University has signed Memoranda of Understanding with Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Zarka ( Hashimite) University (Jordan) and Ain Shams University(Cairo, Egypt), and a letter of intent with the UNESCO to improve biological sciences teaching through computer-based multimedia resources in universities in the Middle East. Sister institutional links with University of Qatar and UAE university are being discussed.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Purdue University and JUST has allowed development of cooperative programs in both Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture. Faculty exchanges, advanced clinical training and graduate education for JUST graduates, collaboration on research and educational initiatives, and cooperation with Purdue's graduate program in international veterinary medicine have marked the rapid progress of this linkage. As a result of signing the MOUs with different institutions, the following activities have taken place:
Faculty from SVM and School of Agriculture ( Dr. Lewis, former Dean of SVM, Drs Richardson, Coppoc, Kenyon, Sammons, Vorst and Nour have visited JUST and gave presentations to faculty and students. Drs Adams and Amstutz and Mr. Harry Latshaw (a Senior Technician), of SVM conducted, in 1995, a workshop in Jordan on modern surgical and medical techniques. A theriogenology workshop was conducted by Dr. Peter and Mr. Bill Reece, and JUST faculty in 1996. Two workshops, one on multimedia in teaching veterinary medicine, and another on equine diagnostic cytology are planned for the near future.
Jim Vorst, John Graveel, and Peter Hill, of the School of Agriculture, led a workshop in Jordan on Tillage and Residue Management in dry land cropping systems in mid-September 1996. The workshop met for two days (September 15-16) at Jordan University of Science and Technology ( JUST). Funding for this activity was through the Global Initiative Faculty Grants program. Jim Vorst was the PI on the project.
Three of JUST future faculty are now receiving post-DVM training, one in clinical sciences and two in veterinary pathobiology. Three potential graduate students are being considered by SVM. Four students from JUST are pursuing their Ph.D. studies in the school of pharmacy. Dr. Ayman Obeidat, recently graduated from the school of pharmacy with a Ph.D. His theses emphasis was on drug delivery systems. He will return to JUST to be employed as assistant professor to teach and conduct research. Jim Vorst, Professor of Agronomy, led a two day meeting (September 17-18) at JUST to launch the USIA-funded joint environmental curriculum project ($134,000) with JUST and American University at Beirut (AUB). This meeting laid the groundwork for the project, set goals and dates, and initiated the curriculum writing phase of the project. Individuals from AUB and JUST will visit Purdue in January 1997 in follow-up to the September meeting. The curriculum that is being developed will focus on three key issues areas in the environmental arena: solid waste management, water treatment, and bioremediation applications to environmental problems. Case studies will be built around each theme in each participating country/institution, and the pilot curriculum will be tested at all three institutions. This is the first step in a three year project that will culminate in a regional Middle Eastern conference of educators to introduce the curriculum and talk about the use of case studies in teaching. Dr. Sammons joined these discussions at JUST.
Dr. Vorst and Dr. Dave Sammons, Associate Dean and Director of International Programs in Agriculture I also met with senior administration at JUST to discuss further activities. Among those items of interest is a workshop on food science. This is currently under discussion with the Food Science Department here.