Masko receives Fulbright Award

Amy Masko, assistant professor of English at Grand Valley State University, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to teach at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana and continue her research on home and school cultural congruence.

Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Masko is among 1,100 U.S. Fulbright Scholars who will travel abroad this year, and one of four traveling to Ghana.

“Grand Valley has a strong association with the University of Cape Coast and I look forward to this opportunity to broaden my research with an international context,” said Masko.

While English is the national language, it is the second language of most residents. Among the most common tribal languages are Twi and Ga. Masko anticipates that studying post-colonial Ghana, with more than 50 ethnic groups living within its national borders, will not only give her insight into ways schools contribute to or hinder cultural congruence, but also intercultural national and ethnic relationships.

In addition to her research, Masko will be teaching classes in the English Department at the University of Cape Coast. She hopes to gain insights to bring back to her classes at Grand Valley, which often investigate home and school cultures.

Masko, a native of Grand Haven, has been teaching at Grand Valley for six years. In August, Masko’s husband and four children, ages 5-10, will accompany her to Ghana, where they will live for the next year.

“My children are both nervous and excited,” said Masko. “They’re hoping to learn some African drumming and my 7-year-old is excited to improve his soccer skills.”

Media may contact Masko at [email protected].