“Being selected as a Fulbright Awardee is both a profound honor and a humbling recognition of my commitment to education,” said Dr. Christine Royce, professor of teacher education. “This opportunity represents the power of international collaboration and transcends borders to engage in shared learning.”
Professor Royce has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar. The prestigious honor will allow her to collaborate with educators in Cairo, Egypt at Ain Shams University, where she will dive deeper into teacher and STEM education.
She is renowned for her work integrating digital tools, science literacy and innovative instructional design into classrooms. The four-month Fulbright award will allow her to teach and develop courses in STEM, instructional strategies and digital integration for teachers-in-training and practicing teachers in Egypt.
Royce’s project, titled Advancing Pedagogy and Global Connections: Approaches to Teacher Preparation and Development, aligns with Egypt’s Education 2.0 reform initiative, a national effort to modernize teaching and learning. Her work will focus on building professional learning networks and exploring modern learning methods that strengthen critical thinking and STEM education.
“The Fulbright program embodies the belief that education connects us all. Through teaching and learning in Egypt, I look forward to building bridges between universities, fostering mutual understanding and contributing to the shared pursuit of knowledge that unites educators around the world,” she said.
During her time at Ain Sham University, Royce will work closely with faculty and future teachers enrolled in programs similar to those at Shippensburg. She anticipates leading courses on STEM education, science and math teaching methods while also providing professional development sessions on digital tools and instructional design.
For Royce, earning a Fulbright represents more than a professional milestone, it is also an opportunity to pay homage to Ship.
“This Fulbright experiences offers a remarkable opportunity for professional, cultural and personal growth. Engaging with faculty, students and future educators in Egypt will allow me to share Shippensburg University’s strong traditions in teacher preparation while learning from innovative approaches that highlight our universal dedication to preparing teachers who will teach children who are the future of our world.”
Royce is a life-long supporter of cross-cultural exchange in education. She has previously worked with schools and teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and has visited Egypt twice before, most recently in January. These experiences have helped her appreciate education across the region.
“I have been learning Arabic for the last 2.5 years and hope to expand my fluency with the language while there,” Royce noted. While Ain Shams University largely teaches in English, Royce believes that language learning is vital to forming meaningful connections while abroad.
Beyond her work at Ship, Royce is a national leader in science education. She formerly served as the president of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), where she continues to contribute as a columnist for Science and Children through her “Teaching Through Trade Books” feature and as a co-author of the monthly blog, From Chalkboards to AI. With over 135 publications, Royce is dedicated to improving teacher education and integrating children’s literature into science instruction and exploring the use of digital tools in the classroom.
Royce also serves on the Board of Trustees for Valley Forge Military Academy & College and leads professional development sessions around the world. Her research interests spans across STEM education, instructional technology and international learning, which all contribute to her earning a Fulbright.
As she prepares to start at Ains Shams this February, she reflects on the overall mission of her work.
“The Fulbright represents an investment in the belief that education is the bridge that connects cultures,” she said. “By working together, we not only improve how we teach but also strengthen the understanding that learning is a shared human endeavor.”
While in Egypt, Royce hopes to build strong academic partnerships and return to Ship with knowledge that will build the campus community.
“Every classroom, whether in Pennsylvania or Cairo, holds the same potential – to inspire future generations, Royce said. “That shared goal is what makes education such a powerful force for connection and change.”
