After transferring to ETSU from Walters State Community College, Hannah Starnes got to study abroad in South Korea two separate times: once to learn about film, and another to study language and human rights. She could be making her third trip to the country later this year – this time to research ways to relieve chronic skin itchiness and inflammation caused by obesity.  

That’s because Starnes, alongside seven others from the ETSU community, was recently named a Fulbright semifinalist. While a huge accomplishment on its own, she also unknowingly made university history.

“I had no idea that I was the first community college transfer Fulbright semifinalist, so hearing that was both surprising and a great honor,” the Morristown native said. “To me, it shows that where you start does not determine how far you can go.”

Finding the Fulbright

Starnes graduated with a degree in health sciences in May 2024 and has spent her time since then preparing for medical school by studying for the MCAT, volunteering at a local clinic, and working on a master’s degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. She also looked into opportunities to go back to Korea and research, but couldn’t find one designed for pre-med students. A few emails later, she stumbled upon the Fulbright program and found it was exactly what she was looking for.

“I contacted a Korean professor at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, hoping he might know of any pathways for students like me,” she said. “I never expected that a simple cold email would lead to such an exciting opportunity.”

From Appalachia to Korea

Since her travels in undergrad, Starnes has worked to bridge the gap between Korea and Appalachia. Earlier this year, she completed an 18-month internship with the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK). She also helped launch the Appalachian Korean Association (애팔래치아 한인회), which brings Appalachians and Korean Americans together for community events and education.

“Korean Americans make tremendous contributions to Appalachia as scientists, physicians, business owners, pastors, educators, and community leaders,” she said. “Because there were few organizations actively connecting Korean Americans and Appalachian communities across the region, I decided to help create one.”

Winning the Fulbright award would help progress that mission further.  

“My long-term goal is to help bridge Eastern and Western medical approaches. I hope to continue building collaborative research partnerships between medical schools in South Korea and Appalachia,” she said.

Putting people first

Starnes’s relationships have been fundamental in her journey. She credited Dr. Sean Fox and Dara Young for being there from the beginning, guiding and cheering her on through school, internships and more.  

“I truly feel that I will forever be in debt to them for the encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities they have helped open along the way,” she said.

She’s worried about getting homesick during the program, but says that will simply make her many connections, new and old, all the more important.

“I am most looking forward to reconnecting with friends in Korea, meeting new colleagues, and building meaningful professional relationships,” she said. “What makes me a little nervous is being away from home for such a long period of time. However, having a strong community of friends and mentors in Korea helps,” she said.

Through the countless hours of working and studying, Starnes’s faith grounds her and gives her purpose.

“At the end of the day, only the Lord knows what lies ahead. My responsibility is simply to work faithfully on the tasks He has placed before me,” she said.  

Going home – and beyond

After med school, Starnes says she wants to go back home to Hamblen County and serve the people there by opening a dermatology clinic.  

“Many rural communities in East Tennessee lack access to specialized health care, and I hope to help close that gap by providing dermatological care locally,” she said.

East Tennessee State University is a place where learning goes beyond the classroom. Whether you want to partake in groundbreaking research, travel the world or secure an internship, there's something for everyone.

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