Because of its long-standing reputation as a diverse campus,
Eastern Michigan University is the place Fulbright Research
Scholar Iliana Martinez has chosen to conduct research
that focuses on the University's non-native, English-speaking
students' ability to write scientific research articles
in English.
 |
RESEARCH IN THE STATES: Iliana Martinez,
an
associate professor in the department of English
at
the National University of Rio Cuarto, Argentina,
is
spending three months at Eastern Michigan
University
to conduct research. Her research focuses
on the
University's non-native, English-speaking
students'
ability to write scientific research articles in
English. |
"Scientific texts are almost always written in English,
even in other countries," said Martinez, an associate
professor in the department of English at the National
University of Rio Cuarto, in Argentina. "EMU's diversity
allows me to research a variety of non-native English speaking
students firsthand. I couldn't ask for a better campus
upon which to do my research. Its proximity to and connections
with other universities opens my spectrum even more."
A main focus of her study, which is expected to take approximately
three months, will be to work with EMU's international
graduate students who need to write up their research in
English. The students are being asked to state their beliefs
about various aspects of language used to write in the
sciences.
"The Fulbright program fosters academic exchanges
between individuals from different cultures with similar
professional pursuits," said Jo Ann Aebersold, an
EMU professor from foreign languages and bilingual studies. "The
purpose of the Fulbright program is to offer an international
experience conducive to enhancing the understanding of
the person's chosen field of work as well as their understanding
of other cultures' perspectives."
Aebersold was a 1999 Fulbright Senior Lecturer in the
Masters in English program at the University of Rio Cuarto.
While there, Aebersold met Martinez, and became interested
in her research. The academic discussions that they conducted
at that time were the beginning of a continued professional
relationship. As a result, Aebersold invited
Martinez to conduct her current research project here in
Michigan.
Martinez has spent most of the first month of her three-month
stay establishing contact with her informants and using
the resources of Halle Library. She also has found time
to observe the local culture.
"The experience of a long stay is extremely interesting.
It allows me to see the institutions from within, to participate
in the everyday activities of academics and the daily routines
of everyday life. I also have had an opportunity to enjoy
some of the innumerable high-quality cultural events that
the area offers," said Martinez, who is staying with Aebersold
while stateside. "Jo Ann has generously shared her house
with me, and this has helped me to see American life from
within. She has introduced me to many people, professors,
friends, neighbors — all of whom have shared their
hospitality with me and have made me feel at home."
Each year, about 800 faculty and professionals worldwide
are chosen for Fulbright Scholar grants to conduct advanced
research and university lecturing in the United States.
For more information on the Fulbright program, visit http://www.cies.org/.
