Brenda Cartwright, professor in the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education (UHM COE) Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, was selected among seven international faculty members for the Visiting Scholars program at Kyungpook National University (KNU) in South Korea. For the Summer 2012 session, she is teaching and engaging students in a research project about attitudes and behaviors related to eating.

Cartwright is working in collaboration with KNU psychology faculty and Youngsoo Son, a doctoral student at the COE. After learning about the program from UHM colleagues and former KNU scholars several years ago, Cartwright successfully applied for the Summer 2006 session.

“The experience was exceptionally productive and memorable,” she said. As a result, she co-presented with KNU Professor Youngsun Jin and UHM colleague Dr. Kim-Rupnow at the 2007 Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities and completed a research manuscript on culture and health beliefs. Cartwright also developed continuing relationships with two KNU students who are now doctoral students in the United States, and she mentored another graduate who is successfully working in Seoul, Korea.

The KNU Visiting Scholars program encourages collaboration between existing and potential partner institutions, provides an international experience for KNU students and international scholars, and offers opportunities for cultural and social enrichment.

On July 13, 2012, KNU President In Suk Hamm attended an event at UHM hosted by the chancellor’s office to renew the Memorandum of Understanding.