News 2023: Shakhnoza Kayumova named U.S. Fulbright Scholar

Associate Professor of STEM Education will conduct research in Uzbekistan during the spring semester of 2024

The Fulbright Program recently announced that College of Arts & Sciences Associate Professor of STEM Education & Teacher Development, Shakhnoza Kayumova, PhD, has received a Fulbright award to conduct research in Uzbekistan during the spring semester of 2024, where she’ll analyze the gender gap and gender equity in STEM education by documenting the narratives of women who have achieved success in STEM fields.  

"I feel deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen for this award," said Kayumova. "The Fulbright is highly esteemed worldwide and has a rigorous selection process. The recognition is far beyond what I could have ever expected, and I consider it a testimony to the collective efforts of all those who have supported and worked with me throughout my journey.

"The Fulbright Award is undeniably one of the world's most respected fellowships, and to be included among its recipients is both humbling and inspiring. It provides a strong affirmation that the work we are doing in my research lab — focusing on the often-neglected narratives of women, girls, and people from historically underserved communities thriving in STEM — is valuable and necessary, even though it's a less explored aspect of the broader conversation surrounding issues of equity in STEM."

Kayumova, also Director of UMass Dartmouth’s Kaput Center for Research & Innovation in STEM Education, will give back to the community in Uzbekistan by sharing her expertise by presenting workshops on qualitative research methods in education.

"This award supports both my research and teaching endeavors, but I view them as interconnected activities that together will help advance our understanding of gender equity in STEM education, especially within the context of Uzbekistan and Central Asia," she said.

Kayumova is hoping to take residency at Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE) in Uzbekistan, a decision the Fulbright Program will confirm in the months ahead of her trip.

"TSUE is one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia, making it an ideal location for conducting groundbreaking research on gender equity in STEM education," she said. "Being at such a prominent institution would offer me unique opportunities to collaborate with local experts, faculty, students, and the wider community, enhancing the richness of my research and the effectiveness of my teaching."

Kayumova, who joined UMass Dartmouth in 2014, has taught subjects such as Introduction to Qualitative Methods, Introduction to Quantitative Methods, Research Skills II, and Emerging Theories and Methods in STEM Education at UMass Dartmouth. She describes her pedagogy as a commitment to equity and innovation.

"I believe that education should be an inclusive process that respects and nurtures the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and strengths of all learners," said Kayumova. "It's critical to create learning environments that not only accommodate but also celebrate differences, as this diversity fuels creativity, discovery, and growth.

"At the core of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to continually learn, adapt, and grow in response to the evolving needs of my students and the changing landscape of education. This commitment to equity and innovation forms the backbone of my pedagogical style and guides my approach to teaching and learning."

"I congratulate Dr. Kayumova on this great achievement," said College of Arts & Sciences Dean Robert Jones. "She is a global leader in STEM Education, and her work has tangible effects on equity and inclusion in STEM Ed. Her recent appointment as Director of the Kaput Center puts the center on an exciting new trajectory. She is a tremendous asset for UMassD and I’m proud to call her a colleague."

"I believe that I can leverage this opportunity to enhance the international profile of the Kaput Center and UMassD," said Kayumova. "I hope that my engagement through Fulbright can facilitate the establishment of fruitful research and exchange relationships, attract cross-institutional collaboration and connections. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to the Fulbright community and representing UMass Dartmouth abroad." 

"I feel deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen for this award. The recognition is far beyond what I could have ever expected, and I consider it a testimony to the collective efforts of all those who have supported and worked with me throughout my journey."

About the Fulbright Program

Fulbright Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their home countries, institutions, labs, and classrooms, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad.

As Fulbright Scholar alumni, their careers are enriched by joining a network of thousands of esteemed scholars, many of whom are leaders in their fields. Notable Fulbright alumni include 62 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and 41 who have served as a head of state or government. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants from over 160 countries — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to challenges facing our communities and our world.

For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org.