The Big Day!

The University of Zadar

On Friday, May 23rd, I learned that I was awarded a 6 month Fulbright Scholarship award to the University of Zadar in Zadar, Croatia.  Of course, NO ONE was at home to tell the news!  Carol was on a flight to Los Angles, the kids were in school, and most of my colleagues were out of the office.

With help from Furman University, we will spend about 10 months in Zadar, where I will collaborate with faculty in the Department of Ecology, Agronomy, and Aquaculture.  Additionally, I will work with faculty in the Department of Geography.  My main goals are to integrate concepts of sustainability and biogeochemistry into the curriculum.  I'll likely teach courses in biogeochemistry and environmental science, but that remains to be seen as there has been a change in leadership in the Department of Ecology, Agronomy, and Aquaculture.  My research will focus on the potential for using rotational grazing as a method of improving soil organic carbon content in the regions grazing lands.

The past two weeks have been a bit hectic, as trying to figure out what we need to do to prepare for leaving the country for nearly a year is a bit overwhelming.  A word of advice to future Fulbrighters - Fulbright is really  helpful at this stage, but you have to be patient!  Your program officer will send information about the country.  And, at least for Croatia, contacts at the US Embassy in Zagreb and the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education, and Sport have been incredibly helpful in terms of what documentation will be needed, how the temporary residence visa application is handled, and finding an apartment.

I have to admit, however, the prospect of getting the house ready for 10 months away and suddenly needing to find someone to rent our house is a bit overwhelming!