Darryl Moton, who is completing a combined graduate degree program in library and information science (MA) and a PhD in English, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award to Bahrain for the 2026–27 academic year.
Hometown: Ames, Iowa
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I'll be an English Teaching Assistant in Bahrain, a country home to a fascinating culture at the crossroads of many others. In addition to my usual “let's learn as much as possible about new people in a new place” classroom endeavors, I plan to learn as much as possible about the ancient Dilmun civilization, which was based in what is now Bahrain.
How do you envision this will influence your future career?
I love to teach and pride myself on seeking out new ways to improve my pedagogical practices in order to reach as broad a range of students as possible. Teaching in Bahrain will help me better understand how to cultivate and refine my students' literacy skills in a way that will make me more useful to more people.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
You miss all of the shots you don't take. We're fortunate at the University of Iowa to have a wealth of people with a vested interest in seeing us succeed as scholars, educators, and people. If you want to apply for a Fulbright, do it, and don't be afraid to ask anyone and everyone for help.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
I began my career at the University of Iowa working in Central Sterilization Services, which was then located in the basement of the main hospital. From there, I applied to the English PhD program. I began graduate school on my 41st birthday. Even then, I thought something like a Fulbright was out of reach for someone like me. My work in the MA in library and information science program put Fulbright on my radar. I guess the moral of the story is, “never be afraid to reach for the stars, even if you're reaching from the basement.” It could happen.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
My children and my partner, all of whom are very tolerant of the prospect of my absence for six months; Drs. Karen Wachsmuth, Jennifer Burek Pierce, David Gooblar, Loren Glass, Jennifer Buckley, Micah Bateman, Brady G'Sell, Carolyn Gonzalez, and Darius Stewart. I can't forget the input of Sylvia Dean and everyone else at International Programs, whom I hope I don't offend through their omission. I really could go on forever, so just … everyone who had a kind, supportive, challenging, or encouraging word. I exist in a state of constant gratitude and am fortunate to continue to have things for which to be grateful.
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.