Shenango occupational therapy teaching professor named a Fulbright Specialist

SHARON, Pa. - Tammy Divens, teaching professor and program coordinator of Penn State Shenango's occupational therapy assistant program, has been accepted into the Fulbright Specialist Program.

The Fulbright Specialist Program, which is a part of the larger Fulbright Program, deploys highly qualified academics and professionals from American institutions to share their expertise with foreign institutions from more than 150 different countries. The participating foreign institutions design two- to six-week projects based on a wide range of academic and professional needs, and request selection through U.S. Embassies and Fulbright Commissions before being placed with a subject-matter expert from the Fulbright Specialist roster.

Specialists, like Divens, then engage and collaborate with the foreign institution through various activities including teaching and curriculum development, faculty and student development, program assessment, cross-cultural collaboration and wellness initiatives, among others.

"Some of the most impactful moments in my career have come from working with colleagues from different cultures," said Divens. "I enjoy listening to their perspectives and learning more about our similarities and differences both as people and professionals."

Divens has worked with overseas institutions in the past, having traveled to France in 2023 and presenting at the Université Paris Nanterre following a six-year collaboration through Penn State's EDGE program. Divens also co-lead a study abroad course in London, England. She credits these experiences for her decision to apply to the Fulbright Specialist Program.

EDGE, or Experiential Digital Global Engagement, is a project-based international virtual exchange program that provides Penn State faculty and students the opportunity to work together with other institutions from around the globe.

According to Divens, one of the benefits of the Fulbright Specialist Program is not only the exchange of expertise for the international institution, but also the new ideas and perspectives that she can bring back to her own students at Penn State.

"I hope to gain deeper insight into global perspectives on teaching, family and community systems, and program development," Divens said. "With increased exposure to other cultural frameworks, it will allow me to provide real-world global applications in the classroom and help students strengthen their cultural competence."

Fulbright Specialists are approved for a three-year period on the roster and can be selected to participate in multiple project assignments during that time.