By Anna Mayor, College of Arts and Sciences
During her month-long Fulbright appointment in October, Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, an associate professor of political science in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, helped launch the new Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Dr. McLauchlan meeting with one of the Center鈥檚 researchers, Dr. George Okiror, whose work focuses on strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)
The Center hosted a farewell dinner for Dr. McLauchlan to celebrate the USF鈥揗akerere partnership and the ongoing research and teaching collaborations. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)
The project focused on strengthening institutions and communities in both the U.S. and abroad through political science education and training.
One of more than 400 experts chosen annually for the Fulbright Specialist Program, Scourfield McLauchlan was selected for her academic achievement, professional leadership and potential to build lasting partnerships between U.S. and international institutions.
Working closely with her host, Senior Lecturer Edward Kaweesi, Scourfield McLauchlan supported the new center through the development of its research agenda, creating an action plan to build partnerships with U.S. universities by reviewing curriculum and connecting Makerere scholars with their counterparts in the U.S.
鈥淚t was a privilege to help launch the center,鈥� Scourfield McLauchlan said. 鈥淚 am confident it will make a meaningful impact for many years.鈥�
The collaboration has already extended beyond the Fulbright project launch goals.
Dr. McLauchlan with attendees after her 鈥淎merica@250鈥� lecture, alongside handouts featuring the U.S. Constitution and Democracy Reignited, a publication created with the Florida Humanities Council and Newspapers in Education. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)
Dr. McLauchlan presenting a certificate to a participant in her Faculty Development Workshop on Virtual Global Exchange (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)
Scourfield McLaughlan and Kaweesi are now preparing a book proposal on civic renewal, planning to present joint research on U.S.鈥揢ganda relations at the upcoming FPSA Conference and organizing a 2026 Constitution Day event to connect USF and Makerere students.
Review Scourfield McLauchlan鈥檚 Fulbright experience, including photos, on her blog .