My NUS Fellowship Experience: A Journey of Support, Collaboration, and Cultural Immersion
Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, PhD
Associate Professor, University of the Philippines Manila and Research Fellow, Centre for English Language Communication
My 12-month stint as a research fellow at the Centre for English Language Communication (CELC) in 2024 was a most delightful, productive, and unforgettable experience for me. This well-endowed fellowship has provided me with such a supportive environment that allowed me to carry out my tasks effectively, enabling me to temporarily shift focus from teaching and administrative duties to dedicate time to research. This fellowship also Honored me the chance to receive mentorship by working alongside Dr. Gene Navera, who pursues research in the areas of rhetoric and critical discourse studies. Indeed, the CELC has been a steadfastly supportive, stimulating sanctuary for scholarly work--the dynamic management team, renowned faculty, and dedicated staff have all contributed to my meaningful experience as a fellow (not to mention that I was provided with my own workspace, too!). Top-notch facilities, state-of-the-art libraries, and budget-friendly canteens located within a sprawling campus have been contributing factors in providing a highly conducive atmosphere for academic work.
Additionally, this research fellowship also provided professional development opportunities through access to events, seminars, and workshops, fostering collaboration and networking prospects. Being able to attend events within and outside NUS has allowed me the chance to listen to experts as well as meet other scholars from various fields, allowing me to expand my professional and even personal connections. I was also able to share my research and advocacy on some occasions, such as being invited to deliver a talk at the National Gallery Singapore on analyzing images of Filipino women in colonial photography (based on my doctoral dissertation) and proposing a panel on perspectives on Filipino women for the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute Philippine Studies program, where I was able to present my research as one of the speakers in a webinar. The network I was able to build during this fellowship has also paved the way for upcoming collaborative projects, thus enabling me to expand my knowledge and network while also offering a platform to share my insights with others.
Lastly, this fellowship also allowed me to immerse myself in Singapore's rich and diverse culture. Being able to live in another country for one year gave me the chance to explore a different culture and compare it with my own experiences back home. It provided me with a firsthand experience of its cultural norms that allowed me to draw inferences on the diversity that characterizes the Southeast Asian region. From choping at hawker centres to using the highly efficient transportation system, living in Singapore has enhanced my perspective and enriched my experience, adding significant value to my role as an area studies professor at my home university.
I hope more academics like me will have the privilege of experiencing this fellowship opportunity not only for professional growth but for cultural enrichment and personal development as well.
About the author:
Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, or Doti, is an Associate Professor with the Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila. Her research interest explores representations of Filipino women in both text and images and has contributed extensively to the field through numerous scholarly works. As a dedicated educator, Doti fosters an engaging and inclusive learning environment, encouraging students to critically analyze the roles of marginalized sectors, especially women, in history and society. Beyond academia, she is also involved in public service by advocating for women's rights and gender equality through trainings and consultancies. She was a recipient of the 2023 NUS Research Fellows Programme (Southeast Asia) where she investigated the rhetoric of Filipina suffragists in the early 20th century.