Dr. Shannon McMorrow receives Fulbright Specialist award for global health collaboration

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's Dr. Shannon McMorrow, associate professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award to support a public and global health initiative at Naresuan University in Thailand. As part of this prestigious award, she will engage in educational and training activities aimed at exchanging knowledge and fostering sustainable partnerships. Her work will focus on advancing public and global health through collaboration that benefits institutions and communities in both the U.S. and abroad.

This includes supporting and training the faculty of public health at Naresuan on a variety of special projects from July 2 to 19 and advocating for public health with community partners and local leaders in Phitsanoluk, where the university is located.

"Fulbright is an invaluable cultural exchange program that builds mutual understanding and peaceful relationships around the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn lessons about public health in Thailand and bring them home to our WMU public health students," says McMorrow.

This is McMorrow's second Fulbright award, reflecting her exceptional dedication to public health. From September 2022 through May 2023, she traveled to Uganda to conduct research and teach at the Makerere University School of Public Health. Her work focused on expanding critical public health knowledge and skills by teaching students and training faculty in online teaching methods. Additionally, McMorrow conducted Photovoice research, which involved using photography to generate powerful visual evidence. This research aimed to inform policies and programs for Congolese refugee women in Uganda, providing them with a stronger voice and advocating for their needs. Shannon's contributions have significantly impacted both the academic community and the lives of many individuals in Uganda.

McMorrow is among over 400 U.S. citizens who share their expertise with host institutions abroad through the Fulbright Specialist Program each year. Award recipients are selected based on their academic and professional achievements, demonstrated leadership in their fields, and potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange initiative, aims to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and other countries. It is funded through an annual appropriation by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, with additional support from participating governments, host institutions, corporations and foundations worldwide. The program operates in over 160 countries.

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