The International Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (iSURE) program provides invaluable opportunities for international students to conduct research at the University of Notre Dame during the summer session. In addition to working on cutting-edge research with Notre Dame faculty, iSURE students immerse themselves in the American undergraduate experience during their eight weeks on campus. This summer, the iSURE program marked an important milestone by welcoming the first African students on campus.

The program hosted two students from Strathmore University in session one—George Okello Ouma and Susan Joy Nduta Gicheha—and five students from multiple universities in session two—Regine Boua, Dramane Aziz Ouattara, Amon Marc Eben Bouadi, Charles Somda, and Chris Langeveldt.

“Upon arriving at Notre Dame, I felt welcomed and integrated into a friendly community,” Charles Somda, who came from CERAP Université Jésuite in Côte d'Ivoire expressed. “The global program team showed a strong sense of availability and service, always ready to assist us whenever needed.”

The students worked with faculty from across campus on projects related to Africa. Each was paired based on their own areas of study and interest. Charles, for example, worked as a research assistant for the African Governance Innovation Lab at the Institute for Scholarship in the Liberal Arts (ISLA). Working with Professor Jaimie Bleck, his project was focused on young people's perceptions of foreign powers in Côte d'Ivoire. Another student, George Okello Ouma from Kenya, worked on two “distinct and fascinating projects,” in his own words. The first involved mosquito data analysis for East Flagler, where he collaborated with Professor Samuel Rund from Notre Dame Research. The second project focused on computer vision, where he worked with Professor Andrey Kuehlkamp from the Center for Research Computing to turn 2D images into 3D objects, pushing the boundaries of technology in immersive experiences.

“One of the highlights was being able to work on cutting-edge research that has real-world applications. The mosquito analysis project, for instance, had me diving into data that could influence future strategies in controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The computer vision project was challenging in a different way, requiring creative problem-solving to convert images into 3D models,” George shared.

"The iSURE program was one of the most enriching and important experiences of my life." — Regine Boua, African School of Economics student

In addition to expanding their knowledge and research skills, the program aims to contribute to their personal and cultural development. By being on a campus filled with a dynamic and diverse group of students, iSURE participants have the opportunity to experience a new lifestyle and live in a community with people from different backgrounds.

“I learned a lot about America, the American way of life and also about the other nationalities I met,” Regine Boua from the African School of Economics in Côte D’Ivoire shared. “The iSURE program was one of the most enriching and important experiences of my life.”

The arrival of this group of African students on campus was more than a milestone for the iSURE program—it also marks a continuation of the goals of the Pamoja ND Africa Initiative, which was launched in 2021 in collaboration with Notre Dame Global, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and the Pulte Institute for Global Development. Through connections made at the first Pamoja summit, Notre Dame Nairobi Director Dr. Jackie Oluoch-Aridi strengthened university partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa by working with partners to bring their students to the iSURE program. Inspired to create multi- and bi-directional pathways for scholarly exchange, welcoming African students to the iSURE program fulfilled one of the three programmatic focuses to advance Notre Dame Global’s engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa. As director of one of Notre Dame’s 12 global locations, Jackie plays an important role in forging and advancing the partnerships that sustain this plan.

Another step of the plan was taken this fall with the launching of the Africa Guest Scholar/Artist Partnership Program. This program allows visiting scholars or artists to pursue their research/art in collaboration with ND faculty, plan future collaborations, and engage in the intellectual and artistic life and community at Notre Dame. One additional important step will be reconvening the Pamoja partners at a second summit.

The success of this cohort of students speaks to the importance of both Notre Dame Global’s Sub-Saharan Africa plan and the iSURE program. As the first African students to enter the program, the students have these words of advice to offer others looking to apply.

“For other African students considering this opportunity, I’d encourage them to dive in wholeheartedly. The iSURE program not only advances your academic and technical skills but also opens up cultural exchanges that contribute to your personal growth. It’s a chance to push your limits while being part of something bigger,” George emphasized.

Regine added: “The advice I would give to other African students is to go for it and not hesitate for a second before applying, as this program is one of the best ways for a student to get experience in the research field even before obtaining a bachelor's degree.”

Even with the summer sessions concluded and the students now back in their home institutions, some see it as the beginning rather than the end. Reflecting on the program, Charles emphasized his gratitude for the relationships he built while on campus. “During our farewell dinner, I felt a deep sense of joy and hope—the joy of spending quality time with individuals who were strangers to me on the first day, but who had become my friends,” he shared. “Notre Dame marks the beginning of an unparalleled networking journey, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Originally published by Jessie Carson at global.nd.edu on September 23, 2024.