UWF student receives Lafayette Fellowship
University of West Florida senior environmental science major Elisabetta Savini was selected out of 3,400 applicants nationwide as one of 30 students awarded the prestigious Lafayette Fellowship, a new program funded by the French government to strengthen ties between the United States and France. Savini’s application process was supported by the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships, which provides UWF students with guidance, mentorship and resources to pursue prestigious national and international awards.
“This is a major honor for Elisabetta and a significant achievement for UWF,” said Claire Holderman, coordinator of the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships. “The Lafayette Fellowship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to global engagement, and Elisabetta embodies all of these qualities.”
Savini, who graduated in Spring 2026, was chosen for the inaugural cohort following a highly competitive national selection process. The fellowship supports one year of master’s-level study in France and includes funding for tuition, a monthly stipend, travel and participation in a leadership development program connecting fellows with global leaders. Savini plans to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Hazards and Risks Management at Université Côte d’Azur in Nice, France, beginning in Fall 2026.
“I am honored to be selected for the Lafayette Fellowship and grateful for the support I received throughout the application process,” Savini said. “This opportunity will allow me to continue my studies in an international setting and work toward solutions that address environmental challenges on a global scale.”
Established in 2025, the Lafayette Fellowship supports the next generation of leaders committed to strengthening French-American relationships. Fellows participate in the French-American Leadership Program, which includes mentorship, site visits and engagement with leading institutions and policymakers across France.
While at UWF, Savini distinguished herself through academic achievements, research and leadership that reflects her professional interest in environmental science related to areas of soil conservation, ecosystem services and sustainability. Her selection reflects both her individual accomplishments and the growing impact of ONF in preparing UWF students to compete at the highest levels.
To learn more about UWF’s John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships, visit uwf.edu/onf.
