Maurice Dawson, an associate professor of information technology and management at Illinois Institute of Technology, participated in his sixth Fulbright Scholar program mission by sharing his expertise in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence with a Tunisian business school.
The Fulbright Specialist program is designed to connect qualified U.S. academics and professionals with institutions abroad. The goal is to share knowledge, strengthen institutional ties, and help build capacity at host organizations through international collaboration.
Dawson’s most recent assignment took place at Tunis Business School, part of the University of Tunis. Leaders there are working to update their curriculum so that it aligns with global standards by integrating AI and cybersecurity into their information technology and analytics programs.
“The most exciting aspect of the visit was the opportunity to bridge U.S. and North African education systems through AI and cybersecurity,” Dawson said. “This project allowed for deep engagement with Tunisian students and faculty who are eager to adopt next-generation technologies. Seeing their enthusiasm and innovation firsthand was inspiring. Moreover, it offered a platform to share Illinois Tech’s cybersecurity and AI education model while learning from Tunisia’s growing technology ecosystem.”
During his two-week visit in September, Dawson provided guidance on best practices from the United States regarding AI and information systems education. He collaborated with Salah Ben Abdallah, professor of business computing at Tunis Business School, on curriculum evaluation, faculty workshops, and developing frameworks for including AI ethics, data privacy, and cybersecurity within business analytics education.
Dawson also led workshops at other institutions such as the Higher Institute of Digital Engineering (HIDE) and Institut Supérieur de Gestion de Tunis. These sessions focused on discussing how AI can transform business and technology sectors in Tunisia. Additionally, research collaborations were initiated during this period; plans include joint projects like digital twin models for health care systems in Tunisia as well as blockchain traceability applications in finance.
“As the Fulbright specialist, I provided guidance on U.S. best practices in AI and information systems education,” Dawson said. “Equally meaningful was the chance to contribute to Tunisia’s national vision for digital transformation, while strengthening people-to-people ties through the Fulbright mission of mutual understanding and academic diplomacy.”