David Brani, an associate professor in SPSU's Mechanical Engineering Technology department, has been selected for a Fulbright Scholar Award in Botswana during the 2001-2002 academic year.

The award is given by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, a private non-profit organization that has chosen American candidates for the Fulbright Awards for the past 54 years. This year, approximately 750 scholars have received awards enabling them to teach overseas. The purpose of the Fulbright Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries.

"What most appeals to me is the ability to live in another country and live their normal lifestyle, instead of getting a tourist interpretation," said Brani. "I will be traveling with my wife and my two young children and it's a wonderful opportunity for us all to explore other cultures."

Brani will begin his residency in August. He will be teaching courses in numerical control of machines and computer-aided manufacturing in the University of Botswana's Mechanical Engineering Technology department.

Founded in 1982, The University of Botswana has approximately 9500 students. It is located in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.