College of Agriculture & Natural Resources International Programs

As told by Dr. Meriem Djellouli

Stepping onto the vibrant campus of Michigan State University (MSU) as a Borlaug Fellow, I was instantly amazed by the greatness of the campus and the heavenly landscapes. Most of all, I was captivated by the palpable energy of intellectual curiosity and limitless opportunities that awaited me.

The fellowship program at MSU is a prestigious opportunity that aims to foster academic excellence, research innovation and professional development in various fields. The program is designed to attract exceptional individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen discipline and exhibit the potential to significantly contribute to their respective fields of study.

The selection process for the Borlaug Fellowship was rigorous and comprehensive. It began with an initial application in which I provided detailed information about my academic background, research experience and future aspirations. The application also required me to submit recommendation letters from my work supervisors and university mentors who could attest to my capabilities and potential.

No one knew that the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in early 2020 would be the start of the emergence of a paralyzing global pandemic. The beginning of the selection process for the Borlaug Fellowship coincided with this period. Nevertheless, undeterred by the ongoing crisis, the selection process persisted. After the initial application review, I was selected as a semi-finalist on June 15, 2020, marking the first milestone in the selection process and an unforgettable moment in my career. As a semi-finalist, I was required to undergo additional evaluations, such as online interviews, to showcase my skills, passion and suitability for the fellowship. These evaluations allowed me to articulate my research interests, discuss my prior experiences and demonstrate my dedication to the field.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to the procedure of the MSU fellowship, originally planned for the fall of 2020 but later postponed for 2021. Despite this circumstance, I was fortunate to receive preliminary information about the program, including the venue, which was MSU, and the mentors who would orient me. The prospect of working with Dr. Ramjee Ghimire, Ph.D., at MSU WorldTAP, and Prof. Melinda Wilkins, DVM, MPH, Ph.D., then Associate Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, filled me with immense joy and gratitude. Their invaluable guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping the success of my fellowship, providing me with expert advice and fostering an environment of growth and achievement.

The final stage of the selection process involved a thorough assessment by a committee of experts in the field to review the applications and evaluations of the semi-finalists, considering factors such as academic achievements, research potential, leadership qualities and alignment with the fellowship's goals and objectives. Specific criteria and qualifications were essential for the fellowship. These included demonstrated research capabilities, a clear research proposal and a commitment to positively impacting the field of study. The fellowship sought individuals who showed promise in becoming future leaders and change-makers, capable of pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to their respective disciplines.

I was eagerly waiting for the final acceptance letter! After two years of anticipation and a rollercoaster of emotions, the final letter of acceptance arrived at a time when I had started to believe that the fellowship had been canceled. It coincided with my birthday when the unexpected news brought a surge of joy and relief. That moment was as if the universe had conspired to grant me this extraordinary opportunity as a special birthday gift. All doubts and uncertainties dissolved and were replaced by an overwhelming determination to make the most of the journey ahead. This experience solidified my belief in the transformative power of perseverance.

I found the Borlaug Fellowship Program very interesting for different reasons. I acquired a larger scientific background for my Ph.D. research around emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases and, more precisely, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. I learned about epidemio-surveillance, laboratory diagnosis and field methodology. I also learned about the control of mosquito vectors based on entomological surveys. Furthermore, the program enhanced and strengthened my knowledge, skills and abilities.

The fellowship was a clear opportunity for me to learn about various surveillance, reporting and control methods used to manage animal diseases in the U.S. and explore approaches that would be appropriate and applicable in Algeria. I also saw a big opportunity from a training perspective regarding elaborating an impact assessment of climatic and environmental changes on the disease transmission system. This can help establish efficient prophylactic measures, good surveillance and a reporting system to allow well-understanding transmission dynamics and interrupt the spread of the parasite.

The fellowship was a great networking opportunity. I built a strong network of professionals who might one day become collaborators. I also developed a conceptual framework and plan for developing a strong government-supported system to prevent and combat animal diseases, boosting the economy and increasing the potential for international trade.