Wentworth Hosting Visiting Fulbright Scholar in Residence

September 12, 2024

Wentworth Institute of Technology has been selected to host a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence from South Africa to teach in the School for Computing and Data Science during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Professor Shawren Singh, Chair of Information Systems in the School of Computing at the University of South Africa, was selected for the Fulbright award by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The bid to host Singh as a Fulbright Scholar was initiated by Wentworth Associate Professor Yetunde Folajimi.

"Hosting a Fulbright Scholar like Professor Singh is a significant achievement for Wentworth," said Yetunde Folajimi. "This initiative allows us to enhance our curriculum with diverse global perspectives and enrich the educational experience of our students. It aligns with our mission to provide an inclusive, innovative learning environment that prepares our students to engage with the world as knowledgeable and compassionate leaders."

The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings visiting scholars from abroad to U.S. colleges and universities, helping the institutions internationalize their curricula, campuses, and surrounding communities, and diversify the educational experiences of their students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Professor Singh is one of 43 Fulbright Scholars-in-Residence, and among 1,000 outstanding foreign faculty and professionals who will teach and pursue research in the United States for the 2024-2025 academic year through the worldwide Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.

This fall, Singh will teach two courses: Fundamentals of Information Technology, an undergraduate course that introduces students to essential IT concepts and practices, and Modern Computing, a graduate-level course that delves into advanced topics such as machine learning, digital transformation, and emerging computing technologies.

These courses will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of foundational and advanced computing subjects, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. By learning directly from an internationally recognized expert and participating in collaborative research, students will gain invaluable insights and experiences that prepare them for successful careers in a diverse and interconnected world.

Throughout his residency, Professor Singh will also collaborate with Wentworth faculty on various research projects, enhancing the university's research capabilities and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in key areas of computing. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he will actively engage in workshops and community outreach activities, assist in organizing the virtual reality hackathon, and participate in events like the Social Impact of AI workshop and other data science and AI-focused sessions. Moreover, Singh will work closely with local organizations and mentor students, further enriching the broader community with his expertise and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

"We are excited to have Professor Singh join the School of Computing and Data Science," said Leon Deligiannidis, Dean of Computing and Data Science. "His international experience and expertise will greatly enrich our community. We anticipate that his presence will foster new research collaborations, inspire our students, and contribute to a deeper understanding of global challenges in technology."

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which has operated in over 160 countries worldwide.