Further expanding its global reach, Florida Polytechnic University has entered into a new agreement with the Fulbright Commission in Ecuador, establishing new opportunities for joint research in STEM fields.
Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed an agreement with Fulbright Ecuador Executive Director Sandra Gross in late February, in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito.
The partnership aims to strengthen research and other educational collaboration between the Lakeland-based university and Ecuador through faculty and student exchanges, shared projects and other enhanced academic opportunities.
“Collaborative efforts like this empower our University community to engage in impactful cross-cultural scholarship and innovation that extend well beyond our campus,” Stephenson said. “Hosting Fulbright Scholars and collaborating with top minds from around the world are vital to expanding our research ecosystem, forging groundbreaking scientific partnerships, and amplifying our impact as a catalyst for economic growth.”
Gross offered her appreciation to Florida Poly.
“Through this partnership of excellence, Ecuadorian scholars will engage in advanced research, collaborate with distinguished faculty, and drive innovation in strategic fields while strengthening connections among institutions, communities and countries,” she said.
Because of Florida’s relative proximity to South America, the school is expanding its reach there to attract talent and promote Florida’s burgeoning innovation sector.
“Florida Poly and the Fulbright Program share the same traditions of excellence that fuel innovation, scientific advancement and technological breakthroughs,” said Mustapha Achoubane, senior global affairs officer and director of Florida Poly’s Fulbright program.
“We are on a mission to cultivate a dynamic economic powerhouse of advanced, world-class talent to serve our state, nation and the world toward progress and scientific discovery.”
In addition to other STEM-related research, the collaboration will allow Florida Poly to address pressing global challenges, including developing sustainable solutions to critical materials shortages, while also ensuring Florida Poly staff and students are able to excel in a world increasingly reliant on technology.
The Fulbright Program is the United States’ flagship international academic exchange initiative. It supports study, teaching and research in more than 160 countries across the globe.