Dr. Matthew Zabka Receives Fulbright Award for 2026-2027
Published Monday, April 27, 2026
Dr. Matthew Zabka, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Southwest Minnesota State University, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in applied algebraic topology to Georgia for the 2026-2027 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Dr. Matthew Zabka grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and earned undergraduate degrees in mathematics, German and economics at St. Cloud State University. He completed his master’s degree in statistics at the University of Michigan and his doctorate in mathematics at Wayne State University under the direction of Professor Daniel Isaksen. He joined the faculty at SMSU in 2016. He also spent a year as a post-doctoral research scholar at North Carolina State University. Dr. Zabka spends many of his summers coordinating a math and logic camp in Ukraine.
“Applied algebraic topology lets us take data, build a topological object from it, and then use algebra to study the patterns,” Zabka said. “It’s especially useful for finding shapes or ‘holes’ in data—even when the data are high-dimensional and you can’t see the structure directly.”
On his Fulbright, Zabka will be based at Kutaisi International University in Kutaisi, Georgia, where he will collaborate with Georgian mathematician Anzor Beridze on a new research problem at the intersection of applied algebraic topology and knot theory.
“I’m still amazed it actually happened,” Zabka said. “The Fulbright is a chance to focus on research and collaborate on a brand-new problem, and I’m hopeful it will lead to publications and new external funding opportunities [for SMSU].”
Their project aims to extend tools from topological data analysis so that, from partial or noisy observations, researchers can reconstruct knot-like structures—an approach with potential applications in understanding how DNA strands tangle and form different knots.
“I am delighted that Dr. Zabka was chosen for this prestigious program. When the announcement regarding applications for Fulbright Scholars came across my email, I immediately thought of Dr. Zabka,” said Dr. Lori Baker, Dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences at SMSU. “He has demonstrated a strong interest in international study and has presented in Eastern Europe in particular. He spent some of his sabbatical abroad doing research and collaborating with international peers. His engagement in such work seemed a natural fit with the Fulbright Program’s emphasis on building strong connections between American scholars and institutions with international partners.”
“Dr. Zabka’s Fulbright award is a tremendous honor for him and a proud moment for Southwest Minnesota State University. His work reflects the curiosity, creativity, and global engagement we strive to foster at SMSU, and we congratulate him on this outstanding achievement,” Dr. David Jones, SMSU President.
Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university and a member of Minnesota State. The university prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition, are dedicated to connecting students’ academic and practical professional development experiences in southwest Minnesota to the wider world.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars are accomplished faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals who teach or conduct research in partnership with institutions around the world. Through these affiliations, they expand their professional networks and often seed future research, innovation, and institutional partnerships. When they return home to their campuses, labs, and classrooms, Fulbright Scholars share their experiences and insights, becoming champions of international collaboration. Many go on to host visiting scholars, and inspire colleagues and students to pursue transformative opportunities abroad.
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 as a bold investment in global peace and American prosperity through educational and cultural exchange. The Fulbright Program is marking its 80th anniversary in 2026, which coincides with America's 250th anniversary celebration. This dual milestone provides an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the Fulbright Program's role in America's legacy of leadership, innovation, international collaboration, and American excellence.
Fulbright provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. For eight decades, Fulbrighters have been leaders at the forefront of discovery and innovation, conducting cutting-edge research, advancing critical industries, and preparing future generations with new skills and perspectives. Fulbrighters have included 46 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders in all sectors and industries across the United States and around the world.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars teach or conduct research or professional projects abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. In addition, recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English in schools abroad each year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.
In the United States, the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org.
The deadline to apply for 2027-2028 Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards is September 15, 2026. Learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards and eligibility.
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