Oct
31
Date: October 31
Time: 1:47 pm
Location:
Description:
Faculty from Utah Valley University and the University of Bamenda, Cameroon, met to
advance a joint UNESCO Chair initiative aimed at strengthening inclusive and special
education through international collaboration. The partnership seeks to build research
capacity, share best practices, and promote equitable access to quality education
across regions.
Attendees:
University of Beau - Cameroon
Melem Linda Fangwi
Lambert Wirdze
Ndzetal Emmanuel
Elsie Effange
University of Bamenda - Cameroon
Asangha Ngufor Muki
UVU
George Odongo
Jennifer Call
Cami Burton
Oct
30
Date: October 30
Time: 1:03 pm
Location:
Description:
The meeting brought together representatives from the University of Maseno and Jaramogi
Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Kenya, along with faculty from
Utah Valley University and the UNESCO Chair team. Participants discussed cultural,
social, and economic factors influencing mental health in Kenya, including stigma,
generational differences, and limited access to mental health care. The group explored
collaborative goals focused on reframing mental health as a legitimate medical issue
and developing a mobile app to provide accessible, anonymous mental health support
for students.
Oct
29
Date: October 29 - October 29
Time: 1:34 am
Location:
Description:
On October 29th, the UNESCO Chair participated in a "Think Tank" hosted by Maria Blevins,
Director of the Research Institute. The group discussed ideas and research projects
concerning environmental stewardship an sustainability, covering everything from environmental
literary dialog in the Caribbean, to classical architecture preservation in Bolivia
using drones footage. We were grateful to be a part of these discussions with several
faculty and explore potential collaboration under the UNESCHO Chair program.
Oct
21
Date: October 21
Time: 12:32 pm - 12:32 pm
Location:
Description:
On October 21, Utah Valley University and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
met virtually to discuss collaborative opportunities in Information Systems and IT
education. The meeting highlighted shared goals to strengthen research partnerships
and support student-led AI initiatives.
Oct
15
Date: October 15
Time: 12:40 pm
Location:
Description:
On October 15, a meeting was held to discuss the beginning of a new project in the
DR, Learn and Launch Program. This free Spanish-language course empowers low-income
individuals with essential financial and entrepreneurial skills, including budgeting,
market analysis, and business creation. Participants will also learn about accessing
capital, managing expenses, and marketing strategies. The program will be offered
at the local community center to help aspiring entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.
Oct
13
Date: October 13
Time: 3:39 pm
Location:
Description:
On October 16, Utah Valley University met with De La Salle University in the Philippines
to discuss future collaboration in artificial intelligence and information technology.
The presentation emphasized shared goals in advancing ethical AI education, supporting
student-led innovation, and building global academic partnerships.
Oct
14
Date: October 14
Time: 12:45 pm
Location:
Description: On October 14, Utah Valley University delivered a presentation to the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence
in education and industry. The session explored ways to prepare students for an AI-driven
future through collaborative research, ethical training, and hands-on project opportunities.
Oct
10
Date: October 10
Time: 12:57 pm
Location:
Description:
On October 10, the UVU UNESCO Chair presented its global initiatives and achievements
to the UVU Presidential Cabinet. Director Baldomero Lago highlighted more than 16
active projects worldwide, emphasizing how these efforts create meaningful opportunities
and lasting benefits for UVU students and the broader Utah community.
Oct
09
Date: October 09
Time: 1:06 pm
Location:
Description:
On October 9, the UVU UNESCO Chair met virtually with project partners in Cameroon
to discuss progress on environmental and climate change research. The team reviewed
the use of satellite imagery and geospatial analysis to assess climate risks and planned
next steps for on-the-ground data collection. The meeting also celebrated the signing
of an MOU, strengthening long-term collaboration between UVU and Cameroonian institutions.
Oct
06
Date: October 06
Time: 1:10 pm
Location:
Description:
Researchers from UVU and partner universities across Peru met to refine the goals
and methods of the Microplastics research group. Led by Dr. Sally Rocks, the team
discussed upcoming analyses of over 100 water samples collected from regions including
Trujillo, Lima, and Lake Titicaca, as well as expanding investigations to include
freshwater fish such as trout. Participants emphasized the need to compile existing
literature on microplastics in Peru, standardize sampling methods, and identify research
priorities across drinking water, natural waters, and aquaculture systems.
Oct
03
Date: October 03
Time: 1:21 pm
Location:
Description:
On October 3, the UVU and Peruvian research teams met to review preliminary findings
on trace metal contamination in Lake Titicaca and the Ramis River. Led by Dr. Eddy
Cadet, the study identified elevated levels of arsenic and zinc, along with evidence
of mining-related copper and lead pollution. The group outlined plans for a December
2025 field visit, expanded sampling to include soils, sediments, and fish, and new
training initiatives to strengthen local research capacity.
Oct
03
Date: October 03
Time: 3:01 pm
Location:
Description:
The team reviewed water quality findings from Chosica and the Rímac River, discussed
plans for December fieldwork in Peru, and outlined priorities for E. coli monitoring, molecular source tracking, and lab equipment needs. Collaboration with
Peruvian partners and resource sharing will be key to generating publishable data
and advancing the Utah–Peru project.
Sep
23
Date: September 23 - November 06
Time: 3:06 pm
Location:
Description:
Researchers reviewed preliminary findings from the Bridging Waters Project, highlighting
arsenic contamination in multiple regions, localized fecal contamination risks, and
emerging microplastic pollution. The team outlined next steps for capacity building
in Peru, expanded sampling, and collaborative strategies to improve water safety and
inform policy.
Sep
19
Date: September 19
Time: 3:13 pm
Location:
Description:
UVU and Amity University Tashkent explored opportunities for joint research, dual
degree programs, and AI-focused teacher training. Discussions highlighted Uzbekistan’s
strong national emphasis on IT and AI, active government partnerships, and ongoing
initiatives like IEEE conferences. Next steps include drafting a collaboration proposal
and identifying faculty for future exchanges and joint projects.
Sep
16
Date: September 16
Time: 3:18 pm
Location:
Description:
On September 16, the UNESCO Chair met with leaders of the Cambodia public health project
to discuss involvement in the hospital. Students will have opportunities to shadow
in the hospitals and learn from our global partners.
Aug
21
Date: August 21
Time: 3:26 pm
Location:
Description:
On Aug 21, the UNESCO Chair met with Ukraine researchers to discuss collaboration
on AI projects. We look forward to further collaboration with our Ukrainian collegues.
Aug
19
Date: August 19
Time: 3:30 pm
Location:
Description:
On August 19, 2025, The Bridging Waters project in Peru presented their initial research
findings to Peruvian officials, college presidents, UVU faculty, and potential business
collaborators. The March 2025 field campaign revealed widespread arsenic contamination
across multiple regions, localized human fecal contamination, and emerging microplastic
pollution in rivers and household water sources. These findings underscore urgent
health risks and the need for infrastructure improvements. The project aims to expand
sampling, build local testing capacity, and develop collaborative research and policy
solutions to secure clean water and promote sustainability in Peru.
