Steve Stimmel, program host told the group that he has been delivering Meals on Wheels for many years and also works on serving meals to 50-60 senior citizens in Cuyahoga Falls a couple of times each month.  The community appreciates your time and thoughtfulness!  Thanks Steve!  We enjoyed learning of your good deeds.  

 

Steve introduced Dr. George Chase, Interim Director of Research Initiatives at the University of Akron.  He earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering and is a faculty member in the College of Engineering.  He has 15 patents, has written two books, and has secured more than six million dollars in grant funding.  He spoke with us about his experiences working with international graduate students at The University of Akron. 

 

Dr.Chase has worked with 82 visiting graduate students, the largest group coming from India, followed by groups of students from China.  Some of the students return to their native countries, while many wish to remain in America.  In an effort to keep these bright students in their home country, many countries are investing in domestic educational opportunities.

 

The students work on papers related to specific topics.  The papers can lead toward research grants and the research grants can support graduate students.  The honor of being credited as a lead author for these students is a 'carrot' for participation in research projects and assisting with the writing of the 'papers' for the special topics. 

 

Foreign cultures are shared during these study programs and understanding of a strong world-wide community results.  The foreign students generally come from very competitive schooling environments, whereas US students have more hands-on work and/or research experience.  Together, the groups share their attributes; diversity and inclusion principles are on display in this environment!  

 

For more information, Dr. Chase can be reached at gchase@uakron.edu.