AFGHANISTAN & TUNISIA , AFRICA
Perceptions about the credibility of elections matter — in the United States and around the world . Stakes are especially high where democracy is a new concept and a lack of trust in elections could undermine stability in the entire region .
Research by Lauren Prather of the School of Global Policy and Strategy has shown how election observers in Tunisia can shape perceptions of the political process , while political scientist Clark Gibson ( pictured at left in Afghanistan ) has shown how modern communications technology can enhance democratic participation and suppress fraud , disruption and voter intimidation .
MOZAMBIQUE , AFRICA
Robert “ Chip ” Schooley , MD , is spearheading an extensive research and training program in southern Africa , where more than 100 UC San Diego School of Medicine residents and fellows have trained alongside African trainees . The UC San Diego program is unique because it also brings Mozambican physicians to San Diego to engage in the U . S . medical education system . Key aspects of the American system have been incorporated into Mozambican training to enhance its abilty to train the next generation of physicians , scientists and medical educators .
BERMUDA , CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
The Caribbean seafloor teems with shipwrecks that document a seafaring era long gone . Now using advanced underwater , aerial and satellite imaging tools , UC San Diego researchers will record shipwrecks and related artifacts in Bermuda ’ s shallow waters to construct interactive 3-D recreations of sunken archaeological sites that allow for further study without removing artifacts or disturbing delicate ecosystems . Dive through a variety of sunken ships at tritonmag . com / shipwreck TRITONMAG . COM 35