Metrology Outreach and Training: A Fulbright Experience in Mexico

Abstract

2016 was an exciting year for international collaboration on metrology education and training. This paper provides a 3-part look at how a Fulbright Specialist grant supported collaboration between the United States and Mexico. Part 1 describes the experience of Georgia Harris (NIST)as a Fulbright Specialist, from the application process to the implementation activities in Mexico and shares insight about lessons learned and benefits to NIST. In Part 2, Flora Mercader and Adriana Veraza describe the application process within the University to obtain approvals for the grant, the implementation process, how additional parties were engaged for participation, some immediate benefits, some expected long-term impacts, and lessons learned. Part 3 includes Salvador Echeverria's description of CENAM’s involvement in the courses conducted at the University as well as the sessions held at CENAM, immediate benefits that were observed, and provides insight for ongoing collaboration for metrology education and training in Mexico. Recommendations and additional ideas for international collaboration and future work on measuring the impact of collaborative efforts are proposed.