Senior Samford University English major and University Fellows honors student Adam Quinn has earned an Academic Fulbright Award to pursue a master’s degree in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at University College Dublin in Ireland next year.

“This honor is an incredible academic opportunity as well as a unique cultural and personal opportunity, Quinn said. “The hardest part is deciding whether I'm more excited to continue my studies at the graduate level or live in Dublin for a year.” After his study in Ireland, Quinn hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in a U.S. graduate 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. A single Fulbright award is a rare honor, but this is Quinn’s second international study opportunity via the prestigious program. In 2012 he was one of six U.S. students chosen to participate in the Fulbright Commission Summer Institute at Queen's University in Belfast, Ireland.

Quinn said he first developed an interest in Irish literature during that earlier Fulbright experience. Samford then helped him deepen that interest through English courses and independent studies, and helped connect him to the Fulbright program.

“My relationships with English faculty have been instrumental in every part of the application process,” Quinn said. “Even after graduation, I know they will be available to give me advice about grad school, future plans, and life as well.”