Prof. Rajgopal Sashti together with MMUST staff and students.
Prof. Rajgopal Sashti from USA held a four (4) day visit to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to encourage top-notch Proposals from the MMUST scholars to Fulbright United States (US). The visit which involved courtesy calls to the key offices in the University followed by a three (3) day Grant Writing Workshop at the Main Catering Unit (MCU) 002 took place from 9th to 12th November 2022. This was geared towards enhancing international opportunities through fellowships and grants for staff and students. He was received by the Director, of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Catherine Aurah.
Expressing his delight, the DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai, thanked Prof. Sashti for the visit noting that the visit is key to the University. He emphasized the need for MMUST to increase fellowships.
“The visit is timely; our University is looking for external funding for research. The University has acquired some funding but it still needs more. We hope that after the training, our University scholars will emerge the best. This is the beginning of the partnership between MMUST and Sam Nunn School of International Affairs,” stated Prof. Mutai.
The DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai (center) addressing Prof. Rajgopal Sashti (second left) together with MMUST scholars during a courtesy call to his office.
The Fulbright Advisor on Fellowships and Sponsored Programs from the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, Prof. Rajgopal Sashti, who identifies himself as an academic entrepreneur is passionate about bringing money to the University. The Professor acknowledged that grant writing is very important and should not only be clear, unique, and distinct but also be worth funding. He encouraged the participants to learn from people who have been successful in grant writing.
“I urge you to be financially literate and develop partnerships with people who are doing well in society. Be committed and give your proposal to people who will criticize it. Consider working with everyone, racism is an economic oppressor,” he advised.
The Fulbright Advisor on Fellowships and Sponsored Programs from the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, Prof. Rajgopal Sashti addressing participants at the workshop.
Further, Prof. Sashti revealed that Fulbright US gives full scholarships to students, scholars, and professionals in all areas of expertise. He pointed out that the institution welcomes proposals that are worth change. Maintenance allowance is offered to successful people.
“Think bigger, act bolder and collaborate more. The key ingredient of your university and any other institution is about people, partnerships, relationships, and connections that make an entire institution a great success. Let’s continue and grow those collaborations,” urged Prof. Sashti. He hinted that his visit will contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
The Director, DIAL, Dr. Catherine Aurah consulting Prof. Sashti during the workshop.
According to Dr. Aurah, such opportunities enable us to network, open our worldview and change it forever. She advised the participants to grab the opportunity and follow instructions to succeed.
“I encourage you to be good ambassadors of the workshop and share the information with others. Let us value such events and come up with fundable proposals. Such workshops are beneficial and will take us to the next level,” said Dr. Aurah.
Prof. Sashti and a section participants during Deans, Directors and Chairpersons of Department (CoDs) session.
The Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala reiterated Prof. Mutai’s sentiments saying that the University staff write proposals more often but do not get funding, and therefore, this visit will enlighten us on what to do best. He noted that this visit is a capacity-building exercise.
Dr. Rose Opiyo encouraged participants to make more applications for scholarships in order to succeed. She acknowledged that such opportunities are important for further studies, experience, and research. She stressed the need for Universities to re-strategize in terms of resource mobilization.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement as well as cross-cultural dialogue. Such a program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction as well as engagement in the community in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding. This will eventually create an effective collaboration between the two institutions for further studies, research, and experience.
By Verna Awuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
