Wessel Receives Fulbright Specialist Award to Colombia

(March 11, 2026) — Lois Wessel, DNP, FNP-BC, an associate professor of nursing at Berkley School of Nursing with a joint appointment in family medicine at the School of Medicine, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

As part of the award, Wessel will spend two weeks at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, collaborating with faculty to explore the role of artificial intelligence in nursing education. The exchange will examine both the promise and the limitations of AI in the classroom — including environmental and ethical considerations — and how emerging technologies can be integrated in ways that reflect the Jesuit values and humanistic traditions that guide both institutions.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we teach and learn,” Wessel said. “This exchange is an opportunity to thoughtfully explore how nursing education can engage these technologies while remaining grounded in ethical, humanistic and environmental responsibility.”

The visit will also focus on strengthening collaboration between the two universities, including the development of a joint research project.

“Congratulations on receiving the Fulbright Specialist Program award,” said Roberta Waite, EdD, PMHCNS, ANEF, FAAN, dean of the Berkley School of Nursing. “This is a well-deserved recognition of your expertise and leadership. Your upcoming collaboration in Colombia represents an exciting opportunity to advance knowledge exchange and strengthen partnerships in public and global health.”

The Fulbright Specialist Program is part of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative, which supports scholars and professionals who share expertise with institutions around the world while building lasting international partnerships.