CSU Doctoral Student Named Prestigious Fulbright Scholar

Katherine Antall is having quite the semester abroad.

That’s because the doctoral candidate in the counseling psychology specialization at Cleveland State University and sexual health specialist in the Behavioral Health Department at the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities is spending the semester in Ireland as a Fulbright Scholar.

While there, Antall is collaborating with colleagues at Trinity College Dublin to examine mental health services in Ireland for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities who have experienced sexual exploitation.

Her work aims to identify culturally informed, person-centered approaches that improve mental health outcomes and broaden international understanding of disability, trauma and access to care.

“My interest in counseling psychology developed through my early professional experiences working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities who were navigating complex mental health, medical and social service systems. In this work, I frequently encountered clients who had experienced trauma, including sexual exploitation,” said Antall.

“I became increasingly aware of how psychological well-being is shaped not only by individual experiences but also by systemic factors such as access to care, stigma and gaps in professional training. These experiences drew me to counseling psychology’s commitment to social justice and interdisciplinary collaboration,” she added.

Antall has been hard at work during the scholarship conducting a qualitative study investigating mental health services in Ireland for individuals with disabilities who have experienced sexual exploitation.

Selection as a Fulbright Scholar is based on academic merit, the feasibility of the proposed project, leadership potential and the applicant’s ability to serve as a cultural ambassador.

For Antall, the application process began in spring 2023.

“The first steps included a literature review, a review of Irish public policy and mental health service provision,” she said. “I created a research proposal based on this research. With the assistance of Dr. Katie Clonan-Roy, I finalized my application and submitted it in the fall of 2024.”

Fast-forward to Dec. 2024, when she was notified that she had been selected as a semifinalist and later received an interview with the Irish Fulbright Commission in Jan. 2025.

The rest is history.

“In May 2025, I received notification that I had been selected, and in August 2025, I moved to Ireland,” said Antall.

Every step of the way, Antall said, CSU has been an invaluable source of support throughout her Fulbright experience. She said what really got the ball rolling was the counseling psychology program, which encouraged her decision to apply and supported her plan to continue working on her dissertation while completing the Fulbright.

“Dr. Katie Clonan-Roy provided mentorship throughout the process, including writing a letter of recommendation and offering thoughtful feedback on my application and project proposal,” she said. “I also received important support from Julie Good, manager of international programs, who provided guidance and resources during the application process.”

Following her projected graduation in summer 2027, Antall plans to practice as a licensed psychologist and continue researching support for survivors of sexual exploitation with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

No matter where life takes her, Antall strongly recommends the Fulbright Scholar program.

“The experience has been exceptionally rewarding, and the professional relationships and international collaborations I have developed will undoubtedly positively influence my future work.”