For years, Philip Robinson has been fascinated by the history of Irish people migrating to the southern United States. As a Fulbright Scholar from Northern Ireland visiting at Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine, he became a temporary migrant himself, expanding his professional knowledge while satisfying some of his historical curiosity.
A government veterinary epidemiologist in Belfast, Robinson is at MSU to learn about research in the United States related to diseases in cows. In addition to working alongside MSU researchers, Robinson has visited other veterinary schools to speak as a guest lecturer.
When Robinson arrived at MSU last January, he brought his wife and three children to experience Mississippi State and Southern hospitality. Among their many culinary discoveries, he said, they count catfish. "We've enjoyed many traditional Southern foods not found in Northern Ireland," he said.
His experience in the United States has opened another part of the world for him. He and his family have visited many parts of the nation, from Kansas to Virginia; however, he has a preference for one university in the United States.
"I'm a Bulldog," he said, speaking recently at the Wise Center. "My wife and I cheered MSU on in Humphrey Coliseum when MSU beat Ole Miss in basketball. We were as happy as anyone in the crowd."