Christelle Scharff, PhD, a professor of computer science at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, according to a March 18 announcement.
The award will allow Scharff to work on a project at Université Numérique Cheikh Hamidou Kane in Senegal, focusing on knowledge exchange in artificial intelligence and building international academic partnerships. The initiative aims to support collaborative research, educational programming, and training activities that benefit participants and institutions in both the United States and Senegal.
“I am honored to continue collaborating with colleagues in Senegal through the Fulbright Specialist Program,” Scharff said. “Artificial intelligence has the power to address global challenges, and this partnership creates opportunities for shared research, innovation, and meaningful impact across borders.”
Scharff holds a doctorate in symbolic artificial intelligence from the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation. Her research covers artificial intelligence, global software engineering, and information technologies for development. She has previously served as a Fulbright Scholar in Senegal in 2012 and 2019.
Alison Carr-Chellman, PhD, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Pace University said: “Professor Scharff’s Fulbright Specialist award reflects both her global scholarly impact and Pace University’s deep commitment to advancing innovation through artificial intelligence. Her work strengthens international collaboration, expands access to AI knowledge, and exemplifies the kind of engaged, future-focused scholarship that defines Pace’s academic mission.”
The recognition comes as Pace University prepares to launch Westchester County’s first dedicated Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence starting fall 2026. This new program adds to existing offerings such as the university’s AI Lab—opened in 2024—and two graduate programs focused on artificial intelligence.
Dr. Li-Chou Chen, dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems said: “Scharff’s longstanding engagement in Senegal and her leadership in AI research exemplify the Seidenberg School’s global and interdisciplinary approach. This recognition further elevates Pace’s role as a hub for cutting-edge AI research and meaningful international partnerships.”
The Fulbright Program is recognized as the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative operating in more than 160 countries since its establishment in 1946.
