Dr. Aostre Johnson receives Fulbright Grant for research & teaching in Ireland

Saint Michael's College Professor of Education Dr. Aostre Johnson was selected as a Fulbright Scholar by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars for spring 2013. Dr. Johnson will be based at All Hallows College of Dublin City University in Ireland where she will do research on intercultural contemplative education methods in various kinds of schools. She will also lecture on contemplative education.

Funds for the Fulbright grant are appropriated annually by the U.S. Congress. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State oversees operation of the 60-year old program worldwide. Grantees are expected to work to develop international understanding through open communication and long-term cooperative relationships. They are expected to get involved in the communities where they reside while on a Fulbright exchange.

• Dr. Johnson detailed activities she will be engaged in while in Ireland:
• Carry out qualitative research on interfaith contemplative practices in diverse school types in the Republic of Ireland
• Develop interfaith contemplative practices portfolio for school curricula for diverse school types in the Republic of Ireland (1^st and 2^nd levels), based on research on classroom practices
• Network with associated bodies for such development: School of Education, DCU; Marino Institute of Education; National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; Educate Together; Community National Schools, etc.
• Disseminate portfolio to interested bodies in the network through public event at the end of the Fulbright tenure
• Present seminar to research students on research project
• Provide master class for research students / supervisor working on education & spirituality themes
• Contribute to on-going development of Spiritual Capital Ireland network.

Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEO's, university presidents, journalists, artists, professors and teachers. They have been awarded 43 Nobel Prizes. The principal purpose of the Fulbright Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of the more than 150 countries that currently participate in the Fulbright Program.