Hei, hei (Hello)! My name is Benjamin Gusdal, but you can call me Mr. Ben. I am so excited to be your traveler this year! I am 22 years old and come from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up in Minneapolis, I loved spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and listening to all kinds of music. I even played piano and percussion and sang in a choir!
In college, I studied Physics, Math, and Political Science at St. Olaf College. Now, thanks to a Fulbright research grant, I’m living in Ås, Norway! Norway is a beautiful country filled with mountains, fjords (that’s kind of a long, narrow sea in a valley), and lots of music and art. My research focuses on how Norway can balance caring for people and protecting nature while also being a major oil-producing country. I’m using something called the “doughnut model,” created by economist Kate Raworth, to think about how societies can make sure everyone has what they need—like food, housing, and healthcare—without using more of Earth’s resources than it can handle.
To learn more, I’ll be interviewing people who work in energy, environment, and policy to understand how Norway is trying to reach that balance. In simple terms, my project asks: How can we keep our planet healthy while making sure everyone can live a good life?
I can’t wait to share my adventures (and maybe a few new songs!) with you and to learn about your journeys through the school year. Together, we’ll explore what life is like in Norway and how people around the world are working to create a happy, healthy planet for everyone.
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
