NEWS

CMU political science professor receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award

Prakash Adhikari will teach and conduct research on forced migration and global security in Malawi, Africa

Central Michigan University Political Science Professor Prakash Adhikari has received the 2024-2025 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award to teach and conduct research on forced migration and global security at the University of Malawi in Malawi, Africa.

In collaboration with faculty and students at the School of Law, Economics and Government, Adhikari will conduct a public opinion survey on forced migration in Malawi. He’ll also deliver public lectures on the implications of forced migration to national, regional and global security.

This will be the second major international research Adhikari has conducted in the field of forced migration. Previously, he conducted a national public opinion survey in Nepal (2008-2009) funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). At that time, he investigated the causes of civilian displacement during civil war, making an important contribution to the literature on forced migration by bringing in, for the first time, primary data to understand individual level decision making and coping behavior during conflict.

Professor Prakash Adhikari (center, wearing blue shirt and glasses) and CMU student Brady Whalen (front row center, wearing CMU sweatshirt) with graduate students at the University of Malawi. — Professor Prakash Adhikari (center, wearing blue shirt) and CMU student Brady Whalen (front row center, wearing CMU sweatshirt) with graduate students at the University of Malawi.

"It is an honor to be selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award," said Adhikari. “I am beyond thrilled for an opportunity to work with friends and colleagues in Malawi.”

Fulbright Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their home countries, institutions, labs, and classrooms, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad.

Richard Rothaus, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at CMU says the college’s mission and the Fulbright Program are in good alignment. In addition to Dr. Adhikari, CLASS has a distinguished record of faculty Fulbright Scholars including Dr. Hope May (Korea) and Drs. Lane and Jennifer Demas (Taiwan).

“We have excellent faculty focused on how their research can help their students thrive in challenging global situations,” said Rothaus.

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. The Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. For more information, visit the Fulbright Program website.