Dr. Agnes Odinga to participate in 2023 Summer Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel.
[New York: April 20, 2023]- U.S. Professors Prepare for Bridge-Building Mission to Israel as 32 participants take part in an academic exchange exploring Israel’s history, government, culture, and economy. Following its MoU signing with the University of Arizona and Israel’s Arava region, Jewish National Fund-USA continues to boost collaboration between Israeli and U.S. institutions as 32 participants from universities and colleges across the country prepare to travel to Israel on the 2023 Summer - Faculty Fellowship Program.
Participants will take part in the trip (May 27-June 9, 2023), where they will travel throughout Israel, meeting Israeli professors from their respective disciplines and with the same, or similar, research interests – all with the goal of developing collaborations, research projects, co-authoring articles, and establishing exchange programs between faculty and students.
Through the support of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Boruchin Center and individual donors, the tour, in which more than 600+ have already taken part, is a fully paid intensive program to Israel for full-time U.S.-based academics from recognized universities/learning institutions. Jewish National Fund-USA also runs the annual Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission to Israel, of which 80 college students travel to Israel in December/January, a Winter Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel, and a host of other trips and missions.
“The Faculty Fellowship program in Israel is a life-changing experience that tantalizes all the senses,” said Professor Molina Walters, STEM Education, Arizona State University. “One hears the history of Israel, tastes the flavors of Israel, smells the aromas of Israel, and feels the heart of Israel.”
Participating U.S.-based schools for this trip include the University of South Florida, Auburn University, Purdue University, Arizona State University, Old Dominion University, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Seattle University, Texas Tech University, University of Pittsburgh, Wake Forest University, Tulane University, University of Florida, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, San Diego State University, Indiana University, University of Wyoming, Minnesota State University-Mankato, University of Arkansas-Little Rock, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Bryn Mawr College, University of Houston, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, University of Utah, Wichita State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
“It has been a while since I’ve been so deeply challenged physically, academically, and emotionally as the two weeks I spent experiencing Israel with the JNF-USA Faculty Fellowship,” said an alum and Animal and Poultry Sciences Virginia Tech Professor, Vitor Mercadante. “This is a truly transformative program, and I will forever cherish the people I met and the moments I experienced in Israel.”
During the trip, the 32 participants will meet Israelis from all walks of life and will hear from a variety of speakers. They will also be exposed to contemporary Israeli society, culture, historical sites, and the way of life in Israel. The academics meet with professionals and experts in government, education, media, and other sectors to understand the many facets of Israel's evolving national and international policies. Participants will gain a deeper awareness of Israel as a “Start-up Nation,” its success in water innovation, and how the country addresses regional and global challenges.
For more information or to register for future Faculty Fellowship programs, visit http://www.ff2israel.org/ or contact Rene Reinhard at 212.879.9305 ext. 235 or Eileen Wedeen at 212-439-7855.
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As the leading philanthropic movement for Israel and driven by a 122-year-old mission, the organization creates high-quality of life opportunities for communities in Israel’s north and south, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, Research & Development, and heritage site preservation in addition to operating a fully accredited study abroad experience at its Alexander Muss High School in Israel.
