Selected from over 3,400 applicants, the 30 American students in the first cohort of Lafayette Fellows will spend a year studying at 15 partner institutions across France. Since the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, ENS de Lyon hosts two of them, whose shared enthusiasm for research led them to a school where research is central to its academic mission.
Ernest Leong's connection to ENS de Lyon dates back to his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he earned a degree in Romance Languages and Literatures, followed by a master's in Social Sciences. A digital humanities project led him to collaborate with a researcher affiliated with IHRIM, based at ENS de Lyon. He has deferred his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley by one year to study in Lyon and continue this collaboration, made possible by the Lafayette Fellowship. Currently pursuing a master's in Modern Literature at ENS de Lyon, he conducts research in literary studies, translation, and cultural texts.
Josephine O’Brien joined ENS de Lyon after studying Applied Human Sciences to Medicine at Columbia University and Humanities and Social Sciences at Sciences Po. She is enrolled in the "Logic, History, and Philosophy of Science and Technology" program, researching bioethics in France and the US, focusing on ethical and political questions raised by biotechnologies and medically assisted reproduction. She finds France's rich philosophical and research traditions particularly conducive to her work.
According to Josephine, studying entirely in French is a significant aspect of her year, allowing her to immerse herself in French academic culture and improve her language skills. She notes that studying in another language changes her approach to academic work. For Ernest, studying French literature in France allows him to explore the discipline within its cultural context, and attending lectures with researchers from across Europe broadens his academic experience.
Drawing on their experiences, Ernest and Josephine emphasize the importance of having clear academic and research goals when applying for the Lafayette Fellowship. They encourage future candidates to consider how a year in France fits into their long-term plans and to choose an institution that aligns with their ambitions. Applications for the 2027 cohort opened on September 4, 2026, and close on December 1, 2026. For inquiries, contact lafayettefellowship [at] villa-albertine.org or visit the Lafayette Fellowship website.
