Dec. 1, 2004 -- This fall, UC Irvine welcomed four Fulbright Scholars from Estonia, Korea, Lebanon and Spain -- scholars whose research interests are as diverse as their home countries.

While at UCI, one scholar is delving deeper into the philosophy of Jacques Derrida, as another is examining the causes of prostate cancer in Lebanese men. A third scholar is using the year to examine unexplained phenomena in space, while the fourth is studying governance and multiculturalism.

"We are delighted to have these distinguished international scholars work with our faculty over the course of the year," said William H. Parker, vice chancellor for research and dean of graduate studies. "Through the Fulbright program, the visitors and our faculty can exchange their perspectives, both culturally and academically."

2004-05 VISITING FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS

Raivo Vetik, director of the Institute of International and Social Sciences at Tallinn Pedagogical University in Estonia, joins UCI's political science department. Vetik, who will be working with UCI's Center for Global Peace and Conflict Studies, plans to continue researching governance and multiculturalism in Estonia, Latvia and the United States. Vetik visited UCI as a Fulbright Scholar in 1995, and said he wanted to return to continue his research in light of the ongoing changes in Estonia since the country joined the European Union.

Seung Chong Lee, associate professor of philosophy at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, is visiting in the philosophy department. His project, titled "Heidegger and Derrida on Being and Women," explores the philosophical difference between women and men, using Derrida's deconstructive reading techniques to uncover the meaning of Martin Heidegger's work. Lee is the coauthor of the book Derrida and Wittgenstein. By working with UCI's specialists in 20th century continental philosophy, Lee hopes to complete an article about his findings on this subject. Derrida, who passed away in October, was a UCI professor of philosophy, French and comparative literature.

Jose Ruiz Cembranos, is an assistant professor of physics at the Complutense University of Madrid. Cembranos studies new developments in high energy theoretical physics, including supergravity, superstring theory and M-theory, which attempt to explain the universe's unexplainable phenomena -- such as dark matter. While at UCI, he will work with renowned astrophysicist Jonathan Feng in the physics and astronomy department.

Asmahan El Ezzi, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Lebanese University in Beirut, Lebanon, is researching prostate cancer among Lebanese men. At UCI, she will make use of technologies not available in Lebanon to help analyze DNA samples and compare statistical data from surveys she has conducted.

ONE FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR RETURNS TO UCI

Fulbright Scholar Steven Mailloux, Chancellor's Professor of Rhetoric and professor of English and comparative literature, has returned to UCI after spending last summer at Moscow State University lecturing on rhetoric and communication. In addition to teaching at the summer school, he spoke at the Fulbright conference, giving a lecture titled "How We Argue: Cultural Rhetoric in the United States," which examined the rhetoric and media coverage of President Ronald Reagan's funeral. "I am ever grateful for the invitation to participate," said Mailloux upon returning to UCI. "My Fulbright experience was an extremely rewarding one."

ABOUT THE FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship program in international educational exchange. Each year, the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program sends approximately 800 U.S. citizens to 140 countries around the world to teach or pursue research. Likewise, the Visiting Fulbright Scholars Program brings about 800 foreign academics to the United States to lecture or conduct postdoctoral research. Since Fulbright's inception, more than 250,000 participants – chosen for their leadership potential – have had the opportunity to pursue research, study and other educational opportunities overseas and across borders.

About the University of California, Irvine: The University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked public university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students and about 1,400 faculty members. The second-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3 billion.

UCI maintains an online directory of faculty available as experts to the media. To access, visit www.today.uci.edu/experts.