UD Professor Named to Fulbright Specialists Roster
Feb 23, 2012 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Alan Garfield, associate professor and head of the Department of Computer Graphics and Interactive Media, has recently been selected as a Fulbright Specialists candidate.
Garfield has served as head of the Computer Graphics and Interactive Media Department at the University of Dubuque since 1999. For 12 years, he has directed the Art and Culture program, a short-term, international study program for students at the University. He teaches the Art and Culture of a country during the spring or fall semester and then leads a 10-12 day field trip to the country that students have been studying. He and his wife Phyllis (director of International Studies) have led more than 1000 UD students on international study trips. Garfield earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa, master of arts degree from State University of New York-Binghamton, and did his post-graduate work at Wadham College, Oxford, United Kingdom. Recent publications include the topics of 2D and 3D animation algorithms, images in contemporary politics, 19th century French philosophies, Holocaust studies, and Beat Generation poetry.
"We are very pleased to have a long-time member of our faculty appointed as a Fulbright Specialist candidate," commented University President Jeffrey F. Bullock. "Alan is highly respected by his students and colleagues, and is well suited to collaborate with his professional counterparts at international universities."
The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) promotes linkages between U.S. academics and professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas. The program is designed to award grants to qualified U.S. faculty and professionals, in select disciplines, to engage in short-term, collaborative 2 to 6 week projects at host institutions in over 100 countries worldwide. International travel costs and a stipend are funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating host institutions cover grantee in-country expenses or provide in-kind services.
Project activities focus on strengthening and supporting the development needs of host institutions abroad and do not fund personal or clinical medical research and related projects involving patient contact. Eligible activities include short-term lecturing, conducting seminars, teacher training, special conferences or workshops, as well as collaborating on curriculum planning, institutional and/or faculty development.
"I am thrilled and humbled at the same time," commented Garfield. "Since a number of the State Department's programs have been cut, the competition was very stiff and, frankly, I'm surprised I was chosen. I have already been contacted by a university in Romania and am considering that one. Phyllis received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Germany years before I married her. I'm just playing catch up, following in her footsteps." Garfield credits his work with international studies and his contribution as a consultant to the European Union in healthcare as factors which may have advanced his candidacy.
U.S. faculty and professionals apply to join a Roster of Specialists for a 5 year term. Roster candidates are reviewed by peers in the same discipline, and by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB).
