports Science.

The Fulbright Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is designed to increase mutual understanding between people in the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange. Each year, thousands of applicants compete for a limited number of awards.

Dr. Joseph Zimmer, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at RMU, said, “We are so proud that Lindsey, as a Fulbright Student, will be representing Robert Morris University on the world stage. She will show Hungary and the world that our students can compete and win in all aspects of their academic lives and careers.”

Martineau’s research will explore the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in aging populations, inspired by her first-hand experiences working with patients facing cognitive decline. Building on early research linking exercise to brain health, her work aims to further investigate how movement may influence cognitive outcomes later in life.

“As a student-athlete, exercise has always been a huge part of my life,” said Martineau, a member of RMU’s track and field team. “But once I started working in a nursing home and volunteering in hospice, I saw how cognitive decline affects patients and their daily lives. That really sparked my interest in understanding if there are ways we can help or better understand that process.”

Julianne Michalenko, RMU professor and Director of Scholar Development, said Martineau exemplifies the type of student the program seeks to support. “Lindsey is the perfect example of what this University can do for students,” said Michalenko. “Not only is she incredibly bright, smart and talented, but she also has such a good soul.”

Martineau was first encouraged to pursue the Fulbright opportunity during her sophomore year, working closely with Michalenko as her application advisor. Her selection highlights the University’s commitment to supporting students in pursuing competitive national and international fellowships.

Through the program, Martineau will engage in immersive cultural exchange while conducting advanced research in an international setting, which is an experience that adds both complexity and prestige to the award.

“Getting the opportunity to live in another country and fully immerse myself in a different culture is just so exciting,” Martineau said. “And to be able to do that while working at an institution that’s so well-known for this type of research makes it even more meaningful.” Final placement details for Martineau’s research will be confirmed in coordination with the Fulbright Commission in Hungary.

About the Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.