Skip to main content

2 WSSU students receive fellowships to study in China

Two Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) students have been awarded fellowships to study in China this summer.

Carolina Asia Center Fellowship

Aleus Carlo Llauder, a junior exercise science major and Chinese minor and graduate of Glenn High School in Winston-Salem, has received a $7,500 fellowship from the Carolina Asia Center.

The fellowship is awarded through the University of North Carolina’s Carolina Asia Center. He will study in Beijing.

“Studying abroad in Beijing with its different customs and traditions will be a new experience for me,” he said. “Also, taking an advanced Chinese class in mainland China is a challenge that I look forward to accomplishing.”

He will study in China June 11-Aug. 9.

He is only the second WSSU student to receive the fellowship. Chaya Mercer ‘19, who became the first WSSU student to earn a minor in Chinese earlier this month, was awarded the fellowship in 2017.

 

Aleus Carlo Llauder

IRES with Shandong University

Georgina Dzikunu, a junior biology major and graduate of Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, has received a $5,000 fellowship to study at China’s Shangdong University.

Her research will focus on bats as model organisms for bio-inspired engineering.

This is her first research opportunity abroad. She will study for seven weeks starting on June 1.

Dzikuni said she’s excited about seeing the Great Wall and the fast trains in China.

“I am looking forward to working with people from different backgrounds and building lifetime connections,” Dzikunu said. “This grants me a diverse range of exposure that will sharpen my skills in research.”

During the eight-week program, sponsored through Virginia Tech, she will be studying in the field using different forms of technology to study bats. The program is sponsored by Virginia Tech and supported through a National Science Foundation (NSF) International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) grant.

Georgina Dzikunu

WSSU’s Office of International Programs facilitates learning opportunities to equip graduates with knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors to function as globally competent citizens. For more information about study abroad programs, visit WSSU’s International Programs website.

More News

WSSU celebrates its largest spring graduating class in a decade

WSSU graduates were encouraged May 15 to walk confidently, trust themselves and live with purpose and integrity during Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Read Moreabout WSSU celebrates its largest spring graduating class in a decade

Senior Spotlight: Through grief and grit, WSSU student earns her degree

In 2021, during her sophomore year at WSSU, Mikayla Courtney experienced the unthinkable. But despite her setbacks, she will among the 905 graduates crossing the stage on Friday.

Read Moreabout Senior Spotlight: Through grief and grit, WSSU student earns her degree

WSSU graduate Jason Freeman arranges music for Kentucky Derby this weekend

Kentucky Derby spectators will be treated to a unique musical arrangement courtesy of WSSU alumnus Dr. Jason Freeman.

Read Moreabout WSSU graduate Jason Freeman arranges music for Kentucky Derby this weekend