Karl Matthews meets with 100-year-old Magdalena Gamayo, considered a national treasure for preserving traditional weaving in the Philippines.
Karl Matthews, professor in the Department of Food Science, was appointed as a Fulbright Specialist by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and World Learning. In September, Matthews went to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in the Philippines to evaluate culinary and food processing programs and to engage in capacity building and outreach activities centered on food safety.
Karl Matthews (third from right) meeting with indigenous tribal leaders at coffee plantation to discuss product development in the Philippines.
Matthews worked at MMSU campuses located in the cities of Batac and Laoag conducting a range of activities, which include conducting Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point training programs and grant and manuscript writing workshops. In addition, he reviewed the curriculum and course syllabi for a new culinary program and for the Food Science and Technology program. He will also collaborate with the MMSU Innovation and Technology Extension directorate on a Food Safety Program for the city of Batac Food Handlers.
As part of this appointment, Matthews will work on an MMSU project to enhance product development for a coffee plantation operated by indigenous people of Ilocos Norte region of the northern Philippines. He is excited to continue research, teaching, and outreach activities with MMSU building stronger ties between MMSU and Rutgers.
The Fulbright Program is devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Fulbrighters have the opportunity to work collaboratively with international partners in educational, political, cultural, economic and scientific fields.
