UH Associate Dean Chosen as Fulbright Specialist to Participate as Field Expert

Rupa Iyer, Associate Dean of the College of Technology at the University of Houston has been recommended for the Fulbright Specialist Roster after receiving the endorsement from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES). The Specialist Roster is a prestigious list of experts who provide assistance with projects requiring their specialized knowledge, skills or research. The roster includes a list of all candidates who are eligible to be matched with incoming project requests from overseas academic institutions for Fulbright Specialists.

 “Dr. Iyer’s appointment as a Fulbright Specialist is a tribute to her distinguished career in biotechnology and adds an esteemed honor to a full list of achievements at the University of Houston,” said Paula Myrick Short, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost upon learning the news of Iyer’s candidacy. 

Iyer earned a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology from Michigan State University and obtained a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai in India. She conducted her postdoctoral studies in the M.D Anderson Cancer Research Center, Houston. Iyer has been part of the College of Technology since 2005 as a credentialed associate professor with an impressive curriculum vitae.  Iyer was named Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in 2014, in addition to her appointment as the Director for Center for Life Sciences Technology and the founding director for Biotechnology programs. Her research is in the area of environmental biotechnology with applications in bioremediation.

Iyer has received a multitude of recognition, awards, and grants for her outstanding contributions to the university and her field such as: the University of Houston Excellence in Teaching Award, 2014; Fluor Award for Service Excellence, College of Technology, 2013; Summer Undergraduate Research Award (SURF) Mentor Award, 2013; and the Outstanding Indian Award, teaching, India Culture Center, 2011; among others. 

“Rupa joins the ranks of the elite with this nomination. She is the first Fulbright Specialist Roster candidate we have had since I came to UH. As a result, we expect to see many more accomplishments coming from her program and the College of Technology,” said Jaime Ortiz, Vice Provost for Global Strategies and Studies.

“I am very excited and look forward to implementing and disseminating the interdisciplinary research based program created, designed, developed right here in UH. Dr. Ortiz’s assistance during the application process was very crucial to my success,” Iyer said of her achievement.

Voice of Asia post: http://voiceofasiaonline.com/blog/uh-professor-chosen-as-fulbright-specialist-to-participate-as-field-expert/