Post by The Fulbright Program

“Fulbright was the opportunity that changed my trajectory.” 🌐 In 2014, Dr. Gracelin Baskaran’s Fulbright took her to one of the world’s largest platinum belts in Rustenburg, South Africa. The mines inspired her to ask the question: What turns a mineral resource into a national security priority? This inquiry became the basis of her PhD dissertation and continues to drive her work today as director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Mining Journal recognized her as one of the ten most influential figures in global mining. Dr. Baskaran advises policymakers in the United States and more than 65 governments across six continents, serves as a trusted analyst on mining and supply chains in major media outlets, and has testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on trade in critical supply chains. Most recently, she hosted a discussion with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on U.S. critical minerals priorities and delivered opening remarks at a government-to-industry dialogue hosted by CSIS in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Critical Minerals Ministerial. The event brought together U.S. officials, foreign ministers, and industry leaders to advance commercial diplomacy and strengthen the partnerships needed to secure critical minerals supply chains. #Fulbright 📸 1: Dr. Baskaran testifying before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on “Trade in Critical Supply Chains” (2025). 2: Dr. Baskaran with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum discussing U.S. critical minerals priorities (2026). 3: Conducting research underground in platinum group metals mines (2017). 4: Visiting a platinum mine in Rustenburg, South Africa (2014).