Johnette M. Martin selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Award
The College of Music is pleased to share that our very own Johnette M. Martin is the recipient of the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Award to Aotearoa New Zealand!
“I’m honored,” says Martin, who plans to graduate in 2028 with a PhD in indigenous ethnomusicology with a geographic focus on Oceania. “This opportunity feels both humbling and affirming—a recognition not only of my work but also of the communities, mentors and collaborators who have shaped how I listen, think and create.
“To me, the Fulbright represents a commitment to dialogue across difference—an invitation to engage music and sound as ways of building relationships, asking better questions and learning with and from others.”
The Fulbright is one of the most prestigious and competitive international exchange programs in the world, supporting exceptional scholars whose work demonstrates significant academic merit, cultural engagement and global impact. Among Fulbright applicants, New Zealand is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after and highly competitive placements, making this achievement especially distinguished.
Martin will conduct advanced research in Aotearoa, continuing her work on indigenous musical sovereignty and community-centered scholarship. “What excites me most is the chance to immerse myself in new sonic worlds while contributing meaningfully through research, collaboration and teaching,” Martin shares. “I’m especially looking forward to the unexpected moments—the conversations, rehearsals and everyday exchanges that challenge assumptions and open new directions for my work as a Kanaka Maoli Indigenous woman and scholar.”
She adds, “My time at 鶹Ƶ’s College of Music has been central to this journey. The college’s universal musician approach—grounded in curiosity, versatility and a willingness to move across disciplines—has shaped how I approach music not just as an object of study but as a living, relational practice. That broadly-based training has prepared me to engage this next chapter with openness, rigor and care.
“I’m grateful for the guidance, support and aloha that made this possible and excited for what lies ahead.”
Congratulations, Johnette, on this extraordinary honor and on representing your communities and your university with such purpose!