ISU Nuclear Engineering Professor to Serve as Fulbright Specialist in the Philippines

Recently, Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar, professor of nuclear engineering and associate dean of ISU’s College of Science and Engineering, was selected to serve as a Fulbright Specialist in the Philippines. Over the summer, Dunzik-Gougar will spend six weeks helping the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Batangas State University “craft a roadmap that connects education, research, and policy to support the responsible adoption of nuclear technologies” and “guide the integration of nuclear-related programs within Philippine higher education institutions, ensuring global alignment, safety, and sustainability.”

“I’ll initially work with the CHED to map out the current educational landscape in the country, identify gaps, and determine stakeholder priorities,” said Dunzik-Gougar. “Working in conjunction with CHED and Batangas State University, I’ll outline the path forward for the country to develop its domestic nuclear education infrastructure. I’ll also give a series of presentations to the Filipino power industry and participate in civic engagement to inform people about nuclear power.”

Dunzik-Gougar isn’t the only Bengal headed to the Philippines as a Fulbright Specialist this year. Vince Bowen, executive director of the Energy Systems Technology Education Center in ISU’s College of Technology, will also be headed to the country to “complete a project at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority focused on engineering education.” In total, more than 400 U.S. citizens “share expertise with foreign receiving institutions abroad through the Fulbright Specialist Program each year.” Fulbright Specialists are chosen “on the basis of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field, and their potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad.”

“I'm very honored to be selected for this program,” said Dunzik-Gougar. “It's a big task, but I'm excited to take on the challenge and for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to help a country that is excited about ‘going nuclear.’”

For more information on ISU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, visit isu.edu/ne.