UB undergraduate wins Boren Scholarship

Nels Otterson, a rising junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, has received a Boren Scholarship, a prestigious international award that sponsors U.S. undergraduates to study abroad in areas of the world critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad programs.

The scholarship will provide Otterson, a Buffalo native who graduated from City Honors School, the opportunity to pursue his dream of learning languages while living and studying in Dakar, Senegal, under the African Flagship Languages Institute (AFLI) program.

“My goal is to work in the federal government, specifically in the foreign service," Otterson says. “Being multilingual and adaptable in different situations is highly desirable in such a role, and my experiences have provided a solid foundation for this.”

Otterson conducts research on political controversies in Senegal, focusing on President Macky Sall’s quest for enhanced political power. Fluency in French is critical for this fieldwork, emphasizing the significance of the AFLI program. Otterson also has dedicated himself to an independent study of Senegalese and other Francophone literature in West Africa, reflecting his interest in understanding the cultural intricacies of the region he seeks to work in.

He also has volunteered at the Pet Emergency Fund and served as a tutor at Journey’s End Refugee Services, both of which have honed his interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Otterson’s commitment to his academic goals and community service attracted high praise from his academic mentors. Walter Hakala, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences, commends his academic accomplishments and leadership skills.

“Nels is among the top performers within his English major,” Hakala says, “Nels’ willingness to go beyond requirements shows his potential as a future leader.”

Otterson’s choice to play as a defender in soccer is emblematic of his potential as a leader in the classroom and beyond, Hakala adds.

Maria Fernanda Negrete, associate professor in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, College of Arts and Sciences, praises Otterson’s academic excellence and personal qualities, in particular his intelligence, kindness and thoughtfulness.

“Nels seems to want to become involved in projects with people in disenfranchised countries and world regions,” says Negrete. “He puts his efforts into creating a more just, more generous world.”