The Institute of International Education (IIE) has selected Nico Declercq, Associate Professor of Acoustics and Dynamics in Georgia Tech’s Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, as one of twenty-five ambassadors of the PromoDoc initiative. PromoDoc is a project funded by the European Commission within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus program focusing on the promotion of European higher education at the doctoral level. This initiative is implemented by a consortium, including IIE, the British Council, Campus France, the German Academic Exchange Service, EuroDoc and Nuffic and seeks to improve the awareness of European opportunities for doctoral study amongst American and Canadian students, as well as students in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

Twenty-five individuals in Canada and the United States were selected based on their extensive experience with and knowledge of doctoral education in European Union member states. The selection panel was truly impressed with Dr. Declercq’s expertise and commitment to furthering international exchange at the doctoral level.

IIE will work with Declercq over the next year as he seeks to promote and advise students of doctoral opportunities abroad. PromoDoc Ambassadors have been tasked with carrying out the following activities as a part of their year-long appointment:

  • Holding a minimum of two information sessions for students interested in doctoral studies abroad
  • Advising students on the opportunities and realities of undertaking doctoral studies in Europe
  • Promoting the idea of undertaking either full or partial doctoral studies in a European Union member state.

Congratulations to Dr. Declercq for this ongoing promotion of international academic engagement at the doctoral level.