Fulbright scholars strengthen research, innovation at WSU

By Cheryl Reed, Graduate School

Fulbright-Guerrero-80PULLMAN, Wash. – Since arriving three years ago from Colombia as a Fulbright scholar, Javier Guerrero has honed his academics and much more.

“There are so many opportunities to pursue your dreams and goals and to also learn about the different cultures,” he said. “I have received knowledge and been able to teach and grow academically, but I have also been part of a system that contributes to personal success.”

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Guerrero, right, works with WSU’s Vaithianathan Venkatasubramanian developing voltage control systems for large power grids.

Washington State University has long supported faculty, administrators and student scholars who aspire to the Fulbright vision of increasing mutual understanding between people worldwide. There are 49 Fulbright scholars studying at WSU. Representing 24 different countries, they will return home intent on making the world a better place and enriched by the cultural melting pot encouraged and facilitated by WSU.

The scholars and the world aren’t the only beneficiaries; WSU also prospers.

“We all gain from having diversity here at WSU,” said William Andrefsky, dean of the Graduate School. “Research, innovation and discovery are fueled by diverse perspectives.”

Enriching community

The Graduate School co-sponsors the WSU Fulbright Academy, which supports faculty and student scholars by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas. The Fulbright Student Association offers students a support system, networking and events to help them integrate more easily into the community and learn about life in the U.S.

The Fulbright organization coordinates with the Graduate School on placement of scholars in WSU’s graduate programs.

“The Graduate School provides tuition waivers to match the Fulbright grants that applicants receive to attend graduate school,” said Patricia Sturko, associate dean for the Graduate School’s admissions process. “The scholars have strong academic records and come well-prepared for a successful graduate experience. Their presence enriches our academic community and the Pullman community at large.”

In 2012, Sturko visited Germany through the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program. As an ambassador for the program, she continues to work with WSU departments to raise awareness and to increase the number of Fulbright students at WSU.

Benefiting the world

The Fulbright scholarship is highly competitive and the application process intense. WSU doctoral student Paul Ervin recently applied, hoping to travel to Tanzania next year to conduct research. He’ll find out in May, 2014 if he received the scholarship.

“I want to help the government of Tanzania understand the economics of diseases and disease control,” he said. “I’ve been helping them develop surveys, but there are cultural breakdowns. The Fulbright would be a means to visit the country, learn the language and culture and understand the ways in which to help them manage their rabies issue.”

Rabies kills about 70,000 people every year, but many more are treated after being bitten. Treatments cost about 25 percent of a person’s annual salary.

“If we could vaccinate 70 percent of dogs, we could eventually eliminate rabies and the need for these expensive treatments,” said Ervin.

Like Ervin and Guerrero, Fulbright scholars already possess leadership qualities and are accomplished in their research areas, said Fulbright ambassador and WSU professor Mushtaq Memon. Besides academics, their presence at WSU provides a rich diversity of perspectives and the means to make the world a better and more peaceful place.

To find out more about the Fulbright program at WSU, visit http://ip.wsu.edu/resources/fulbright/ or http://www.iie.org/fulbright.