Photo caption: In Amman, Jordan during my Fulbright fellowship (2019-2020)
Q: Tell us about your Fulbright experience. Where did you go? When? What did you do?
In 2019–2020, I was honored to serve as a U.S. Fulbright Research Fellow in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where I was hosted by Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid. This placement was particularly significant because it marked the first time Fulbright Jordan assigned a host institution outside of the capital city of Amman, allowing me to experience a unique perspective of Jordanian academic and cultural life.
My fellowship focused on examining the quality of nursing education across Jordan, as viewed through the lens of the country’s nursing school leaders. I conducted a national study that engaged deans and directors from all schools of nursing to better understand their perspectives on educational quality, strengths, and challenges. This research highlighted the commitment of Jordanian institutions to advancing nursing education despite workforce and resource limitations, while also underscoring opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Beyond my research, I had the privilege of lecturing at universities, mentoring students, and engaging in cultural exchange with colleagues, which deepened my appreciation for Jordan’s rich history, traditions, and hospitality. This Fulbright experience was transformative both professionally and personally—expanding my global understanding of nursing education and reinforcing my belief in the power of cross-cultural collaboration.
Q: How has your Fulbright experience shaped your life and career? What skills, perspectives, or opportunities came from your exchange that still influence you today personally or professionally?
My Fulbright experience in Jordan has profoundly shaped both my life and career. Living and working in Irbid, almost a couple hours away from the capital, allowed me to experience Jordanian culture in a more immersive way, fostering resilience, adaptability, and cultural humility—qualities that continue to guide my leadership in nursing and global health today. Conducting a nationwide study on the quality of nursing education sharpened my ability to collaborate across institutions, listen deeply to diverse perspectives, and translate findings into meaningful dialogue on policy and practice.
A defining moment came when I was able to publish the outcomes of my Fulbright research, amplifying the perspectives of nursing school leaders across Jordan. This achievement would not have been possible without the close collaboration I built with my host institution, JUST, and the steady support of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan. I also learned the importance of adaptability during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Fulbrighters worldwide had to be repatriated immediately when countries started to close down for quarantine.
Beyond academics and research, one of the greatest gifts of my time in Jordan was the lifelong friendships I built within the local community. I became close with Jordanian families who welcomed me into their homes, shared meals, and treated me as part of their own. These personal connections made my experience deeply meaningful and continue to remind me that Fulbright is as much about human relationships as it is about scholarship.
Professionally, the Fulbright has opened doors to new opportunities in global nursing research and partnerships. Personally, it has instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for intercultural exchange and the conviction that collaboration across borders is essential to solving healthcare’s most significant challenges.
Q: What does being part of the Fulbright alumni network mean to you?
Being part of the Fulbright alumni network is both an honor and a lifelong responsibility. To me, it means belonging to a global community of scholars, educators, and leaders who are committed to advancing mutual understanding and tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. The network is more than just a professional affiliation—it is a family that shares a common bond of curiosity, service, and intercultural exchange.
Through this community, I continue to find inspiration, collaboration, and solidarity. I see it as a platform for amplifying ideas, nurturing partnerships, and giving back to others who are beginning their own Fulbright journey. Most importantly, it reminds me that the spirit of Fulbright does not end with the fellowship year; it is carried forward in the ways we lead, teach, and connect across borders throughout our lives.
Q: Is there someone you would like to recognize who made your Fulbright experience especially meaningful or relevant? This could be a mentor, colleague, host, or community member who left a lasting impression.
There are many people who made my Fulbright experience especially meaningful. I would first like to recognize Alain McNamara, who was the Executive Director of Fulbright Jordan at that time. His leadership and support were instrumental in ensuring that my fellowship was successful, even during the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Huda Gharaibeh, then Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at Jordan University of Science and Technology, whose mentorship and guidance shaped my research journey. Equally important were the deans and directors of all 14 nursing schools throughout Jordan, who generously shared their insights and perspectives, making my study possible. The faculty members of JUST also welcomed me wholeheartedly, making Irbid feel like a second home for almost a year.
On a more personal note, I want to give special mention to my friend Muthanna Masadeh and his family, who embraced me as their own and showed me the beauty of Irbid and Jordan. Their kindness and hospitality left a lasting impression, and I find myself often missing Irbid and the many beautiful places I was able to experience across Jordan.