Winona State University faculty member Beckry Abdel-Magid has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and conduct research at the United Arab Emirates University during the 2007-08 academic year.

Dr. Abdel-Magid, professor of Composite Materials Engineering and Chair of the Engineering Department, will teach courses in engineering mechanics and work on a research project to investigate the long-term durability of fiber reinforced polymers in warm sea water environment.

Dr. Abdel-Magid is one of approximately 800 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad through the Fulbright Scholar Program this year.  Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Program’s purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world.

The Fulbright Program, America’s flagship international educational exchange program, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  Since its inception, the Fulbright Program has exchanged approximately 273,500 people - 102,900 Americans who have studied, taught or researched abroad and 170,600 students, scholars and teachers from other countries who have engaged in similar activities in the United States.  The Program operates in more than 150 countries worldwide.  Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.