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In July 2025, Associate Professor Nathalia Peixoto traveled to Uganda as a Fulbright Specialist and immersed herself in the vibrant academic environment of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). Her month-long journey was more than a professional endeavor; it was also a profound exploration of resilience, creativity, and connection across cultures.
With the undergraduate program at MUST on the cusp of accreditation, Peixoto stepped in as an external reviewer, offering her expertise to guide the process. Meanwhile, the PhD program faced challenges in securing approval due to a shortage of faculty with doctoral degrees. Peixoto became an integral part of the resubmission effort, pledging mentorship to aspiring PhD students. During her stay, she forged connections between George Mason University and MUST, fostering collaborations in both bioengineering and mechanical engineering. She hopes that her engagement with various engineering departments will open doors to exciting partnerships, bringing together people and ideas from across continents.
Peixoto said one of the highlights of the visit was witnessing the remarkable resourcefulness of local startups. “The Ugandans work so fast, it’s amazing to watch. As soon as they have some materials, they start,” she said. For example, one team was developing wearable devices for neonatal care, demonstrating innovation despite limited resources. Inspired by their ingenuity, Peixoto donated electronic supplies to address the university's lack of lab materials, noting the stark contrast in cost and delivery times for components between Uganda and the United States. “It’s not like you can order from Amazon and have something arrive the next day,” she said.
Living in university-provided housing, Peixoto embraced local life, including the experience of washing, line-drying, and ironing her clothes by hand, enjoying the local cuisine, and learning to speak the language. Her interactions with students and faculty revealed a keen interest in collaboration and potential Fulbright applications, sparking possibilities for future academic exchanges. One such exchange has already occurred as the Bioengineering Department hosted a seminar led by MUST faculty member William Waswa. “Almost twice as many people as usual attended the Zoom including faculty and students from both continents,” said Peixoto. “I think there is tremendous curiosity and a strong desire to learn more. After the seminar Waswa asked the students to tell him about some of their projects and the students shared ideas.
Cultural immersion added depth to Peixoto's journey, as she explored local food and tea preferences and ventured out on a safari. “I only had one day to see the countryside, the animals, and the people in the villages, but it was so worth it.” The juxtaposition between tourist attractions and village conditions left a lasting impression, underscoring the challenges faced by local communities.