Jacek Zurada, professor of electrical and computer engineering, JB Speed School of Engineering, is in Catania, Italy, on a Fulbright Specialist grant from the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State. He is at the School of Engineering, University of Catania through June 5. While there, he is conducting seminars on computational learning, data mining and computational intelligence tools for data mining; participating in workshops; and working with graduate students. The sitting chair of IEEE Periodicals Review and Advisory Committee, he also is mentoring junior research faculty at the university on publishing papers, publications policies and open access issues.

Kyung Kang, professor, graduate program director, chemical engineering, JB Speed School of Engineering, has received a Fulbright Senior Lecture Award/Visiting Professorship to the University of Oviedo in Oviedo, Spain. Working with the university’s Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Jan. 10 to April 9, 2013, she will teach a new bilingual Spanish-English graduate course titled, “Advanced Chemical Engineering Laboratory.” Although a technical course, it has a strong emphasis in written and oral communication. She also will teach some sessions of the course “Analysis and Synthesis of Chemical Processes” and, time permitting, will tutor Master of Sciences students who are working on their theses. The program requires that at least 20 percent of thesis content be in English.

Bronwyn Williams, professor of English and director of the University Writing Center, has received a Fulbright research grant to work with the University of Sheffield’s Centre for New Literacies. During the spring 2013 semester, he will conduct research in secondary schools in economically depressed areas of Sheffield. The schools have been identified as having students who are struggling with literacy skills. Williams’ research will focus on creating connections between students’ literacy practices outside of school, including digital media and popular culture, and their work in the classroom. He also will guest lecture in literacy education courses at the university.

Brent E. Stucker, professor and Clark Chair of Computer Aided Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, JB Speed School of Engineering, is one of just three U.S. scholars to receive the Fulbright-VTT Grant in Science, Technology and Innovation in Finland. VTT is a globally networked multi-technological contract research organization that provides high-end technology solutions and innovation services to a broad range of industries worldwide. Stucker’s research is scheduled for late December 2012 through July 2013 and is focused on how to make advanced manufacturing technologies relevant and available to underdeveloped regions of the world.