糖心Vlog

Stephen Greiman, Ph.D., associate professor of biology in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics, has been awarded a 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to Vietnam where he will lead a teaching and research project focused on parasite diversity in bats. 

鈥淒r. Greiman is further proof that Georgia Southern faculty are among the best in their fields,鈥� said Avinandan (Avi) Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of this achievement and all the hard work that goes into such a celebrated milestone paying off.鈥�

Greiman鈥檚 Fulbright work will build on more than a decade of collaboration with Vietnamese scientists. During graduate school, he began working with parasitologists in Vietnam and participated in field expeditions in 2013 and 2014. That early partnership has since blossomed into multiple co-authored publications and enduring collegial friendships.

Vietnam, Greiman explained, is a natural fit for this project. 

鈥淚ts exceptional biodiversity and the significant burden of parasitic infections across humans, domestic animals and wildlife make it a particularly relevant and meaningful host country for my research,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur shared goal is to advance awareness and understanding of parasite diversity among students and the public.鈥�

During his grant period, Greiman will teach a parasitology course at Hai Duong Medical Technical University. He will also conduct field and laboratory research in partnership with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology鈥檚 Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources and the Department of Parasitology. His research will involve sampling and analyzing the parasites and microbiomes of Vietnamese bats鈥攁 project designed to engage both undergraduate and graduate students in hands-on scientific inquiry.

鈥淚nternational collaborations often yield more impactful research than national projects alone,鈥� Greiman noted. 鈥淭his award not only strengthens our scientific goals but offers my family a chance to immerse ourselves in a new culture. It鈥檚 an experience we鈥檙e incredibly grateful for.鈥�

Beyond fieldwork, Greiman hopes the Fulbright project will open doors for new exchange programs between Georgia Southern and Vietnamese institutions. He envisions Georgia Southern students spending semesters abroad and returning with global perspectives that enrich their academic and personal growth.

鈥淭he data and experiences I bring back will directly inform my courses, including parasitology and biology of microorganisms,鈥� Greiman said. 鈥淚鈥檒l also use our findings to support undergraduate and graduate research projects, pursue new grant opportunities and publish in high-impact journals.鈥�

He credits the Fulbright program with not only enabling his research abroad but also cultivating cultural exchange, particularly by allowing families to travel with awardees. His wife, who has a background in the arts, is excited to explore Vietnam鈥檚 artistic traditions, while their two young children will experience a culture far different from their own.

鈥淰ietnam is rich in natural and cultural history,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to embracing it fully, both in the field and in everyday life.鈥�

Greiman鈥檚 selection is both a professional milestone and a personal journey鈥攐ne shaped by long-standing collaborations, a deep commitment to global science, and the mentorship of Georgia Southern Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D.

鈥淎lthough I was initially hesitant to apply due to the program鈥檚 competitiveness, I was inspired by Dr. Weindorf鈥檚 own transformative experiences as a Fulbright Scholar and Specialist,鈥� Greiman said. 鈥淗is guidance and support helped me see the incredible potential of this opportunity鈥攏ot just for my research, but for my family and our students.鈥�

That encouragement reflects a strong professional relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to international collaboration.

“I am so proud of Dr. Greiman’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar,鈥� said Weindorf. 鈥淭he benefits of the exchange will truly be lifelong, with new friends, colleagues and connections formed and cultivated. We look forward to celebrating the lives Dr. Greiman touches, both through his teaching and research, as a meritorious ambassador of 糖心Vlog.鈥�

For Greiman, the Fulbright award marks just the beginning of a broader vision.

鈥淭his experience will generate foundational data for future National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health proposals and deepen our international partnerships,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eing selected as a Fulbright Scholar is an extraordinary honor and a chance to contribute meaningfully to a global legacy of scholarship, cultural exchange and scientific discovery.鈥�

He encourages fellow faculty members considering the program to apply.

鈥淕o for it,鈥� he said. 鈥淵our chances are zero if you don鈥檛 try. The Fulbright is one of the few opportunities that blends extended research, cultural immersion and family inclusion. It鈥檚 life-changing鈥攁nd absolutely worth it.鈥�