Pace University Professor Christelle Scharff Receives Fulbright Award to Senegal

Third Fulbright recognition for Scharff, following previous awards in 2012 and 2019

Christelle Scharff, PhD, professor of computer science in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Through the award, Scharff will complete a project at Université Numérique Cheikh Hamidou Kane (UN-CHK) in Senegal focused on advancing knowledge exchange in artificial intelligence and strengthening international academic partnerships. The initiative will support collaborative research, educational programming, and training activities benefiting participants, institutions, and communities 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 PhD in symbolic artificial intelligence from the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (INRIA). Her research focuses on artificial intelligence, global software engineering, and information and communication technologies for development. She has received competitive funding from the National Science Foundation, IBM, Microsoft, VentureWell, and Google, and previously served as a Fulbright Scholar in Senegal in 2012 and 2019.

“Professor Scharff’s Fulbright Specialist award reflects both her global scholarly impact and Pace University’s deep commitment to advancing innovation through artificial intelligence,” said Alison Carr-Chellman, PhD, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “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 award comes at a pivotal moment for Pace University. The University recently announced it will become the first institution in Westchester County to offer a dedicated Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, launching in fall 2026.

The program reflects Pace’s long-standing leadership in AI research, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary innovation. It complements the University’s AI Lab—opened in 2024 in the newly constructed 15 Beekman building in Lower Manhattan , and its two graduate programs, the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

“Scharff’s longstanding engagement in Senegal and her leadership in AI research exemplify the Seidenberg School’s global and interdisciplinary approach,” said Dr. Li-Chou Chen, dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “This recognition further elevates Pace’s role as a hub for cutting-edge AI research and meaningful international partnerships.”

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative and operates in more than 160 countries. Since its establishment in 1946, more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and scientists have participated in Fulbright exchanges designed to build lasting global connections and address shared international challenges.