Salem State Fulbright Scholars From Marblehead, Salem, Swampscott Chosen

SALEM, MA — Fulbright Scholars from Marblehead, Salem and Swampscott are among this year's Salem State University students and faculty chosen for the prestigious honor and opportunity.

The university was recently recognized for a third time as a "Top Producer" of U.S. Fulbright Scholars, who travel the world for learning and research opportunities so they can bring their knowledge and experiences back to the university community.

"We are proud to be a leader in the prestigious Fulbright program," SSU Provost and Academic Vice President David Silva said. "Although a regional university, we know no borders and share our academic expertise with faculty and students who reside in other countries.

"Many of our own students greatly benefit from us participating in this program as Fulbright faculty members bring a different perspective to their courses."

This year's honorees include:

• Ken Ardon, professor of economics, will teach economics to students in Turkey;
• Melanie González, associate professor, English as a second language and literacy in both the secondary and higher education department and English department, will conduct research in Mexico on the self-evaluation process used by English language teachers there.
• Rebecca Hains, professor of media and communication, will work with undergraduate and graduate students and other scholars in Poland, exploring the globalization of U.S. media geared toward children and from an American studies perspective;
• And Julie Kiernan, associate professor of theatre and speech communication, will teach students in Bulgaria how theatre can be used as a tool for self-expression.

Salem State was also named a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Scholars in 2011 and 2017.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)