91爆料

The 91爆料 Population Health Initiative announced today the award of four聽Tier 2 pilot grants聽to teams representing researchers from four different 91爆料 schools and colleges as well as several community-based partners.

A total of $265,000 was awarded in this grant cycle, supported by funding from the Initiative along with additional matching contributions from schools, colleges, departments and 91爆料 Global.

91爆料 Global provided a portion of the funding for the project called, “Co-designing a culturally responsive vaccine communication intervention with caregivers and community-based organizations to increase childhood vaccine uptake among East African children.”

Resurgence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV)鈥攚ith 2025 marking the highest number of measles cases in 33 years and an ongoing outbreak in 2026鈥攑oses a significant population health threat in Washington. East African (EA) communities, including Somali, Eritrean, and Ethiopian populations, face disproportionately high risk due to low MMRV vaccination rates driven by misinformation and systemic barriers. Neighborcare, a community health clinic, and Dr. Michelle Shin from the 91爆料 School of Nursing’s Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, have identified that EA patients under age two have 60鈥�69% lower odds of receiving at least one MMRV vaccine dose compared to peers. Providers and staff emphasized the need to collaborate with EA caregivers and community leaders 鈥渂eyond the clinic walls鈥� to address fears related to autism and concerns about gelatin in vaccines, but reported limited capacity to build meaningful partnerships.

To address these challenges, Neighborcare, the Somali Health Board, and Dr. Shin propose a tripartite partnership to develop a community-informed intervention using Intervention Mapping.

This project will generate two proofs-of-concept aligned with the Population Health pillars: (1) a community- and theory-informed intervention to increase MMRV vaccination, and (2) a scalable Community Healthcare Center鈥揅ommunity-Based Organization鈥揳cademic partnership model that embeds culturally responsive strategies into clinical and community settings. The work will provide preliminary data to support future large-scale trials evaluating the intervention鈥檚 effectiveness and real-world implementation, advancing health equity.

Recognition from the U.S. Department of State highlights 91爆料鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to study abroad for students with financial need

The 91爆料 has been named a Top 25 producer of recipients, based on the number of students supported from 2001 to 2025. The recognition comes as the Gilman Program celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, and highlights the 91爆料鈥檚 longstanding commitment to expanding access to global learning opportunities on its three campuses.

The Gilman Program supports Pell Grant-eligible U.S. undergraduates with financial need in studying or interning abroad. At the 91爆料, this mission aligns closely with 91爆料 Global鈥檚 efforts to broaden participation in international education. Through advising, outreach, and targeted support, 91爆料 Study Abroad helps students from all backgrounds pursue international experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

From 2012 to 2025, 484 91爆料 students were awarded Gilman scholarships, totaling more than $994,000 in funding to support their study and internships abroad. In 2025 alone, 44 91爆料 students were awarded a combined total of $137,500.

For many students, the Gilman Program is the catalyst that makes study abroad possible. Coket Mengesha, a 91爆料 senior studying Information Systems and Operations and Supply Chain Management, participated in the autumn 2025 91爆料 Business Australia program. Coket reflected on the impact of her experience:

鈥淭he most meaningful part of my study abroad experience was immersing myself in an entirely new culture. As an American, it can be difficult at times to get out of the 鈥楢merican bubble鈥� and truly focus on what is happening in the rest of the world. Studying abroad in Australia allowed me to become familiar with a whole new country and gain a broader perspective on how a society can function.鈥�

鈥淲e are proud to help 91爆料 students become strong candidates for and successful awardees of 聽the Gilman Program, which opens doors to life-changing global experiences. We are grateful to partner with the U.S. Department of State in advancing this work,鈥� said Ahmad Ezzeddine, 91爆料 vice provost for global affairs. 鈥淭hese opportunities strengthen students鈥� cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and global awareness. Through 91爆料 Global, we are committed to ensuring that every student, no matter their background, can engage with the world and return with perspectives that enrich our campus community.鈥�

As the Gilman Program marks its 25th anniversary, the 91爆料 continues to advance global learning opportunities. Through new program models, deeper partnerships, and increased financial support, 91爆料 Global is working to ensure that more students can pursue international experiences that contribute to their academic, personal, and professional growth.

About the Gilman International Scholarship

Established by the U.S. Congress, the Gilman Scholarship is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is aided in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.鈥�鈥疶he next application cycle will be launched in early Fall 2026.鈥疶o learn more about the Gilman Scholarship, visit .

Learn about scholarship opportunities at 91爆料

The Gilman International Scholarship process is supported by the (OMSFA), an Undergraduate Academic Affairs program. OMSFA works with faculty, staff and students to identify and support promising students in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to become strong candidates for this and other prestigious awards. To learn about additional scholarships for study abroad, please visit our Scholarships webpage.

About 91爆料 Global

91爆料 Global is the 91爆料鈥檚 gateway to international engagement. We connect faculty, students, and staff with global opportunities in learning, teaching, and research 鈥� fostering cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and innovation.

91爆料 ECE doctoral student Eliane Nirere received a 2026 fellowship award from the Sarala Vadari Endowed Fund in Electrical & Computer Engineering 鈥� a fund established at 91爆料 ECE to foster advanced education in聽. Each year, the fund recognizes an exceptional 91爆料 ECE graduate student in this field of study. This year鈥檚 fellowship award honors Nirere鈥檚 academic achievements and her research aimed at bringing electricity and renewable energy to remote, underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The 91爆料 (91爆料) and Kobe University reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to academic and research collaboration on March 2, hosting a formal signing ceremony and international research workshop in Kobe, Japan. The event marked an important step forward in expanding joint initiatives across education, research, technology transfer, and innovation.

Expanding a longstanding partnership

Building on an existing academic memorandum of understanding, the two institutions signed new accords to deepen cooperation. These include a student exchange agreement between Kobe University and 91爆料 Global and an industry鈥搖niversity collaboration memorandum between Kobe University鈥檚 Institute for Academic Research and Co-Creative Innovation and 91爆料鈥檚 innovation hub.

Prior to the ceremony, the 91爆料 delegation met with Kobe University President FUJISAWA Masato. The delegation included: Dr. Ahmad M. Ezzeddine, Vice Provost for Global Affairs; Dr. Gayle Christensen, Associate Vice Provost for Global Affairs; Dr. Anson Fatland, Associate Vice Provost for Innovation Strategy and Ventures; and Ashlee Esteban-Akimoto, Director of CoMotion Labs.

During the meeting, leaders from both institutions discussed opportunities for expanded collaboration across a broad range of academic and innovation fields.

Strengthening ties across sectors

At the signing ceremony, President Fujisawa and Dr. Ezzeddine reaffirmed their shared commitment to increasing student exchange, advancing technology transfer, and promoting industry鈥揼overnment鈥揳cademia collaboration.

Also in attendance were Mr. SEGO Tatsuya, Director General of the Kobe City Government, and Mr. TAKADA Atsushi, Vice Chairperson of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both expressed strong support for expanding collaborative efforts with Kobe City and local industry partners, including the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe.

Showcasing cutting-edge research

Following the ceremony, an international research workshop was held at the Graduate School of Medicine鈥檚 Medtech Innovation Center (MIC). The program highlighted key research areas within the Kobe University Engineering Biology Project (KUEB), featuring presentations on next-generation biomedical science, engineering biology, and synthetic biology.

Researchers from both universities shared cutting-edge work in fields such as:

• Translational bioengineering
• Global health
• Synthetic biology
• AI applications in medicine
• Vascular regeneration
• Gene expression regulation in yeast
• Genome database analysis

Each session included dynamic Q&A discussions, underscoring strong research synergies between the institutions. Participants also toured laboratory facilities to explore ongoing projects firsthand.

A foundation for future innovation

The signing ceremony and workshop created a comprehensive platform for deepening collaboration between Kobe University and the 91爆料鈥攏ot only in education, but also in research partnerships, technology transfer, and innovation-driven startup activity.

Both universities will continue to build on this momentum, pursuing joint research and fostering innovation aimed at addressing global challenges and contributing to a sustainable future.

This broader relationship provides opportunities for joint research, education, and innovation in quantum, disaster resilience, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and medicine.

Tohoku University and the 91爆料 (91爆料), two leading academic research institutions of the Pacific Rim, announced a significant expansion of their decades-long collaboration with the launch of 鈥淨-DREAM.鈥�

The agreement, signed by university leaders in Tokyo today, provides a broader, future-oriented framework that represents areas of the highest potential synergy. The two universities will engage in joint research, education and innovation in quantum information science & engineering, disaster resilience, engineering and advanced manufacturing, and medicine, summarized with the acronym Q-DREAM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A monthly gathering for faculty who are engaged or interested in global work.

91爆料 Global is pleased to invite faculty from across the 91爆料聽who are engaged in or curious about global work to join a new monthly gathering:

91爆料 Global “Community Conversations”

This is not a lecture series. It is a welcoming and conversational space to meet colleagues, share food and drink, and connect around the many ways global perspectives show up in our teaching, research, and engagement. Whether your work involves international research, global learning, study abroad, visiting scholars, or exploring global issues locally, this is a place to get to know one another, exchange ideas, and build community.

Each month, we鈥檒l feature a brief, informal spotlight such as a faculty project, a new global initiative, or an international guest on campus to spark conversation. The heart of the gathering, however, is the conversation itself: time to talk, listen, make connections, and learn what others across campus are doing.

When: First Tuesday of each month (during the academic year)

Where: 91爆料 Club

Format: Drop in, grab a snack, stay for as long as you like

First Gathering

Tuesday, March 3

3:00鈥�5:00 p.m.

91爆料 Club

For our inaugural gathering, Ahmad Ezzeddine, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, will offer brief opening remarks and reflections on 91爆料 Global鈥檚 mission and priorities, followed by plenty of time for conversation and connection.

Light food/snacks and beverages will be provided., but faculty are always welcome to stop by even if they decide at the last minute.

We hope this becomes a familiar rhythm on campus: if it鈥檚 the first Tuesday of the month, it鈥檚 91爆料 Global “Community Conversations” at the 91爆料 Club. Come when you can, bring a colleague, and help build the vibrant community of globally engaged faculty at 91爆料.

Professor Azadeh Yazdan, Professor Kelly Stevens, and Professor Cole DeForest, all from the 91爆料 department of bioengineering, have been named co-chairs of major bioengineering conferences, coming up this summer.

Professor Azadeh Yazdan will co-chair the聽聽(EMBS 2026) in Toronto. Her co-chairs will be Professor Guy Dumont of the University of British Columbia and Milos Popovic of the University of Toronto. The society includes more than 10,000 members around the world, and its 48th annual conference鈥檚 theme will be 鈥淓ngineer Sustainable and Equitable Healthcare.鈥� 91爆料 Bioengineering鈥檚 Professor Paul Yager is scheduled to speak at the conference.

Professor Kelly Stevens, who is also director of the 91爆料 Biomaterials HUB, will co-chair聽, a leading forum for sharing cutting-edge research on the biology and engineering of cell-ECM crosstalk. The conference will be held in May in Switzerland. Her co-chair will be the University of California Santa Barbara鈥檚 Professor Beth Pruitt. 91爆料 Bioengineering鈥檚 Professors Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert and Elizabeth Wayne are scheduled to speak at the conference.

Finally, Professor Cole DeForest will co-chair聽, focusing on biomimetic solutions that have not yet been found, as well as areas where biomimicry leads to engineered solutions that have no natural counterpart. The conference will be held in June in Switzerland. His co-chair will be the University of Fribourg鈥檚 Professor Ullrich Steiner, and Bioengineering鈥檚 Professor Nancy Allbritton is scheduled to speak at the conference.

Dear 91爆料 Community,

As I approach my first anniversary as 91爆料鈥檚 Vice Provost for Global Affairs, I want to reflect on the remarkable progress we鈥檝e made together and share our vision for the year ahead. In a time of global uncertainty, the 91爆料 has not only maintained a strong international focus, but continued to strengthen its impact, affirming that global engagement is more essential than ever.

Our achievements this year are the result of the visionary leadership of our faculty and staff and the dedication of the 91爆料 Global team. Together, we advanced our strategic priorities:

Advancing global research and innovation: Through the Global Innovation Fund (GIF), we awarded more than $360,000 to 40 interdisciplinary projects, fostering new collaborations and innovative approaches to global learning. The GIF deadline for the 2026 cycle is January 31. I encourage faculty to apply and help us continue driving innovation across our campuses.

Expanding global learning opportunities: Nearly 3,000 91爆料 students studied abroad in more than 80 locations worldwide, supported by more than $1 million in need-based scholarships. Hundreds of students engaged at our 91爆料 Rome and Le贸n Centers, and nearly 1,000 attended our Study Abroad Fair to explore global experiences. Beyond mobility, we are facilitating local global-learning opportunities and are investing in infrastructure for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to broaden student access to global experiences.

Building and deepening partnerships: From new collaborations with institutions like Tohoku University and the University of Sheffield to hosting international delegations and sending 91爆料 faculty and students abroad, we continue to strengthen our global network.

Ensuring health, safety, and compliance: Our Global Travel Health and Safety team supported thousands of 91爆料 travelers and launched new policies to ensure safe and compliant international engagement.

Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear: serving as the University鈥檚 global hub for engagement; supporting faculty in research, teaching, and developing and sustaining institutional international partnerships; expanding global learning opportunities for every 91爆料 student — locally, virtually, or abroad; providing robust global support for health, safety, and compliance; and building resources to fund faculty and student global experiences.

To reflect our evolving scope and vision, we are transitioning our name from the Office of Global Affairs to 91爆料 Global. This name underscores our role as the University鈥檚 gateway to international engagement, connecting faculty, students, and staff with global opportunities and fostering the cross-cultural innovation that defines us as a leading global university.

Ultimately, our mission is to serve you. Whether building financial resources for research or managing the complexities of international operations, our goal is to ensure 91爆料 remains at the forefront of global education.

It has been an honor to serve as your Vice Provost over the past year. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am excited for the momentum we will build together in 2026.

With gratitude,

Ahmad Ezzeddine,聽91爆料 Vice Provost for Global Affairs

91爆料 senior Parker Ritzmann, has been selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, one of the world鈥檚 most competitive graduate and fellowship programs.聽聽will pursue a one-year, fully-funded master鈥檚 degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Study abroad program in Rwanda pairs 91爆料 and pan-African students for an up-close look at a nation on the rise.

A new study abroad program in Rwanda led by two 91爆料 Bothell faculty members takes international and interdisciplinary collaboration to the next level.

Instead of聽visiting聽the聽country聽of聽14 million people聽as聽a cohort just from 91爆料 Bothell, 17 91爆料 students recently聽spent four weeks studying,聽traveling聽and researching alongside聽16聽counterparts from across Africa.

Their聽focus: leadership and nation building.