Memorial University figured prominently in this year’s cohort of Canada-U.S. Fulbright scholars. Three American recipients of the prestigious Canada-U.S. Fulbright award selected Memorial University of Newfoundland as their host institution in 2003.

Long regarded as the world's premiere academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program attracts exceptional scholars from more than 150 countries worldwide. Among the fastest-growing of the bilateral exchanges is the Canada-US Fulbright Program, which offers a unique opportunity for Canadian and American scholars to forge new linkages and foster mutual understanding between the two countries.

“The Canada-U.S. Fulbright awards offer a unique opportunity to undertake important research relevant to both Canada and the United States and allows for exchange between scholars with the highest standards of academic excellence,” said Dr. Axel Meisen, president of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

“It is a wonderful accomplishment to have attracted so many Fulbright scholars to Memorial University,” said Dr. Michael K. Hawes, executive director of the Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program.

Dr. Roger Herman, respected senior scientist and professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University, has produced groundbreaking research in optical and molecular physics. As a Canada-U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Herman was hosted by Memorial’s Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, where he spent two semesters teaching and conducting research in collaboration with Memorial professor, Dr. John C. Lewis.

Meghan Beresford recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor of arts in English and dance and is currently pursuing a master of arts in English at Memorial under the auspices of the Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program. In choosing Memorial, Beresford is returning to the birthplace of her parents. Ms. Beresford is also writing short stories about the people and province of Newfoundland.

Having completed a bachelor of arts in history and geology at the University of North Carolina, Kemp Burdette is attending classes on naval history and Newfoundland history at Memorial University. Working with history professor Dr. Lewis Fischer, and drawing on the extensive Maritime History Archive based at Memorial, Mr. Burdette is also conducting research on shipping routes and their origins. Prior to enrolling in college, Mr. Burdette was a rescue swimmer and operations specialist in the U.S. Navy.

With the backing of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the United States Department of State, the Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program has supported over 500 scholars in high-level academic exchanges since its inception in 1990.