A UWindsor professor will engage in an exchange of ideas, culture, and exploration as the 2024 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Computers, Science, and Engineering at Florida Polytechnic University.

Jalal Ahamed, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, will embark on a four-month journey collaborating with other fellows along with current faculty and graduate students.

“It is a unique opportunity for us to expand and advance our knowledge by going beyond our boundaries to learn from others through research, teaching, and exchange of ideas in a collaborative environment,” Dr. Ahamed says. “It will help us propel a solid and long-lasting academic collaboration between the institutions.”

As the Fulbright Canada Research Chair, he will be working closely with Chris Kelley, is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Poly, on research regarding wearable sensing systems for Parkinson’s care. Dr. Kelley specializes in controls, while Ahmad specializes in wearable sensors for human movements.

The sensors they are working with have three-axis motion sensing for real-time identification of movement disorders and utilizing that information in control systems for disorder care and rehabilitation. Together they are trying to improve the wearable sensing and control system for human motor dysfunction detection and management.

Fulbright Scholars are professors, scientists, administrators, artists, and other distinct professionals who travel to other countries to teach, lecture, research, and exchange ideas. Fulbright Canada Research Chairs are intended for Canadians who wish to conduct research or lecture in the United States.

Ahamed is the eighth UWindsor professor to serve as a Fulbright Scholar — the first from engineering.