A social work associate professor in the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences has been selected as a 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S. Scholar for India to continue her research and represent Texas Christian University across the globe.
Aesha John’s areas of focus include the study of the psychology of families with members who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism, and parent-child relationships.
John said that she looks forward to continuing her research, which she first started nearly three decades ago in India for her dissertation, and that this is a full-circle moment.
“I look forward to learning from individuals with autism, their families and the professionals who support them,” John said. “I am equally excited about the opportunity to teach in Indian college classrooms, where I hope to both share my knowledge and learn from students and faculty at my host institutions. The Fulbright experience is often described as transformative by alumni, so I am excited to see what lies ahead.”
David Becerra, chair of social work, said John’s selection for the Fulbright award is a testament to the global impact of her research and is extremely excited and proud.
“As a Fulbright scholar, she will engage in international research and teaching, fostering a critical exchange of knowledge,” Becerra said. “Those experiences will benefit both global social work practice and TCU community because Dr. John will not only continue her vital international research but also bring invaluable global perspectives back to our undergraduate and graduate students here at TCU.”
Continuing Research
John will be working on two research projects and teaching in the psychology and social work programs at Christ University, Bengaluru, which will be her host institution.
John will study parental reactions to a child’s disability diagnosis, which will explore how parents adapt after they learn that their child is on the autism spectrum. She will also examine how youth with autism navigate transitioning from adolescence and how their families, professionals and caregivers support them.
Read about more Fulbright Scholars on TCU News.