(BALTIMORE, Md.) – A Notre Dame of Maryland University education scholar and professor was selected for the highly competitive Fulbright Specialist Program, which connects professionals to host organizations from nearly 160 countries to advance innovative projects.
Dr. Molly Dunn, assistant professor in the NDMU School of Education, will serve as a Fulbright Specialist through 2025 and share her expertise as an educator, researcher, and education reform leader. Her experience teaching advanced courses in NDMU’s graduate education programs, coupled with her diverse research interests and work abroad, align with the program’s goal to build institutional connections and enhance the capacity of the host institutions.
“I am looking forward to receiving and sharing the gifts that come from cross-cultural exchange and communication,” said Dr. Dunn. “I have had the lucky opportunity from an early age to be exposed to other cultures and communities that were not my own. If I can inspire my Notre Dame students to teach abroad or study abroad, this opportunity will be a true success.”
Once paired with a host organization, which could be a wide variety of institutions such as universities, government agencies, or think tanks, she will spend two to six weeks abroad working on a designated project. Activities may include delivering seminars, engaging in strategic planning, or conducting needs assessments and evaluations, based on the organization’s needs.
“My research addresses ways that schools and educators can be as strong as they can be,” said Dr. Dunn. “I approach capacity-building in three ways: using mindfulness to prevent teacher burnout, strengthening teacher preparation programs, and building schools as communities. I am excited to see the potential exchange between NDMU’s talented School of Education professors and graduate students and the host institutions.”
Part of the larger Fulbright Program through the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Specialist Program selects expert professionals who have the potential to make a significant contribution to organizations abroad. The program aims to provide a short-term, on-demand resource to international host organizations and encourages Fulbright Specialists to continue their work with host institutions in the years after their initial exchange.
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
Julia Campagna, director of mission and ministry at NDMU, discusses both the history of All Saints' Day and how the holiday is recognized on campus in this USA TODAY feature article.
