Dr. Daniel McNeil, professor in the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University# , is the recipient of a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award. He plans to research the psychological and social impact of cross cultural exchanges between the M�?¯ri, the indigenous people of New Zealand, and those who visit them. He will compare how communication and other interactions impact both groups.

As part of his Fulbright, McNeil will help to create a student exchange program with New Zealand in conjunction with Amizade, a not-for-profit, international exchange organization affiliated with WVU . Undergraduate and graduate students will experience cross cultural immersion with M�?¯ri and other New Zealanders providing an opportunity to better understand cross cultural interactions and their impact on both visitors and hosts.

McNeil previously led student groups with Amizade traveling to the Navajo Nation in 2008 and 2009. Working with American Indians through WVU s Native American Studies program led him to propose an exchange program to New Zealand where the relationship between the indigenous M�?¯ri people and the European majority have many similarities to the relationship between Native Americans and majority groups in the United States.

“In a sense, we all are ambassadors from our own cultural groups when we interact with people from various societies and cultures within our own countries and across the world,”McNeil said. He is fascinated by how individuals move across cultural groups, whether they are immigrants entering a new country, citizens crossing borders or locals visiting a different region.

Past research has examined the impact on individuals moving into new cultures, but few studies have looked at the impact reflected on the visited culture.

“With increasing globalization, understanding these psychological processes has application in many areas, including politics, industry, and science,”said McNeil.”While an exciting and enriching experience, travel across nations, and even regions, requires a high level of cognitive and emotional understanding of, and attention to, cultural differences.”

Currently, McNeil is an Eberly Professor of Outstanding Public Service, and holds a professorship in psychology. He also serves several other positions at WVU , including clinical professor in the School of Dentistry, and faculty advisor of the Psi Chi Psychology Honorary and Psychology Club. Prior to joining WVU s Department of Psychology in 1994 as associate professor and director of clinical training for the Adult and Child Clinical Training Programs, he was a faculty member at Oklahoma State University.

McNeil holds a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary psychology and masters and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama. He conducted sabbatical work at the University of Washington in the Department of Dental Public Health Sciences and at the University of Sydney in Australia, which included work with the Aboriginals.

For more information, contact Daniel McNeil at (304) 293-2001 ext. 31622 or Daniel.McNeil@mail.wvu.edu .