University of Houston, where Rupa Iyer is Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
An Indian-American biotechnologist has been named on the Fulbright Specialist Roster -- a prestigious list of experts who provide assistance on projects, requiring specialised knowledge.
The endorsement for Rupa Iyer, the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies of the College of Technology at the University of Houston, was received from the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Institute of International Education's Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES).
The Roster includes a list of all candidates who are eligible to be matched with incoming project requests from overseas academic institutions for Fulbright Specialists.
Originally from Mumbai, Rupa has been part of the College of Technology since 2005.
She earned a PhD in Botany and Plant Pathology from Michigan State University after acquiring a Master's degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai. She conducted her postdoctoral studies in the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, Houston.
Last year, she was named Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, in addition to her appointment as the Director for Center for Life Sciences Technology and the founding director for Biotechnology programmes.
Her research is in the area of environmental biotechnology with applications in bioremediation.
Excited over the honour bestowed on her, Rupa told PTI that she is looking forward to implementing and disseminating the interdisciplinary research based programme created, designed, and developed right here in University of Houston.
"Through innovative integration of education, research, and entrepreneurship, a biotechnology curriculum that I developed addresses two social challenges, namely, STEM education and environmental issues. I envision the Fulbright Specialist programme as a splendid opportunity to integrate education, research and service," Rupa said.
"The flexibility of the programme will allow me to assist multiple institutions in different countries to implement and build a global network of collaborative learning communities," she said.
"Dr Rupa's appointment as a Fulbright Specialist is a tribute to her distinguished career in biotechnology and adds an esteemed honour to a full list of achievements at the University of Houston," said Paula Myrick Short, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
Rupa has received a multitude of recognition, awards, and grants for her outstanding contributions to the university.
"Rupa joins the ranks of the elite with this nomination. She is the first Fulbright Specialist Roster candidate we have had since I came to UH. As a result, we expect to see many more accomplishments coming from her programme and the College of Technology," said Jaime Ortiz, Vice Provost for Global Strategies and Studies.