NE North Dakota News

Three Fulbright scholars from the University of North Dakota (UND) have shared their experiences with the program, highlighting the benefits of international academic and cultural exchange. The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, aims to foster mutual understanding between people of the United States and other countries.

O'Dane McKoy, a geologist from Jamaica, embarked on his Fulbright journey after encouragement from his wife. He moved to North Dakota for a transformative experience that combined academics and cultural exchange. "Fulbright is not 100 percent research," said Lavinia Iancu, director of UND’s Forensic Science Program. "It’s also about the cultural exchange, the life experience."

McKoy has been conducting research on wildfires in California while adapting to life in North Dakota. He credits faculty and staff at UND for helping him transition smoothly. McKoy expressed appreciation for learning about Indigenous history through interactions with Native American students.

Aaron Kennedy, another UND scholar, spent nine months in Iceland studying snowpack and avalanche risk. His work involved testing weather instruments developed at UND. Kennedy emphasized the importance of building an international network and gaining new perspectives on scientific approaches.

The state Fulbright chapter plans outreach events to guide more students and faculty toward similar opportunities. Iancu noted that participants return more open-minded and collaborative, benefiting UND as a whole.

McKoy hopes to apply his acquired knowledge back in Jamaica after completing his doctoral studies. "Fulbright isn’t just an investment in me — it’s an investment in my country," he said.