Press Release: Pace University Professor Christelle Scharff Receives Fulbright Award to Senegal

Award advances global AI collaboration as Pace launches Westchester County’s first dedicated undergraduate AI degree

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.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.