Bernardo's path from architect to Fulbright scholar began by working with underserved rural communities in his home country, Nicaragua, for a decade. While planning schools and social infrastructure as an early-career architect, a transformative research fellowship at MIT in 2017 changed his trajectory.

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"The fellowship was an inspiration to me," Bernardo recalls of his time at MIT. He particularly remembers Professor Bish Sanyal, whose humility left a deep impression. “When I argued with him, he always responded with humility. He’d say: Bernardo, you might think that, but have you considered this. He would acknowledge your point, but present new arguments, always with a smile.”

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MIT showed him both that excellence and humility could be intertwined, and that he had more to give. So in 2024, he began a Master of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, funded by a Fulbright scholarship. Reflecting on his time in the US, he immediately thinks of Christian community. He found Anselm House through the local Catholic campus ministry and was hooked. “I really find a sense of community and belonging here. Anselm House is my favorite place to study and make friends.” says Bernardo. “A few weeks ago someone told me, ‘Bernardo, I see something very positive in you, a kind of light, when you are here interacting with people. There is joy.’” In Nicaragua, Bernardo hadn’t formed deep Christian community or been engaged in parish life. “But here I was alone. It was how God pushed me to join a Christian community,” says Bernardo.

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Through social and education events like Wisdom Waffles at Anselm House, he’s discovered that he can integrate faith and work. “I had the perception that universities are very secular.” says Bernardo. “But why should I hide my faith? I don’t see a dichotomy between faith and my community-oriented career or my scientific approach to understanding the fabric of reality.” Educated in Catholic schools for eleven years, he draws from Catholic social teaching and the lives of saints who "were committed to the common good" without expecting anything in return. "Christianity pushes me to be less egocentric," he explains, describing how the Gospel calls him to “die to self,” and help those in need.

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In his final months as a Fulbright Scholar, Bernardo plans to work with international development organizations serving Central American countries. While he isn’t sure where his career will take him, he hopes to keep building Christian community inspired by his memorable stay in Minnesota.

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