We’re excited to share that Manpreet Dhankhar, a PhD student from The CHOICE Institute, has been selected as a 2025 Bonderman Fellow. Manpreet is one of just two students from the UW School of Pharmacy to have received this fellowship since its inception.
As part of the program, Manpreet will receive $26,000 to travel independently for eight months through at least two regions of the world. Fellows are encouraged to explore new places, engage with different cultures, and learn from the experience — without the structure of academic study or research.
Manpreet’s travel goals are rooted in a desire to explore how craft, tradition, and identity intersect across cultures. With a background in pottery and textiles, she is particularly interested in how everyday creative practices are woven into the rhythms of daily life and how they reflect care, memory, and cultural preservation. Her current proposed itinerary includes Vietnam, Thailand, India, South Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Argentina, and Chile.
“This fellowship will allow me to immerse myself in vastly different cultures and to learn from the lived experiences, perspectives, and histories of people in other countries,” Manpreet said. “As someone whose work in the School of Pharmacy is shaped by global public health questions, stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new perspectives firsthand will no doubt influence my research, deepen my understanding of the world, and shape who I am as a person.”
The Bonderman Fellowship was established in 1995 by UW alumnus David Bonderman to support meaningful international travel for students. Since then, it has helped hundreds of Huskies broaden their horizons and reflect on their place in the world. Following Mr. Bonderman’s passing in December 2024, this year’s fellows continue to carry forward his vision.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity, and I’m grateful for the chance to grow as I undertake this journey,” Manpreet said.
Congratulations to Manpreet on this well-deserved honor — we look forward to following the journey ahead.