PULLMAN, Wash. – “A center for all of east Africa,” is how Jerman Rose describes the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. It is central for expanding research and education in Africa as well as attracting Washington State University students to study and learn.
The institute is one of a handful in Africa striving to become world-class research-intensive training centers for master’s and post-doc students in science, engineering and technology. About 130 graduate students from across east Africa recently attended a week-long course in entrepreneurship taught by Rose, who took the helm of the WSU Office of International Programs in September.
WSU established a cooperative agreement with NM-AIST in 2012.
“The partnership provides a great opportunity for collaborative research and teaching,” said Jonathan Yoder, WSU School of Economic Sciences and Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health. “The wealth of expertise and local knowledge of NM-AIST faculty and students is invaluable for my own research on the economics of livestock infectious disease in east Africa.”
“WSU’s partnership with NM-AIST fits very well with the College of Business’ focus on long-term engagement in emerging international markets,” said David Sprott, associate dean for graduate, international and professional programs in the college. “We are excited to collaboratively promote entrepreneurship and witness growing support for the program among faculty and students.”
Arusha’s proximity to popular sites such as Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti plains add to its attraction for WSU students who want to study abroad and enrich their academic and international research experience.
“The campus is in a fantastic location,” Yoder said. “In fact, my students and I are in the process of developing some really exciting research and learning opportunities in Arusha in collaboration with NM-AIST faculty.”
“Dr. Rose immersed us in Tanzanian culture,” said Lindsey Elhart, a junior in political science. “The exposure to real-world issues in Africa has enhanced my understanding of the different academic concepts I learned from my WSU courses and their applicability to solving pressing problems in the region.”
“As a global university, WSU will continue to promote and develop international partnerships that fit well with the university’s land grant mission and strategic priorities,” Rose said.
Read an earlier article about the WSU partnership with NM-AIST at https://archive.news.wsu.edu/2013/03/21/wsu-partners-with-africa-for-business-innovation-competition