South Dakota Mines Professor Brings Geology Expertise to Kenya
In a pioneering endeavor, Sarah Wheeler Keenan, Ph.D., associate professor at South Dakota Mines, is set to play a pivotal role in advancing geological education on an international stage. Selected by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, Dr. Keenan will spend a month at Taita Taveta University in Voi, Kenya, a project that aligns with South Dakota’s expanding global academic footprint.
South Dakota Mines and International Collaboration
South Dakota Mines, recognized for its excellence in geology and geological engineering, is once again at the forefront of international academic collaboration. Dr. Keenan’s upcoming mission to Kenya highlights the university’s commitment to extending its expertise beyond national borders, fostering educational and cultural exchanges that benefit both institutions involved.
Dr. Keenan’s Fulbright Specialist opportunity was serendipitously discovered during a visit to Suriname in the spring of 2024. This visit was part of a broader initiative with the South Dakota National Guard’s State Partnership Program, emphasizing the university’s active participation in diverse international programs.
The Journey to Kenya
Voi, Kenya, nestled between the renowned Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, is known for its rich biodiversity. It is here that Dr. Keenan will lend her expertise to design one of Kenya’s few underground geology programs. This initiative is essential for the region as it connects educational outcomes with the local industry’s demand, primarily driven by mining and agriculture.
The program at Taita Taveta University is particularly noteworthy because it aims to integrate a strong ecological component, ensuring that graduates are not only equipped with technical skills but also with a deep understanding of the environmental impacts of their work.
Designing a Curriculum for the Future
Dr. Keenan’s work will begin with designing a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum tailored to the local workforce’s needs. Her approach includes conducting detailed surveys of local industries, identifying critical skills required in mining, agriculture, and related fields. By aligning the curriculum with these findings, the program aims to produce graduates who are ready to meet regional challenges.
In collaboration with the faculty and staff at Taita Taveta University, Dr. Keenan’s expertise will be crucial in shaping a modern, workforce-ready academic program. This includes integrating the university’s resources strategically to build a sound educational foundation.
Establishing Long-term Partnerships
Beyond curriculum development, a significant aspect of Dr. Keenan’s mission is to lay the groundwork for a sustainable partnership between South Dakota Mines and Taita Taveta University. This collaboration intends to involve future teaching, research, and faculty exchanges, solidifying ties that will benefit both university communities.
“Taita Taveta University asked not only for curriculum support but also for help forging a sustainable partnership with a U.S. institution,” Dr. Keenan remarked. “I’m excited to continue working with them as they implement the program and expand opportunities for students.”
The Fulbright Program: A Gateway to Innovation
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has been the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative, spanning more than 160 countries with over 400,000 participants. The program annually engages more than 400 U.S. citizens to share their knowledge and foster international collaborations. This initiative positions the United States as a leader in educational innovation and cultural exchange.
Dr. Keenan’s selection for the Fulbright Specialist Program is a testament to her academic and professional achievements, reflecting her commitment to building cross-cultural partnerships. Her project in Kenya exemplifies the spirit of the Fulbright mission, paving the way for transformative educational experiences across borders.
Looking Ahead
The new undergraduate geology program at Taita Taveta University is set to launch by the fall of 2026, aiming to be only the second of its kind in Kenya. Dr. Keenan’s Fulbright Specialist term will conclude in 2027, after which she may pursue additional international projects, continuing to illuminate the path for future academic exchanges from South Dakota Mines.
For further information about the Fulbright Program, visit eca.state.gov/fulbright or reach out to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Press Office via ECA-Press@state.gov.