September 9, 2025 — Dr. Duy Nguyen, Associate Professor in Marist University’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics, was recently awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for Summer 2026. Dr. Nguyen will spend six weeks in Vietnam, sharing his expertise in mathematics to foster international collaboration in the field of statistics.

During his 42-day residency, Dr. Nguyen will be based in the Department of Mathematics at Vietnam’s International University, part of the National University in Ho Chi Minh City. While there, he’ll teach a course titled Recent Advances in Variational Inference, introducing students to Variational Bayes—a statistical and machine learning method used to approximate complex probability distributions. The course will explore modern techniques in data and machine learning, including how to make predictions using probability, how computers learn from data, and how to improve the accuracy and efficiency of these methods.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to receive a Fulbright grant to visit the International University – Vietnam National University next summer,” said Dr. Nguyen. “I can’t wait to exchange ideas on Variational Bayes and be part of the inspiring collaboration this program makes possible.”

In addition to teaching, Dr. Nguyen will continue his collaborative research with faculty at International University, on several ongoing projects in mathematical statistics. 

“I’m thrilled that yet another national prestigious entity has recognized the excellence of the faculty we have in our School and highlighted the fantastic things that happen at Marist University,” said Dr. Ron Buckmire, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics. “Dr. Nguyen is one of our best and brightest and I am confident he will build on the Fulbright to achieve even more success in the future.”

 
Dr. Duy Nguyen in a classroom in Hancock Center. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Dr. Nguyen, along with Dr. Gissella Bejarano, recently hosted a first-ever Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in mathematics and data science at Marist—made possible by a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

About the Fulbright Program
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international educational exchange initiative. Fulbright alumni have left an indelible mark across a wide range of fields, including Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and dozens of individuals who have served as heads of state or government.