Dr. Ignatius Fomunung, UC Foundation professor of civil engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has been selected for the Fulbright Specialist Roster. Photo by Angela Foster.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga UC Foundation Professor of Civil Engineering Ignatius Fomunung has been selected for the Fulbright Specialist Roster, a program of the U.S. Department of State that connects U.S. academics and professionals with short-term collaborative projects at institutions around the world.
The Fulbright Specialist Program is part of the broader Fulbright exchange initiative, one of the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange programs designed to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries. Placement on the Fulbright Specialist Roster recognizes individuals with significant professional experience and expertise who may be matched with projects designed by institutions in more than 150 countries.
Specialists typically work with host organizations on activities such as curriculum development, faculty training, research collaboration and program development.
Fomunung’s tenure on the roster runs through February 2029.
“The Fulbright Specialist Program looks at the totality of the skill sets that you bring to the table and that you can use in different parts of the world,” Fomunung said. “They look at the totality of your experience—educational experience, work experience, life experience—and the expertise that you can leverage to help communities across the world.”
Fomunung serves as director of UTC’s Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment, housed in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on transportation systems, infrastructure planning and environmental sustainability—with an emphasis on integrating economic, environmental and social considerations into engineering decision-making.
Through the Fulbright program, Fomunung indicated interest in potential projects in Asia, South America and parts of Africa. If matched with a project, he would work directly with a host institution or agency on a short-term assignment that could include helping universities develop academic programs, advising on civil engineering curriculum development, or serving as a consultant on civil infrastructure development projects.
“It runs the gamut,” he said. “There could be development projects or educational projects. For example, universities might be creating a new civil engineering program or they may want help preparing for accreditation.”
Fomunung said the opportunity also offers a way to expand UTC’s global reach.
“The main impact is the visibility that it brings to the University,” he said. “It shows that UTC has faculty who are engaged and recognized internationally who are helping solve problems around the world.”
Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi, dean of the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, said the recognition reflects both Fomunung’s professional accomplishments and the broader work taking place within the college.
“Dr. Fomunung’s selection to the Fulbright Specialist Roster speaks to the breadth of experience and perspective he brings to his work,” Yelamarthi said. “His expertise in civil engineering and infrastructure systems positions him to make meaningful contributions to institutions and communities around the world.”
The last UTC faculty member to land on the Fulbright roster was Dr. Michelle Deardorff, the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government in UTC’s Department of Political Science and Public Service, who was a Fulbright Senior Specialist in Albania emphasizing civic engagement. She currently serves the program as an application reviewer.
“Speaking as a peer reviewer for the Fulbright Senior Specialist selection process, the program seeks nationally respected experts who have demonstrable cross-cultural skills,” Deardorff said. “This Fulbright program provides necessary expertise to professionals in other countries who then collaborate with the specialist to adapt the relevant skills to their own context. Fulbright hopes these programs lead to ongoing international collaborations.”
Fomunung, a member of the UTC faculty since 2005, brings an international background that aligns closely with the mission of the Fulbright Specialist Program. A native of Cameroon, he speaks several languages—including Mandarin, French and Creole—and has experience working across cultures, which he said helps him navigate international collaborations.
“Apart from the technical know-how, there is also cultural competency,” he said. “I’ve been exposed to different cultures throughout my life, so I know how to navigate different environments and understand the norms that help make collaborations successful.”
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UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science
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