草榴社区

草榴社区 College of Engineering will host a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) for the 2025鈥�2026 academic year. Katherine Chiluiza Garcia, PhD, director of the Information Technologies Center at Escuela Superior Polit茅cnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Ecuador, will join the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where she will primarily teach multidisciplinary courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Through the S-I-R Program, institutions invite a scholar from outside the United States to teach for a semester or a full academic year. The program allows the scholar to assist in curriculum development, deliver guest lectures, foster study abroad and exchange partnerships, and actively engage with both the campus and the local community.

鈥淩eceiving this fellowship is, personally, a source of immense pride. It reaffirms that the work I鈥檝e committed to over the years has value and impact,鈥� Dr. Chiluiza Garcia said. 鈥淭his recognition from such a distinguished program highlights the importance of fostering intercultural dialogue, a cause I鈥檓 truly passionate about.鈥�

Dr. Chiluiza Garcia has extensive expertise in information technologies and computer science. As an academic leader at ESPOL, one of Ecuador鈥檚 top technical universities, she plays a key role in advancing collaborative learning using GenAI and creating professional development programs for engineering education.聽

In addition to teaching at 草榴社区, Dr. Chiluiza Garcia will serve as a senior design capstone adviser and mentor, engaging directly with up to 80 students from a range of academic majors. 草榴社区 will also provide valuable opportunities for Dr. Chiluiza Garcia to connect with faculty who share similar research interests, fostering potential collaborations that can extend well beyond the duration of the S-I-R Program.

Dr. Chiluiza Garcia was supported by various scholars, including David Jamison, PhD, associate dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Engineering. 鈥淒r. Chiluiza will assist in curriculum development and explore the development of study abroad and student exchange partnerships in her home country of Ecuador, which represents an area of the globe that our students do not typically have exposure to,鈥� Dr. Jamison said.

草榴社区鈥檚 selection as a host institution highlights the University鈥檚 ongoing dedication to global engagement and collaboration. The College of Engineering is eager to benefit from the unique insights and international perspective Dr. Chiluiza Garcia will contribute to the 草榴社区 community.

鈥淭eaching in a different societal and cultural context will undoubtedly broaden my perspective as an educator,鈥� Dr. Chiluiza Garcia said. 鈥淚 look forward to learning from the diversity of experiences and viewpoints of both my colleagues and students at 草榴社区, which I believe will enrich my future teaching, research and outreach.鈥澛�