Karin Fisher, Ph.D., associate professor of special education at Georgia Southern University. (Photo provided by Georgia Southern University)

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Karin Fisher, Ph.D., associate professor of special education at Georgia Southern University, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program Award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

She will complete a project at the Dyslexia Association of Sarawak in Malaysia aimed at sharing knowledge and establishing partnerships that benefit participants, institutions and communities both in the United States and abroad through a variety of educational outreach and training activities.

“The Fulbright Specialist Award is a great honor that underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing educational practice,” said Fisher.

She continued, “The award provides me with an incredible opportunity to broaden my understanding of global perspectives on dyslexia and special education. In addition, it allows me to bring home a wealth of knowledge and innovative approaches from my work at the Dyslexia Association of Sarawak.”

In Malaysia, Fisher will support and strengthen the organization's efforts to address the needs of children with dyslexia and related learning disabilities. The program includes visits to various educational institutions and special schools, conducting workshops for teachers to strengthen their leadership skills in dealing with children with learning disabilities, and conducting educational programs for parents.

In addition, she will work with local educators and stakeholders to develop and implement effective early intervention strategies and assessment tools.

“The project aims to promote knowledge sharing and build sustainable partnerships that benefit the local Sarawak community and our educational practices at Georgia Southern University,” Fisher said.

Fisher is one of more than 400 U.S. citizens who share their expertise with host institutions abroad each year through the Fulbright Specialist Program.

Recipients of Fulbright Specialist Fellowships are selected based on academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field, and their potential to foster long-term collaboration between institutions in the United States and abroad.

“Upon my return, I look forward to sharing these global best practices with my colleagues and students, enriching our curriculum and fostering a more inclusive educational environment,” Fisher said.

She continued, “In addition, this experience will allow me to provide new perspectives on dyslexia and special education and promote a more supportive and informed environment for neurodiverse students. I am committed to communicating the importance of cultural competency and international collaboration to improve educational outcomes locally and globally.”

Fisher, who received Georgia Southern University's 2022-23 University Award of Excellence for Academics, also just served two years as president of the Georgia Council for Exceptional Children.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's premier international educational exchange program and is designed to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The program is funded by an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also directly and indirectly support the program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide.