San Diego Chapter of the Fulbright Association

News & Updates

[RECORDING AVAILABLE] The Digital Future of Health with Professor Shafi Ahmed, M.D., Ph.D.

Recording available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B4GiamqYWs&t=31s

In this webinar, Professor Ahmed discussed emerging technologies on Digital Health and shared his valuable insights and experience as a world-renowned surgeon, innovator, teacher, futurist and virtual reality leader.

Professor Shafi Ahmed is a multi-award-winning cancer surgeon working at The Royal London Hospital. He is faculty at Imperial College, Bart’s Medical School, Queen Mary University, Bradford University, Harvard Medical School and Singularity University where he teaches on innovation and digital transformation.

He is a member of the NHS assembly advising the government. Advisor to the Abu Dhabi government for digital transformation. Ambassador for Vodafone for 5G and connected healthcare for 2020. Cofounder of Medical Realities. Chair of the WebIT Health Summit. A TEDx and international speaker having delivered over 200 keynotes in over 30 countries on innovation, the future of healthcare and digital transformation.

His vision is to merge the world of medicine, global education, and virtual reality. In 2016 he performed the first virtual reality operation which was watched in 140 countries. He is one of the top 20 global influencers in Digital Health and a HIMSS Future50 clinical leader 2020.

Chapter Statements on Discrimination and Equality

  1. We believe and will always advocate for the equal appreciation and value of all human beings regardless of country of origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, economic, social or educational status. We recognize that humans are often not treated equally and therefore we will always stand with individuals, groups or organizations that fight for this inalienable right. 
  2. Our Chapter will always advocate for the equal appreciation and value of all human beings regardless of country of origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, economic, social or educational status.  Our Chapter recognizes  that humans must be  treated equally and therefore we will always stand with individuals, groups or organizations that fight for this inalienable right.  Our Chapter activity promotes citizenry and organizationally-based efforts and programs that promote and create an environment of equality.

PARA SU INFORMACIÓN, ESTAS SON LAS DECLARACIONES DE PRINCIPIOS DE LA SECCIÓN SOBRE DISCRIMINACIÓN E IGUALDAD.

  1. Nosotros creemos fervientemente y siempre abogaremos por el reconocimiento universal de todos los seres humanos, independientemente de su país de origen, orientación sexual, género, edad, nivel económico, social y educativo; estamos a favor de que a todo ser humano se le trate y valore de la misma manera. Reconocemos la realidad, en la que no todos los seres humanos son tratados se la misma manera a causa de la discriminación, y por ello siempre apoyaremos y estaremos del lado de los individuos, grupos, y organizaciones que luchan a favor de la igualdad; en contra de la discriminación. 
  2. Nuestra sección siempre abogará por que a todos los seres humanos se les valore de la misma forma y se les otorgue el mismo trato – sin discriminación alguna – independientemente su país de origen, su orientación sexual, su género, su edad, y su condición económica, social y educativa. Nuestra sección reconoce que todos los seres humanos son iguales y que deben ser objeto del mismo tratado y valoración. Y, por lo tanto, siempre apoyaremos a las personas, grupos u organizaciones que luchan por este derecho inalienable. Nuestra sección promueve toda actividad ciudadana cuyos esfuerzos y programas organizativos estén orientados hacia el desarrollo de una atmósfera de igualdad entre los seres humanos.

[Highlighted Virtual Event by UCSD Kroc School of Peace Studies] A Democracy for All of U.S.

As we move forward out of a devastating pandemic and with a new president, what problems must we confront and what solutions must we create to develop a strong, inclusive democracy for all?

On January 28 at 5 p.m. PST, join the Kroc School online for the first in a three-part virtual event series dedicated to insightful and interactive conversation on the future of democracy in the U.S.

[Speaker Series Announcement] The Digital Future of Health with Professor Shafi Ahmed, M.D., Ph.D.

In this webinar, Professor Ahmed will discuss emerging technologies on Digital Health and share his valuable insights and experience as a world-renowned surgeon, innovator, teacher, futurist and virtual reality leader.

Professor Shafi Ahmed is a multi-award-winning cancer surgeon working at The Royal London Hospital. He is faculty at Imperial College, Bart’s Medical School, Queen Mary University, Bradford University, Harvard Medical School and Singularity University where he teaches on innovation and digital transformation.

He is a member of the NHS assembly advising the government. Advisor to the Abu Dhabi government for digital transformation. Ambassador for Vodafone for 5G and connected healthcare for 2020. Cofounder of Medical Realities. Chair of the WebIT Health Summit. A TEDx and international speaker having delivered over 200 keynotes in over 30 countries on innovation, the future of healthcare and digital transformation.

His vision is to merge the world of medicine, global education, and virtual reality. In 2016 he performed the first virtual reality operation which was watched in 140 countries. He is one of the top 20 global influencers in Digital Health and a HIMSS Future50 clinical leader 2020.

Date/Time
Date(s) – 12/03/2020
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Click here to register! You will be provided with a Zoom link.

See also: http://fulbright.ucsd.edu/events/index.html

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[RECORDING AVAILABLE] Electing the President: Electoral College Vote and National Popular Vote

Recording available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywb-RC8o9LM

 

Presenters:

  • Mary Thompson – Civil Engagement Chair & Jeanne Brown: League of Women Voters – History of Presidential Election Process
  • Miranda McGowan: Professor of Law USD:  – Electoral College Vote
  • Derek Cressman: Candidate for CA State Senate representing Sacramento – National Popular Vote

The presenters discussed the background of the election process established by the framers of the US Constitution, which includes the role of Congress, States, and the public. There was a lack of one strong unified method for an election process drafted by the founders in 1776, due to the multiple issues they had to consider. A sampling of the issues that had to be addressed included: 1) emerging new rural states with small populations, 2) the enslaved being a large part of southern states populations, and 3) a lack of reliable methods of communication to distant voters. The requirements that were clear and unified were that each voter had to be male and own property. This qualification stood until 1800 when Andrew Jackson ran for office on a platform of “universal suffrage” and thus property ownership was eliminated as a voting requirement.

Through the years adjustments were made to the process such as, methods for selecting electors varied by state, the population moved from rural and agricultural to residing in big cities, and slavery being abolished and the right to vote, along with women who also won the right to vote. The Electoral College has had positive and negative effects on elections through the centuries, most recently requiring interventions by the Supreme Court in the 2000 election and again on 7/6/2020 regarding “faithless” electors.  Efforts to amend the Constitution to change the method of election have not been successful. “One person one vote”, is the current theme for pursuit of the National Popular Vote as the preferred method for selecting the president in the USA. The panel will discuss the history, the Electoral College and the national popular vote regarding how to elect the president.

Sponsors:
This Webinar was supported by the San Diego Chapter of Fulbright Association and University of California San Diego: Division of Global Education

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Mary Thompson

Mary Thompson is Chair of the “Civil Engagement Committee” of the North County San Diego League of Women Voters (LWV). She also researches and writes for the LWV (CA) on the Pros and Cons of voter education material. She retired as an executive from ViaSat Inc.in 2005; and currently promotes deliberative democracy with the LWV.

Jeanne Brown

Jeanne Brown has her BS in the sciences and mathematics and taught for 35 years. She then earned her MA in Curriculum and Supervision. Following her retirement she was San Diego’s organizer for Common Cause for four years. She now serves on the Board of LWV and has served as President in the past. Her areas of expertise are “fair elections”, “money in politics”, and “redistricting’.

Derek Cressman

Derek Cressman is a California-based political reform advocate, author and former Candidate for CA Secretary of State. His political ideals focus on removing big money from politics, improving campaign finance transparency and modernizing the California voter Registration System. He began work on these issues in 1995 as the Democracy Program Director for U. S. PIRG and worked in many positions including Vice President for States at Common Cause 2006-2013. He is currently a Candidate for CA State Senate representing Sacramento. For additional information go to www.derekcressman.com

Miranda McGowan

Miranda McGowan is a Professor of Law at University of San Diego, School of Law. She teaches Constitutional Law, Employment Discrimination, and Torts. Her research is in the areas of Constitutional Law and racial and gender equality. For additional information go to www.sandiego.edu/schooloflaw/faculty

[RECORDING AVAILABLE] Virtual Hike at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

As our climate continues to change, and sea levels steadily rise, restoring the San Elijo Lagoon’s health has become a critical step – both for the land itself and the native wildlife living there. This natural habitat includes threatened and endangered species. The goal of this event is to exchange and share ideas about the impact of climate change on fragile habitats such as the San Elijo Lagoon. We want to hear from a representative about the conservancy and community activism effort, all while enjoying a hike in the outdoors and maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Update:

Due to COVID-19 and San Diego County health order, the Fulbright Association San Diego chapter decided to record the hike and make it available for everyone to enjoy on virtual basis.

 

CLICK HERE FOR PREVIEW

CLICK HERE FOR FULL VIRTUAL HIKE

Featuring:

Park Ranger Beth Dirksen

Rachel Stern, MBA

Khalid Tahboub, PhD

Watch the full feature for guest appearances!

 

Special Thanks to Park Ranger Beth Dirksen

note: Butterfly footage shared by Nathaniel Lacy from the nature center

Virtual events fall 2020

We are excited to announce two upcoming virtual events:
  • 2020 Vision of U.S.-Mexico border: Frontline Perspectives from Journalists and Researchers (Sept 24, 2pm-3:30pm)
  • Electing the President: Electoral College Vote and National Popular Vote (Oct 14th 6-7.30pm)
See https://sandiego.fulbrightchapters.org/events/ and follow us on social media for updates!

Panel on the film “The Vote”: women’s path to achieve voting rights

Check out this panel of local leaders discussing the film “The Vote” which tells the story of women’s path to achieve voting rights in America. The film will air in July on KPBS and will provide some of the history of how women achieved the privilege to vote in the US.

This special online event features selections from the two-part, four hour documentary followed by a panel discussion with local experts.

Registration

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Position Statement on Racism and Inequities

San Diego Chapter of Fulbright Association (SDCFA) is dedicated to fostering the ideals international exchange as a force for peace and inclusiveness among all residents in our community. We are scandalized and saddened by the slaying of George Perry Floyd, Jr. and the perpetuation of institutionalized racial brutality.

SDCFA embraces social justice as one of our core tenets and values. We condemn the continuation of organized systemic inequities, especially in our community that disproportionately and adversely impact persons of color. We applaud and encourage the peaceful demonstrators as they lawfully enact their rights to protest. We add our voice to protesters and stand in solidarity with the Black community and with other Americans seeking equality, peace and justice.

We are dedicated to increase our sponsorship of events that can bring about greater cross-cultural and cross-national understanding. This can lead to a more informed, educated, empathetic, unified and harmonious society cross-border region for social justice.

We invite Fulbright alumni, grantees and Fulbright community supporters to join our Chapter in the planning, developing and participating in our future events. Through such collaborative efforts we can support a just, living, learning, and healing environment in our San Diego – Baja Norte communities; one that is safe for all including our visitors from various nations and residents regardless of color, gender, culture, sexual orientation and creed and or immigration status.

We are excited to announce the Virtual Fulbright Speaker Series!

We are initiating the Virtual Speaker Series with a world-renowned Infectious Disease Professor from the University of California San Diego, Dr. Robert T. Schooley, who will be presenting cutting-edge data on COVID-19 and suggestions for moving forward safely. Join us to hear current facts and pose questions to a renowned leader in the field of infectious diseases.

For more information, click here!