The I2EL Scholarship Program focuses on three main components: networking, cohort-based learning, and meaningful community engagement.
Participants join a small cohort of peers who attend an Internet2 conference for the first time together, creating an immediate support network and sense of belonging.
Other benefits of the I2EL program include professional development and career growth opportunities. I2EL scholarship recipients gain access to a wide range of conference sessions covering both technical and broader themes such as leadership, culture, and collaboration in IT.
The program also prioritizes peer and professional networking. Through facilitated activities, hosted meals, and small-group conversations, participants interact directly with experienced leaders from across the research and higher education (R&E) ecosystem.
The CommEX26 I2EL Scholarship recipients are:
- Kelvin Echenim, graduate teaching assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Kristen Finch, director of research computing solutions at the University of Washington Information Technology
- Jacklyn Fournier, telecommunications technician supervisor at the University of Florida Information Technology
- Zach Fuchik, senior data center network engineer at the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation at The Ohio State University
- Tristan Gaspas, project manager at the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC)
- Taylor Graham, associate solutions hardware engineer at the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing at Purdue University
- Mia Langworthy, manager of network and telecom at the University of Wyoming
- David Lockett, grants specialist and co-principal investigator at Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences
- Katie Lungren, systems administrator at Colorado State University
- Ashley Stauffer, associate director of solution alignment at The Pennsylvania State University
Read their bios to learn more about the I2EL Scholarship recipients.
Transferable Skills, Tangible Action to be Discussed at 2026 Community Exchange
The I2EL Scholarship recipients will be recognized on Wednesday, April 15, at the Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture lunch session, “Transferable Skills, Tangible Action.” Jackie Wirz, CEO of Link Oregon, will lead an interactive session exploring how professionals can successfully navigate today’s evolving career landscape.
As traditional career advice — work hard, find a mentor, and follow the trusted path — becomes less applicable in a changing workforce shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the discussion will help participants recognize and leverage their transferable skills across roles, sectors, and opportunities.
Session attendees will learn practical strategies for identifying and communicating their core strengths. The session will also introduce frameworks for turning long-term career goals into clear, actionable steps, bridging the gap between strategic thinking and real-world action.
In addition, the discussion will highlight approaches to reskilling and upskilling, helping attendees evaluate where new skills may be needed and how to pursue professional growth in sustainable ways.
Overall, the CommEX26 session will provide practical guidance for adapting to change, strengthening career resilience, and building a future-ready professional path within the R&E technology community.
Thank you to Our Sponsors
The I2EL scholarships cover travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and event registration for CommEX26.
Funding for this year’s I2EL Scholarships is made possible by industry sponsors 1Kosmos, CDW, Kajeet, Nokia, ServiceNow, and Internet2 community member Northern Tier Network Consortium (NTNC), as well as Internet2.
We are grateful for the support and generosity of the R&E community in providing these important opportunities.
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