South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) congratulates political science professor Dr. Parakh Hoon on being awarded the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship for the 2024-25 academic year. Presented by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, this award will enable Professor Hoon to travel to Bhartiya Skills Development University (BSDU) in Jaipur, India on a teaching and research fellowship.
“This award represents an incredible opportunity to bridge educational approaches across continents,” Hoon shared. “I’m particularly excited about fostering dialogues between Indian, Swiss, and American approaches to vocational and technical education, considering how climate sustainability is integrated with our curriculum, and bringing these insights back to enrich our programs at SPSCC.”
Through the fellowship, Professor Hoon hopes to develop new course materials for his classes at SPSCC. These materials will integrate local perspectives from experts and diverse viewpoints, enriching the learning experience for SPSCC students.
He also plans to implement his findings with faculty colleagues. “Upon my return in the 2025-26 academic year, I plan to offer a community of practice on global contexts for sustainability at SPSCC,” Hoon added.
“We are incredibly proud of Professor Hoon's selection for the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship,” said Dr. Jen Gilliard, Dean of Social Science and Business at SPSCC. “His work in India will not only enhance his own expertise but will also bring valuable insights and innovations back to our community.”
“I’m grateful for this faculty ‘study abroad’ opportunity to learn about Switzerland and India and bring fresh perspectives to both BSDU and our college community when I return,” Hoon said.
About Professor Hoon’s Fellowship
During his fellowship at BSDU, Hoon plans to examine how the dual Swiss-German vocational education system compares with the U.S. community college model, such as the one at SPSCC. BSDU is unique in its application of the Swiss dual system of vocational and technical education in India, providing an ideal setting for Professor Hoon’s exchange fellowship. This comparative analysis aims to identify best practices and potential areas of improvement for vocational education in both countries.
Professor Hoon also plans to lead a community of practice for faculty, conducting workshops and presentations on the politics and ethical use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. These sessions will focus on how AI can be utilized in course assignments, assessments, and feedback to enhance student learning outcomes.
Additionally, he will assist BSDU with the development of curricula that incorporate global political contexts into sustainability and carbon-neutral goals across various vocational and technical fields. This effort aims to prepare students to address global challenges with a well-rounded and informed perspective.
About the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, has provided over 400,000 talented individuals with opportunities to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. The Fulbright program in India is governed by a binational Board of Trustees and is jointly funded by the Indian and U.S. governments, making it the first joint Fulbright program.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide. The program operates in over 160 countries, fostering international exchange and mutual understanding.