November 9, 2020

Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, dean and distinguished University professor, has been selected to be a Fulbright Senior Specialist by a peer review panel. The Fulbright Specialist Program is part of the larger Fulbright Program and facilitated by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals, like Gitlin, are paired with host institutions in more than 150 countries to share, at a minimum, their expertise.

Specialists partner with their host institution to conduct project activities in support of the host institution’s priorities and goals, but to also strengthen institutional linkages build capacity internationally. Gitlin will join the 425 individuals traveling abroad each year as specialists. She will apply her significant experience in aging to a project conceptualized by her host institution.

Gitlin's proposal for her three-year tenure is threefold.

1. Create an infrastructure for our students to have a brief immersion exchange with one of three universities in Chile.
2. Work with Ministry of Health to move forward evidence-based programs in aging.
3. Provide lectures, workshops with faculty, graduate students and fellows on behavioral intervention development, aging, caregiving.

“As a Fulbright Senior Specialist, any country can request my expertise, but I am working closely with Chile so they can invite me,” shared Gitlin. “I hope to develop a global initiative for CNHP once international travel resumes.”

While these academics and professionals provide short-term, on-demand resources to international host institutions, this Fulbright program encourages specialists to continue their relationships and work beyond the original commitment.