"The Columbia GLOBES program at Cambridge gave me the opportunity to see firsthand how collaboration across backgrounds strengthens not only the rigor of research but also the stories we tell through science."

Science is a medium through which truth can be pursued. Yet truth cannot be sought holistically unless the science being conducted is inclusive of diverse views, experiences, and cultures. The Columbia GLOBES program at Cambridge gave me the opportunity to see firsthand how collaboration across backgrounds strengthens not only the rigor of research but also the stories we tell through science. The robustness of our collective narrative is directly tied to the extent to which we include others—and this program brought that lesson to life for me.

Albaraa Gebril studying at a desk

During my time in Cambridge, I connected with brilliant researchers from around the world. I had the privilege of engaging with PhD students, master’s students, professors, and fellow undergraduates, each of whom shared their life, academic, and professional journeys. These conversations gave me invaluable insights into what it means to be a researcher, how to navigate the path toward a PhD, and how psychological science can be applied not only within academia but also across industry and beyond.

This was also my first time abroad, and I am deeply grateful to have received the Global Learning Scholarship. The award alleviated the financial strain of participating in the program and allowed me to fully dedicate myself to the experience. Instead of worrying about resources, I was able to focus on advancing my academic and professional skills, immersing myself in research, and learning from the community around me.

Albaraa Gebril with friends on a boat floating during a river near Cambridge
Through the GLOBES program, I became more confident in pursuing research. I developed concrete skills in analyzing data, designing rigorous studies, and holding myself—and my collaborators—to higher standards of excellence and integrity. These lessons extended beyond the classroom and into my own vision of what kind of researcher I want to become: one who values both methodological rigor and inclusivity in building a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior.