Law & Justice alum Sonali Yardi has been selected as a 2026 Fulbright Scholar and will strengthen international collaboration and research ties between the United States and Australia.
UNSW Sydney alum Sonali Yardi has been named a 2026 Fulbright Scholar and will undertake a year-long exchange at a leading host institution in the United States later this year. In a reciprocal exchange, US scholar Mark Noftz will visit UNSW Canberra.
The Fulbright program fosters educational exchange and strengthens cultural understanding between Australia and the US. It recognises individuals with outstanding academic credentials and leadership potential, supporting them to contribute to world-class research at their host institution.
Ms Yardi, a UNSW Law & Justice alum, will explore the intersection of technology, legal systems and social justice. Meanwhile, aerospace engineer Mark Noftz from Purdue University will collaborate with researchers at UNSW Canberra to advance hypersonic research.
Dr Varuni Kulasekera, Executive Director of Fulbright Australia, said: "We are thrilled to see both Mark Noftz and Sonali Yardi advancing such impactful work through the Fulbright Program. Sonali's pursuit of a Master of Laws focused on technology, law and social justice speaks to the urgent global conversation around how AI can responsibly strengthen access to justice. At the same time, Mark's leadership of experimental hypersonic test campaigns and his collaboration with researchers at UNSW Canberra, highlight the depth of expertise within Australia's research ecosystem.
"Together, their projects embody Fulbright's mission to foster innovation, collaboration and mutual understanding between Australia and the US."
Law & Justice alum brings expertise in tech law
As a Fulbright Scholar, Ms Yardi will pursue a Master of Laws specialising in the intersection of technology, law and social justice. Her research will explore how AI can modernise Australia's legal support system by evaluating existing legal technology tools, and identifying barriers to their use, while developing regulatory and policy frameworks to address risks including algorithmic discrimination and privacy breaches.
"My Fulbright research aims to expand access to justice by developing frameworks which aid the responsible implementation of AI tools by community legal centres," Ms Yardi said.
"Through studying interdisciplinary technology courses, collaborating with diverse individuals and pursuing hands-on learning through pro bono clinics and AI labs, I hope to gain the global insights and skills necessary to help advance Australia's technology and access to justice laws."
Ms Yardi is a solicitor at leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. She has experience in cyber and technology litigation, and a strong commitment to pro bono practice. She was previously a Research Assistant at UNSW examining global AI regulation, as a Tipstaff at the NSW Supreme Court and a volunteer at the Refugee Advice and Casework Service.
Strengthening global hypersonic research
Mr Noftz, an aerospace engineer and PhD Candidate at Purdue University, will undertake his Fulbright Scholarship at UNSW Canberra and the Australian Defence Force Academy.
During his exchange, Mr Noftz will lead experimental test campaigns in hypersonic wind tunnels across Australia. His research will strengthen hypersonic research initiatives and partnerships between Australian and US institutions.
"My Fulbright scholarship has connected me with world-renowned aerospace experts at UNSW Canberra and enabled me to conduct experiments that address the aero-thermal challenges of high-speed flight," he said.
"UNSW's test infrastructure and capabilities are not only unique to Australia, but key to advancing hypersonic research around the globe."
Mr Noftz is in the Gambaro Graduate Program of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. His primary areas of research include high-speed aerodynamics and scramjet propulsion systems, and he holds a patent for a design method that optimises intakes for air breathing engines.
