Fish flies through USA travel talk at Mtunzini
FAMED founder figure at the Unizulu Science Centre, Fulbright Scholar Dr Derek Fish earlier this month held the Mtunzini Talking and Dining Club spellbound in a presentation at Mtunzini Country Club.
Having recently returned from America, his talk: ‘The U.S. and Us – whimsical reflections on a year abroad’, was enjoyed by over 100 locals.
In just under an hour and with 240 slides he comprehensively answered the question everyone has been asking: ‘So, how was the USA?’
At breath-taking speed, he covered visits to 21 science museums, 18 talks given at 10 different universities, seven presentations at five conferences and invaluable academic collaborations, not to mention exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Derek and wife Karen spent nine months of 2023 in Corvallis, Oregon, where he worked with Prof John Falk, a world-leading researcher on museum studies and free-choice learning.
Corvallis is home to Oregon State University which also offered opportunities for collaboration with, and a chance to support their football team.
An extra tenth month was spent travelling and following the Springboks’ road to glory
from North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana and Hawaii.
They enjoyed the company of at least 100 green-shirted Springbok fans in an Irish pub in New Orleans, but celebrated our final victory alone in Hilo, Hawaii.
Highlights were many, but included lecture tours to Puerto Rico and North Carolina, and visits to Maine and Alaska
Derek began and ended his talk with grateful thanks to the US government and Fulbright South Africa for this wonderful, life-changing opportunity.