Jon Titus's Botswana Fulbright is topic of International Brown Bag Dec. 5

A year spent living and teaching in Botswana as a Fulbright scholar will be shared by Biology professor Jon Titus, left, at the International Brown Bag Luncheon on Monday, Dec. 5, noon to 12:50 p.m., at the Fenton Hall English Reading Room.

His talk, “Giving and Receiving: An Education in Southern Africa,” will explore the culture along with the ups and downs of living in Botswana, a landlocked nation renowned for stunning wildlife, remarkable economic and political transformation. It’s also the backdrop for the wildly popular “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” episodic novel series by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith.

Botswana is the world’s leading source of blood-free diamonds, which makes free health care and education possible, but it also has the world’s highest HIV rate. Titus will discuss his teaching experience at the University of Botswana, what it’s like to interact with colleagues and students, conduct research and also present a small slice of the country’s amazing plant and animal diversity.

Titus will also outline the Fulbright application process and explain his choice of Botswana.

Drinks will be provided; those attending may bring their own lunch or snack.