Karpyn, who specializes in reservoir characterization, taught graduate and undergraduate students at the National University of Colombia — Medellin, as well as EAFIT University, strengthening research collaborations.
Bringing it home to Penn State
Karpyn and Ayala said they returned with a continuation plan and a renewed drive to better their research and teaching at Penn State.
Goals include inviting students and faculty to Penn State and establishing a continued pipeline between the universities. They also plan to serve as ambassadors for research, pressing and improving collaborations between the two nations.
“Luis and I are trying to sustain and nourish that network; I’ve been appointed to lead a task force for a global engagement network opportunity with Colombia through Global Programs, with about a dozen other Penn State faculty already doing great work in connection with Colombia,” Karpyn said.
Because Penn State plays a key role in the U.S. natural gas boom, its researchers are well suited to help Colombia, Ayala said. Colombia can grow out of the challenges the U.S. faced while Penn State researchers can take even more innovative approaches to problem-solving through the benefit of hindsight.
“It’s a matter of sharing experiences,” said Ayala, who is returning to Colombia to again teach graduate students. “This allows both sides to become more creative, which results in us being able to tackle bigger challenges. When you bring dexterities together, better things come to fruition.”
Their experiences abroad are reshaping their careers at Penn State, too.
Karpyn said she’s revising courses that she’s taught for years because she’s thinking of new approaches.
“Colombia was a great fit because it offered a place where all of our expectations of a memorable Fulbright experience were met,” Karpyn said. “It was a great opportunity for us as a family and professionally. You come back refreshed. You come back with different ideas, a broader perspective of what you can do, a better appreciation for other institutions, other cultures and people. It’s very enriching.”
Ayala said he’s excited about strengthening ties with students and researchers.
“In academia, it’s important to remain inspired and recognize it’s exactly what brought us here,” he said. “The human connections you make are important for students to see that we are here for them. We want them to succeed.”