A Glimpse of the Campaign Trail: a Visiting Fulbright Student Experiences a Presidential Campaign Rally

Since I arrived in the United States in December 2015, the upcoming presidential election has been the hot issue discussed among my university professors and classmates.  As a result, I have followed most of the Republican and Democratic debates. For me, it is interesting to hear what people think about the different candidates and also to learn which candidate they think will be nominated from each party.

Through one of my classmate’s Facebook pages, I learned that Bernie Sanders, a Democratic candidate, would be holding a rally in Denver on February 13. Although I have no clear support for any of the candidates, I thought it would be interesting to see one of the possible future US presidents. Because the event was free and open to the public, my friends and I decided to go!

There were thousands of people in the rally, all of them very enthusiastic and most of them wearing Bernie shirts and badges. We waited in the long queues for hours before we were allowed into the event hall. It was certainly an exciting moment when Senator Sanders finally entered the stage. Most of the people immediately took out their mobile phones and cameras, as did I. I even took a selfie with Jane O’Meara-Sanders, Senator Sanders’ wife!

Taking part in this rally was a great chance for me to have a closer look at the US presidential campaigns. Through my studies at the University of Denver, I have learned that it is important to be aware of political events. Of the many lessons that I learned, one of the most important is how important effective public speaking is to a presidential campaign. In addition, I also learned how these rallies are organized and how many of the events are organized by volunteers. I give the Fulbright Program credit for giving me the chance to take part in one of the most observed and watched presidential elections in the world.

 Nabeel outside of the Colorado Convention Center

Nabeel is pursuing an M.A. in International Security at the University of Denver. After graduating, he plans to use his education to improve the political and security situation in his home country, Yemen.

Moroccan Fulbright Student Awarded Prize for Renewable Energy Research

 

Ahmed Presenting to Judges at UMP-INNOVADAYS

 

On the 4th and 5th of November 2015, I had the opportunity to attend the second edition of the "UMP-INNOVADAYS" competition under the theme, "Innovation is the key for economic development in Eastern Morocco". This competition is held in Oujda, Morocco, and is meant to showcase innovative projects designed to improve economic growth in the region. During the competition, I presented my project "EnerSolOR, the Integration of Solar Energy in Eastern Morocco.” I’m proud to say it won second place!

For me, renewable energy is the solution to create energy independence for my country, and also to encourage sustainable development by decreasing the amount of atmospheric pollution such as CO².  My project, 'EnerSolOR', which is also my PhD thesis topic, is a feasibility study on the integration of solar energy in Eastern Morocco. Through this study, I am trying to quickly and accurately assess the amount of solar radiation received by the Eastern region of Morocco, in order to build a scientific database.

 

In addition to this work, I am also conducting a similar study that explores ways to use the energy from the sun to resolve local problems such as rural electrification and sea water desalination. This is my research topic under Fulbright at the University of California, Merced, and is led by Professor Yanbao Ma. 

The UMP-INNOVADAYS competition was certainly a success; I am pleased that it also had a Fulbright connection. In addition to me, one of the organizers of the ceremony, Professor Boukhatem Noureddine, was a Fulbright alumnus. On this note, I would like to warmly acknowledge the Fulbright Commission as well as AMIDEAST in Morocco and the United States for funding a part of my research projects. I would like to also acknowledge my supervisors Professor Ahmed Mezrhab at the University Mohammed I in Morocco and Professor Yanbao Ma at the University of California, Merced. Finally, I dedicate this prize to my mother and father.

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Ahmed is currently conducting research at the University of California, Merced. He plans to finish his PhD at the University of Mohammed I, and then to conduct research in a laboratory or a research institute in the field of solar energy development.

 

Continuing Career Connections: Alumna Speaks at Prestigious Conference through Alumni Professional Development Grant

Samia Researching in the lab

I am a Fulbright Foreign Student Visiting Researcher alumna from Tunisia and a research scientist working in the field of population genomics and bioinformatics. I recently returned from a beautiful journey to California where, through funding from a Fulbright Alumni Professional Development Grant, I had the incredible opportunity to present my research project on whiteflies at the International Plant and Animal Genome meeting, PAG XXIV, in San Diego. The whitefly is a global pest causing severe damage to agricultural crops, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. My research uses sophisticated genomic and bioinformatics tools to better understand the spread of this insect.

Samia presenting whitefly research

As part of the conference, I presented my work in front of an audience of experts in the field of genomics (the study of cell DNA). I was thrilled by the very useful and insightful comments I received from wonderful researchers such as Professor Rosemary Gillespie at the University of California Berkley, one of the world’s leading authorities in biogeography and the study of insects. Rosemary was so encouraging and supportive. It was simply delightful to meet such a role model and perfect example of a successful female scientist.

 

Samia Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

Fulbright was an important part of this conference experience, not only because it helped me attend the event, but also because my Fulbright exchange (2007-2008) at the University of Manoa in Hawaii shaped my personality and allowed me to become the researcher I am today. This educational exchange was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet people from various ethnic backgrounds who spoke different languages and worked in diverse disciplines. It was such a wonderful feeling to be able to connect with different people, understand their senses of humor, celebrate their national holidays with them, and better understand how they live their lives. I could never adjust to cultures as easily, nor conduct my research as efficiently, without my Fulbright experience. To me, being a Fulbrighter is a way of life!

 

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Samia Elfekih graduated from the Faculté des sciences de Tunis in 2010 with a PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology. She plans to one day start her own research lab and continue to promote women’s empowerment in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by inspiring younger female generations through her positive example of hard work, dedication and persistence.