College of Charleston Biology Professor Earns Prestigious Fulbright Appointment

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More than a decade of intellectual investment in international education, research and development and relationship-building is paying off for Andrew Shedlock, associate professor in the College of Charleston's biology department.

Shedlock, whose research focuses on marine genomics, molecular biology and biodiversity, recently received a three-year appointment to the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program. As a rostered international educator, he will share his expertise with faculty and students at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) over CofC's winter break. 

"This goes beyond academia," says Shedlock, who has spent years working on international educational projects in East Asia. "This time, I'm going to Vietnam as an ambassador of U.S. culture and academic excellence representing the College of Charleston."

Biology professor and department chair Dan McGlinn says the award presents an exciting opportunity to share the College's strengths in biology and STEM education on an international stage. 

"The award represents a recognition of Andrew's 28 years of leadership in international research and education throughout East Asia and the Pacific," he says, noting that the work won't end when the Fulbright assignment is over. "Andrew's work at HUST will help advance innovative applications of AI to biology, biodiversity, and sustainability, while opening doors for meaningful collaborations among students and faculty at both institutions," McGlinn adds. 

Shedlock will train HUST's STEM students and their professors to leverage artificial intelligence to sort data and deliver outcomes, finding solutions to the region's pressing environmental and sustainability concerns, like protecting one of the world's most biodiverse regions in the face of competing economic interests.

"It's kind of like parachuting in, hitting the ground running and delivering material to help them get to the next level," Shedlock says. "It's game on. HUST students are hungry, hardworking and smart."

That should serve them well as AI changes the landscape of research into sustainability, especially in places like Vietnam, which is poised for an explosion in economic growth and development. 

"To survive in the 21st century, we must protect our natural resources with sustainable agricultural strategies. At HUST, I'll be able to help develop best practices to inform policies for some of the most brilliant biodiversity work in the world, enhanced by AI," Shedlock says. 

The appointment is funded by the U.S. Department of State as part of Fulbright's Freedom 250 initiative, which aims to showcase American ingenuity and innovation around the world. A 'Fulbrighter' himself, having won a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award in 2016, Shedlock returned to the region during sabbaticals, building relationships with educators in Japan, Thailand and throughout East Asia. 

Shedlock says he's excited for the opportunity to collaborate with HUST professors and students, then return to the College in January invigorated for spring semester 2027.

"Working in Vietnam will spur international exchange of ideas and promote holistic ways of thinking from a totally different ancient branch of civilization. This is central to the Fulbright Mission which has been an important source of inspiration that continues to expand and enrich my teaching and research activities at the College in the liberal arts tradition."

Shedlock teaches a broad range of undergraduate courses, including Introductory Biology for non-science majors and Marine Tetrapod Biology, along with master's courses in the Graduate School, including Biodiversity Management. 

He also serves on the College's Fulbright faculty committee, helping to prepare Fulbright student applicants. The College of Charleston was named a top producer of Fulbright students earlier this year.