Professor of Food Science Karl Matthews.
Karl Matthews, chair and professor in the Department of Food Science, was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in Food Science/Food Microbial Safety for the 2023-2024 academic year by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Matthews’ award will take him to Mauritius where he will teach and conduct research in food safety and provide STEM career development. He is among over 800 U.S. citizens who will teach and/or conduct research abroad for the 2023-2024 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
Globally, food safety is integral to human health and well-being, and food safety education and research are key components to protecting the food supply and public health in Mauritius and around the world.
Matthews is enthusiastic to mentor faculty and students, enhancing their academic, professional and personal development. He will collaborate with the Department of Agriculture and Food Science at the University of Mauritius to develop a suite of courses, seminars and workshops on microbial food safety to prepare the next generation of food safety educators. His research will focus on low-moisture foods (infant food, spices, nuts, cereals, dried fruits) to address the Mauritius food industry and consumer concerns (local and global) associated with such products.
His teaching and research activities will help to strengthen Mauritius’ Food Control System, contribute towards increased consumer confidence in foods produced locally and imported, increase food security, enhance food trade and assist Mauritius to meet its international obligations in food safety.
Fulbright Scholar alumni are part of 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—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—from over 160 countries with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to global challenges.
