Marian Muste, a research engineer and adjunct professor in the College of Engineering, has been awarded a Fulbright for spring 2026. He will be hosted by the Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering (FESE) at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program. Through the program, University of Iowa faculty members, staff, and administrators have opportunities to conduct advanced research and teach abroad. The program also affords recipients the opportunity to interact with and make an impact on their host communities during their Fulbright tenure.
“The main impetus for applying for the scholarship is to expand and elevate the ongoing collaboration with Romanian colleagues at FESE,” said Muste. “As an academic professional in water engineering in Romania (until 1991), and later, as a researcher and educator in the U.S. for 35 years, I have continuously admired the growth of FESE, a school that did not exist in my country in my college years.”
During his Fulbright assignment, Muste will teach and conduct research on monitoring water quantity and quality in rivers.
This marks Dr. Muste’s fifth Fulbright award.
“I am hopeful that this potential Fulbright Scholar experience will be on par with my other four previous Fulbright awards that have immensely benefited my professional growth,” shared Muste. “Besides the personal benefit, these experiences made me a confident ‘ambassador’ of my country abroad.”
The traditional Fulbright Scholar Program sends more than 800 U.S. faculty and professionals abroad each year. Awardees lecture and conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional fields.
University faculty members at all stages of their careers can apply to become Fulbright Scholars or Fulbright Specialists. Grant recipients can teach, do research abroad, or a combination of both, for flexible time periods ranging from two to six weeks to a semester or an entire academic year.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.