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DCU Academics win Fulbright Scholarships

Two DCU academics have been awarded prestigious Irish Fulbright Scholarships to pursue their research at leading US academic institutions.

• Dr Karen Devine, a lecturer in International Relations in the School of Law and Government will evaluate the role of patriotism as a driver of public attitudes to foreign policy in the US and in Ireland at Columbia University.
• Dr Mary J O'Connell, of the School of Biotechnology, will spend 12 months at the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, undertaking research on the evolution of defence against disease in animals to aid a more accurate modelling of human genetic diseases.

The awards, which are jointly funded by the Irish and US governments under the Ireland-United States (Fulbright) Commission for Educational Exchange, have provided Irish students, scholars and professionals with the opportunity to study, lecture and research at top universities and institutions in the US since 1957.

Speaking about this year's Fulbright Awards, Ms Una Halligan, Chair of the Fulbright Commission said:

"The reputation of Fulbright continues to grow as the international value and influence associated with being a 'Fulbrighter' becomes more widely recognised in both academic and professional contexts. The breadth of each recipient's field of expertise highlights the innovative nature of Fulbright which values all disciplines equally. Although their subjects are varied, each of these recipients has one very important trait in common - outstanding leadership ability. This is the true essence and purpose of Fulbright. We have no doubt the collaborations and accomplishments they make while in the US will impact enormously on future growth across all realms of Irish society well into the future'

Scholarships were also awarded to Nóirín Ní Laighin and Ciara Nic Oscair who will work as Foreign Language Teaching Assistants at University of Notre Dame, Indiana and Elms College, Springfield, Massachusetts respectively. Nóirín is a graduate of DCU Fiontar and St Patrick's College, Drumcondra; Ciara is also a graduate St Patrick's College.