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Past Recipients

2022 International Awards: Susan Wyche John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs Award

Published: Wednesday, 23 Mar 2022 Author: Veronica Gracia-Wing

Susan Wyche • Associate Professor, Department of Media and Information, College of Communication Arts & Sciences

Headshot of Susan Wyche
Susan Wyche

In her role as associate professor in the Department of Media and Information, Susan Wyche contributes to human-computer interaction (HCI) and information communication technology and development (ICTD)—interdisciplinary fields focused on understanding and designing technology. Her research contributions include novel findings about mobile phone and Facebook use in Africa and practical insights regarding their implications for technology design. 

As the 2022 John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs Award recipient, Wyche is certainly making a significant impact on the advancement of international scholarship.

Wyche is interested in developing an understanding of technology use in sub-Saharan Africa that is grounded in people’s experiences. Her research has examined mobile phone, social media, and hand hoe use in this context, primarily in Kenya. She has conducted fieldwork in the country since 2007. Wyche also has a courtesy appointment in MSU’s African Studies Center. 

Wyche's research is funded by awards from Google, Facebook, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She is a 2015 recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award. 

Wyche earned a Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Science from Cornell University, and an undergraduate degree in industrial design from Carnegie Mellon University.  

—An interview with Susan Wyche—
 

What led you to a research career in information and communication technology? 

I have an undergraduate degree in industrial design, so I learned the process of how to design mass-produced products. As my career progressed, I became more interested in the research side of product design; that is, user research. This led me to pursue a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. Although the contexts and types of technologies have varied—understanding people and how they interact with technology (not just information and communication ones)—has been a consistent feature of my career.

People in a classroom watch the lecturer at front speak in front of a projection sreen
Wyche teaching computer science students at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
How does the relationship between human computer interaction and human-centered research methods tie to international engagement? 

I work in a research field that broadly examines how to design technology, a field called human-computer interaction (HCI). Within this field there is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm surrounding technology, especially mobile phones, mostly because access to them has significantly grown in Africa over the last two decades. Technology companies, NGOs, and governments have invested significant resources into developing mobile apps and services to address long-standing socioeconomic problems in African countries (e.g., related to increasing access to health and educational information). However, a benefit of using a human-centered approach is that it has allowed me to understand (some of) the everyday realities that underlie people's interactions with mobile phones and to ask hard questions about whether these apps actually address the problems they are intended to. 

What I have learned is that most people don't use these apps, because the people who designed them do not fully understand the context where these devices are used. For example, just keeping a mobile phone battery charged is challenging for many people living in rural parts of Africa where access to electricity can be inconsistent or non-existent. How can technologists expect people to rely on a device for access to pertinent information, when some struggle just to keep its battery charged?

“I deeply appreciate being affiliated with an institution where there are so many scholars who have years of experience conducting research throughout Africa. This is uncommon, and what I like best about the university. I am a better researcher, and person, because I can learn from past and present Global Spartans.”
How did you develop a global lens in your work?

I first traveled to Kenya while conducting my dissertation research at Georgia Tech and kept returning. I have been conducting fieldwork in the country for more than a decade.

What motivated you to concentrate your work in African communities?

I primarily conduct research in Western Kenya. This has proven to be a useful site for understanding the opportunities and challenges that have accompanied greater access to mobile phones, social media, and so on.

Headshot of Susanne Wyche
Wyche at Ng’iya Market, Siaya, Kenya.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned professionally and personally over the course of your global career?

I wish that I had learned to speak Kiswahili earlier in my career. Language acquisition was not emphasized during my academic training. I am grateful to be at MSU, where I have 1) learned to deeply appreciate the importance of learning how to speak another language; and 2) where I have access to one of— if not the best—Kiswahili instructors in the world; that is, Jonathon Choti, Ph.D.

What do you feel is the most meaningful work you’ve contributed to MSU’s international activities? 

My ability to collaborate with faculty and students from different disciplines—geography, agricultural economics, linguistics, etc. at MSU. 

What do you hope your legacy or impact is in this space, at the university and beyond?

Breaking down the disciplinary silos that exist at MSU and in academia more generally. My hope is that my research will provide an example of how to conduct highly interdisciplinary research that is aligned with this university's strengths.

What role does teaching and mentorship play in your international engagement?

My research benefits from involving African students. I have recruited, and provided funding for, such students at MSU. MSU has a long tradition of educating African students; I am grateful that I can contribute to these efforts.

How has MSU shaped your career and your role as a Global Spartan?

I deeply appreciate being affiliated with an institution where there are so many scholars who have years of experience conducting research throughout Africa. This is uncommon, and what I like best about the university. I am a better researcher, and person, because I can learn from these past and present Global Spartans: Jennifer Olson, Ph.D, Carol Myers-Scotton, Ph.D, Wenda Bauchspies, Ph.D, Chantal Tetreult, Ph.D, Kimberly Chung, Ph.D, and Jamie Monson, Ph.D.


Nominated by: Johannes M. Bauer, Professor, Department of Media and Information; Director, James H. and Mary B. Quello Center, College of Communication Arts & Sciences

“Dr. Wyche’s significant research and teaching achievements reach far beyond the expectations for a scholar at her career stage. Susan has established herself as a leader in information communication technology and development.”
- Johannes M. Bauer

The John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs Award recognizes an early-career faculty member who is making a significant impact on the advancement of international scholarship, teaching, and/or public service and outreach at Michigan State University. 

2024 Award Recipients

 

Headshot of Edward Walker

Edward D. Walker

University Distinguished Professor, Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology


College of Natural Science

 

Ralph H. Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs at MSU

Headshot of Yadu Pokhrel

Yadu Pokhrel

Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering


College of Engineering

 

John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies and Programs

Headshot of Jing Wang

Jing Wang

Ph.D., Physics (1999)


Cofounder and Chairman, FinTell Inc.

 

Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award

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Lei Chen

Ph.D., Statistics (1997)


Managing Director, Head of Fraud Risk for Lending and Fraud Data Science for the Consumer and Community Banking, JPMorgan Chase

 

Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award

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Peter Lemmer

Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel


GreenStone Farm Credit Services

 

Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contributions to International Understanding

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Katie Carline

Ph.D., History (2023)


College of Social Science

 

Gill-Chin Lim Award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Global Studies

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George W. Bird

Professor Emeritus, Department of Entomology

 

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Special Recognition Award for Promoting International Understanding

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Callista B. Rakhmatov

Global Network Specialist


College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy

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Rochisshil Varma

President, International Students Association

 

Undergraduate student, College of Engineering and Honors College

 

Homer Higbee International Education Award

Headshot of Ishwari Kapale

Ishwari Kapale

Vice President, International Students Association

 

Undergraduate student, College of Engineering

 

Homer Higbee International Education Award

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Mary Hennessey

Past Director, Volunteer English Tutoring Program

 

International Studies and Programs

 

Homer Higbee International Education Award

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Gail A. Vander Stoep

Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Community Sustainability

 

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Education Abroad

Headshot of Jonathan Choti

Jonathan Choti

Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures


College of Arts & Letters

 

MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Education Abroad

Headshot of Lisa Tiemann

Lisa Tiemann

Associate Professor, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences


College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Carl K. Eicher International Development Award