MSU Law Student Awarded Fulbright Grant
Michigan State University College of Law student Ethan Shirley has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. He’ll undertake a funded environmental studies project in the Pantanal region of Brazil.
In addition to pursuing a Juris Doctor degree, Shirley is also earning a Master’s degree from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
“Ethan is doing important work, and the MSU Law community is proud of his prestigious accomplishment,” said Professor Kristi Bowman, associate dean for academic affairs at MSU Law. “Our students are doing great things, and Ethan’s interdisciplinary work represents the power of collaboration at MSU.”
Shirley’s Fulbright research is informed by his eleven years of work in Brazil promoting sustainably and conservation. “Decisions to comply with environmental laws are based on social, economic, and legitimacy factors,” Shirley explained. “My project explores how scientists communicating with local people might improve compliance by improving perceived legitimacy of fisheries regulations in the region.”
“The effects of trust in scientists on compliance with laws and regulations may have broad implications for how scientists do their field work around the world.”
Shirley joins over 1,900 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad this year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected for their academic and professional achievements, as well as leadership capacity.