Three academics and alumni from the University of Tasmania have been recognised with prestigious Fulbright Scholarships.
In areas across climate change communication, artificial intelligence in medicine and contemporary voice, the researchers will be sponsored to travel and stay in the United States at host institutions while they conduct new research.
The 2024 Fulbright Scholarship recipients from the University of Tasmania are:
Dr Gabi Mocatta - Climate change communication
Fulbright Tasmania Scholarship hosted by George Mason University
As a Fulbright Scholar, Dr Gabi Mocatta will be visiting the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She will work with Professor Ed Maibach and the Virginia Climate Center on a case study to better understand health systems and communities’ climate-health information needs.
“Climate change is the leading global health threat of the 21st century, but health systems almost everywhere are unprepared,” Dr Mocatta said.
“My Fulbright scholarship will create new insights into how we best translate complex climate science information for health systems and the communities they serve, so they can plan for and adapt to a future under climate change.
"I feel honoured to have my research recognised by a Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship. It's an absolute dream to be able to collaborate with and learn from top experts in my field.
"Communicating climate change for action in all sectors of society - including the health sector - is so crucial for the transformative change we need to see. We have little time to get this right.
“I am excited to be able to glean world-leading insights on climate communication and to bring this learning back to an Australian, and Tasmanian, context."
Saleem Ameen - Artificial intelligence in medicine
Fulbright Future Scholarship hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Saleem Ameen is completing a PhD at the University of Tasmania’s School of Medicine and a Master of Biomedical Informatics at the Harvard Medical School. He will travel to MIT to research how AI technologies can help pioneer a preventative approach to colorectal cancer screening. His research aims to improve colon cancer outcomes in marginalised communities.
“The Fulbright Future Scholarship provides a rare opportunity to work alongside leading health AI scientists in Boston, Massachusetts, the global epicentre for bioinformatics and biotechnology research,” Mr Ameen said.
“For me, this experience transcends merely contributing to innovative research; it’s about engaging in a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives, which will empower me to drive meaningful, positive change in the lives of vulnerable populations across Australia and the world, particularly in the critical fight against colorectal cancer.”
Dana Badcock – Contemporary voice
Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship
Dana Badcock, an RnB singer from Devonport, graduated from the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music on the Honour Roll in 2021. She is an experienced producer, and an accomplished music tutor, who is currently serving as Head of Voice at Hobart College.
Ms Badcock’s journey bridges performance, education and research, including her Fulbright project focused on unravelling timeless vocal techniques within the Great American Songbook.
“I'm immensely grateful to have been awarded the Fulbright Scholarship. Studying my favourite music genres in their country of origin has always been a dream of mine,” she said.
“This opportunity would not have been possible without the exceptional musical education I received during my undergraduate studies, particularly from Maria Lurighi at the Conservatorium of Music.
“It's a privilege to represent Australian musicianship, and I aspire to showcase that world-class music can emerge from any corner of the globe, even our little island.”
What is the Fulbright Scholarship program?
Now in its 75th year, the Australian-American Fulbright Commission offers scholarships to Australian citizens across all career stages. Awardees take part in an academic and cultural exchange, pursuing research or study at a US institution, experiencing life abroad and bringing back their knowledge and experience to share with their communities.
The prestigious Fulbright Program is the largest educational scholarship of its kind, created by US Senator J. William Fulbright and the US Government in 1946.