Claire Anumba began working with the International Center’s Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE)as a Special Projects Coordinator in October 2016. Claire works on coordinating research efforts and projects within UFIC as well as developing a database to map UFIC’s Internationalization efforts and activities. Claire has lived and worked in Sierra Leone and the UK in different capacities. She holds a Doctorate in Engineering from Loughborough University in the UK, and worked with the University Office of Global Programs at Penn State prior to joining UFIC.

Claire Anumba

Claire Anumba, EngD. is a Special Projects Coordinator in the Office for Global Research Engagement at UFIC, where she is the go-to for our signature RADS (Research Abroad for Doctoral Students) program and the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. An experienced professional in international education, Claire’s background is remarkably and inherently international.

Claire's academic roots trace back to Sierra Leone, where she completed her bachelor's degree at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone before moving to the UK for her graduate studies. She obtained her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Loughborough University UK. She used geographical information systems (GIS) to analyze and display geographically linked information in her doctoral studies. This expertise equipped her with a unique skill set that she later applied in diverse professional settings, from a position as a Research Engineer in Loughborough to her time at Penn State University, where she started in international education at the University Office of Global Programs. There she worked as a GIS Analyst and with international students as an International Student Advisor. Currently, she uses her experience to assist the International Student Services (ISS) unit at busy times here at UFIC.

Claire's tenure at UF began in 2006 with the Center for Affordable Housing while her husband was on a 12-month sabbatical. There she leveraged her GIS expertise to map out crucial data. Ten years later, in 2016 she returned to Gainesville joining UFIC and marking the beginning of her involvement with pivotal programs aimed at enhancing international academic collaboration.

Claire's role in managing UF's Research Abroad for Doctoral Students (RADS) program shows her commitment to nurturing future scholars' global competencies. The main goal of the RAD program is to financially support doctoral candidates in conducting research abroad, RADS aims to broaden students' perspectives and foster international partnerships. “The program helps doctoral students to go abroad and work with another university or organization to obtain necessary data and experience that will enhance their thesis research.”, said Claire, whose leadership ensures that participating students receive the necessary support to navigate logistical challenges and maximize their research potential overseas. Under Claire's guidance, the RADS program has expanded to include students from diverse academic disciplines, moving beyond STEM fields to encompass humanities and social sciences, “We worked to broaden the program to include humanities students, but even then, there was a disparity in the amount of funding. Later, under Dean Wayne's leadership, we worked to make sure all students got the same opportunities to apply for funding.” Claire continued, “This is an important aspect since students in the humanities usually have a hard time finding research money in their fields.”

Claire is also the lead liaison for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program and the advisor for the Fulbright Foreign Student program here at UF, which highlights her role in promoting cultural understanding and academic cooperation on a global scale. As a first contact for incoming Fulbright students at UF, Claire facilitates seamless transitions and enriching experiences for the students. She ensures that the Fulbright international students have the support needed to integrate into the UF community. She also supports UF faculty seeking Fulbright fellowships abroad. TheFulbright U.S. Scholar program is very diverse and caters to all faculty at different stages in their careers. “Fulbright is for everyone!” says Claire. There are awards for junior and senior faculty. The duration of the awards also varies, they can be full or half semester programs, or even a whole academic year.

Moreover, Claire's engagement extends beyond administrative duties; she actively participates in promoting Fulbright opportunities across campus. Her efforts have contributed to UF's reputation as a leading institution for Fulbright scholars, with a consistent track record of high participation and impactful projects. Thanks to her efforts together with the UF Fulbright Faculty Committee, this past Spring UF ranked second on a list of U.S. colleges and universities that produced the largest number of 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholars, up from fourth last year and seventh just two years ago!

Claire's advocacy for enhanced support mechanisms, such as The Fulbright Faculty Support program, has bolstered faculty interest in pursuing Fulbright opportunities. She said, “Here at UF we strive to fulfill Senator William Fulbright’s vision in the hope that while faculty and students are carrying out their academic work, a cultural exchange takes place, where they learn about the host country and work and experience benefits not only them but also their host.”

Claire remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of UF's international programs. She envisions further enhancements to support structures for doctoral students and faculty members alike, ensuring that UF continues to thrive as a hub for global academic exchange and innovation. Claire's journey at UF reflects a profound dedication to bridging cultural divides through education and research. Her leadership in programs like RADS and Fulbright embodies UF's commitment to fostering global citizenship and advancing knowledge through international collaboration.

Claire's impact it is rooted in a passion for empowering faculty and students to cultivate lasting connections that transcend borders.

Thank you, Claire, for making a world of difference!

Story by: Terrence Funke
Photos: Christina Cozart