Faculty Members Conducting Research in Spain, Iceland, and Brazil
San Luis Obispo, CA — Cal Poly has once again been recognized as one of the top-producing institutions of Fulbright U.S. Scholars, as announced by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The university earned this distinction in the Master’s Colleges and Universities category for the 2024-25 academic year, marking the fifth time in the last decade that Cal Poly has achieved this honor.
“Cal Poly’s recognition as a top producer of Fulbright scholars is a testament to the dedication and leadership of our faculty,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Through their global engagements, these scholars bring back valuable insights that enhance our curriculum, strengthen our university’s impact, and further Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy.”
For the 2024-25 academic year, three Cal Poly faculty members have been selected as Fulbright U.S. Scholars:
Paul Anderson, professor of computer science, is in Murcia, Spain, researching how artificial intelligence can aid in managing low back pain. His interdisciplinary study aims to bridge gaps in chronic pain research and improve treatment outcomes. Anderson’s research addresses the challenge of chronic pain research fragmentation, aiming to enhance diagnosis precision and treatment personalization. His work aims to enhance precision in diagnosing, personalizing treatment, and improving patient outcomes for one of the world’s most prevalent ailments. With opioid prescriptions often associated with chronic pain management, this research promises a new approach that could reduce reliance on opioids and improve patient quality of life.
The partnership with the Universidad de Murcia, renowned for its strengths in knowledge modeling and biotechnology, underscores the importance of including input from diverse stakeholders, from patients to clinicians to therapists to and researchers. The project will illuminate new opportunities to incorporate cultural, structural, and social considerations in AI-powered frameworks to mitigate bias in diagnosis and treatment.
Beyond research, Anderson looks forward to new opportunities to promote international collaboration and integrate learning and teaching by harnessing the power of AI. While abroad, he intends to build a multicultural research team of faculty and tech-savvy students for on-site and in-person research and teaching. “I’m excited to discover how the relatively new field of artificial intelligence can be leveraged to make new advances in biomedicine,” Anderson said. Through his research, Anderson hopes to develop globally relevant teaching materials and ultimately shape the future of biomedicine and chronic pain treatment.
Jean Davidson, assistant professor in biological sciences, traveled to Northern Iceland to collaborate with the University of Akureyri on bioinformatics research, particularly the analysis of bacterial genomes found in lichen. While in the Arctic Circle, Davidson is both teaching and contributing to bioinformatics research, fostering long-term academic exchanges between Cal Poly and the University of Akureyri. In Iceland, Davidson’s Fulbright appointment centered on teaching an upper-division bioinformatics course with a focus on Icelandic topics while conducting research on bacterial genomes found in lichen in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Akureyri. Through this partnership, Davidson aims to strengthen academic ties between Cal Poly and Akureyri, encouraging future student exchanges and research collaborations.
“I hope our students and theirs use this data to collaborate on academic journal papers,” said Davidson. “Cal Poly and Akureyri will hopefully maintain lasting connections, facilitating student exchanges and shared research initiatives. This experience has been a great exchange of ideas and will be immensely valuable as I update course materials and continue exploring global challenges and the curriculum we need to develop to address them.”
Sara Lopus, associate professor in social sciences, will conduct research in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, exploring how household composition influences positive educational outcomes for children. She will collaborate with researchers at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais. Lopus’ work in Brazil builds upon her expertise in international family demography, using her experience abroad to add depth and context to her research. She has previously conducted research in Mozambique, where she led a household survey on parental investments in children’s nutrition and schooling. More recently, she has analyzed publicly available data to study marriage and fertility outcomes across dozens of sub-Saharan African countries. Over the past year, her research has expanded to Latin America. With her Fulbright Award, she will collaborate with Brazilian family demographers in Belo Horizonte, one of Brazil’s largest metropolitan areas, to compare household investment patterns across the region and examine their impact on childhood educational outcomes.
“Even when analyzing publicly available datasets, traveling to the country where the data were collected can be so educational,” said Lopus. “Travel provides context for understanding the variables I analyze and adds vibrancy and flavor that make my work feel multi-dimensional. Plus, it is really fun to see the world.”
The International Center celebrates the achievements of these faculty members in advancing interdisciplinary knowledge while fostering global partnerships that extend the university’s reach beyond borders.
Applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program at Cal Poly receive support from campus liaison Cari Vanderkar, Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs, and Nishi Rajakaruna, professor of biology and a Fulbright Scholar Ambassador. The Cal Poly International Center also provides guidance for students interested in applying for the U.S. Fulbright Student Program.
“The Fulbright program is a life-changing opportunity, opening doors to global connections, groundbreaking research, and cultural exchange,” said Vanderkar, herself a former Fulbright recipient. “This unique experience has the power to change perspectives and careers alike, and is one I encourage my colleagues to explore.”
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program has supported over 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, and professionals in fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. For more information, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org.