Grantees AY 2025-2026

Fulbright Slovak Students

Timea Ema Krajčovičová

Home Institution: Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Electrical Engineering

Host Institution: Drexel University

Fulbright Project Focus: 2D materials

Timea previously studied chemistry for 6 years before transitioning to semiconductor physics and she is hoping hery Fulbright experience will help advance her as she establish herself in a new field of study. Her works have been awarded at student conferences "Chemistry is Life" and "ADEPT" - Advances in Electronic and Photonic Technologies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Her hobbies include hiking, pottery and listening to music.

Timea Ema Krajčovičová

Dominika Moravčíková

Home Institution: Charles University, Faculty of Arts, Institute of Musicology, Prague, Czech Republic

Host Institution: The University of Chicago, Illinois

Fulbright Project Focus: Ethnomusicological research on music learning among Roma youth in Slovakia

Dominika Moravčíková is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Musicology, Charles University. Her PhD project investigates music education for disadvantaged Roma children and youth in Slovakia in the framework of gift, reciprocity, social geography, and environmental justice. Dominika is a published author of poetry and fiction, and her works have received several awards. As an art curator, she has developed unique interdisciplinary projects and art shows. Dominika will be undertaking her Fulbright fellowship at the University of Chicago's Department of Music.

Dominika Moravčíková

Michaela Szittyaiová

Home Institution: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Faculty of Law, Department of Civil Law

Host Institution: Georgetown University - Law Center

Fulbright Project Focus: Law: Comparative research of civil appeal

Michaela is a PhD student at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, researching civil procedure with a focus on layperson access to justice. As a Fulbright Scholar at Georgetown University Law Center, she is conducting comparative research on appellate procedure to improve accessibility and fairness. She actively fosters international cooperation in the V4 and beyond, among others including a research stay at the University of Cambridge and a summer course at Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas. Currently, she is starting a parallel PhD program in Budapest.

Michaela Szittyaiová

Fulbright U.S. Student

Andersen Herman

Home Institution: Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, USA

Host Institution: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences in Košice

Fulbright Project Focus: Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy to fight antibacterial resistance and cancers

Andersen received a Chemistry degree from Salisbury University. His research during his Fulbright grant focuses on Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy to fight antibacterial resistance and cancers. In 2025, he received the Gilman, Critical Language, Boren, and Fulbright scholarships. Andersen was in Tanzania learning Swahili as a critical language. He would love to continue learning Swahili. He wants to be a physician. Andersen is excited to try activities such as hiking and skiing in Slovakia, even though he has not skied before.

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Andersen Herman

Fulbright English Teaching Assistants

Mia Bingaman

Home Institution: University of Arkansas, Arkansas, USA

Major & Minor: Psychology & German

Host Institution: Gymnazium Dominika Tatarku, Považká Bystrica,

Mia graduated from the University of Arkansas, where she researched neurodivergence, cannabinoids, anxiety, and trauma. She worked as a writing consultant and delighted in interacting one-on-one with students. She aims to pursue a career that combines her love for teaching, psychology, writing, art, and working with young children. She is passionate about art, food, music, yoga, and nature. She looks forward to cultivating relationships with her students and learning more about Slovak artists.

Mia Bingaman

Sophia Cassa

Home Institution: Rollins College, Florida, USA

Major & Minor: English

Host Institution: Obchodná akadémia sv. Tomáša Akvinského, Žilina

Sophia graduated college in May 2025 and is going to be an English Teaching Assistant in Žilina, Slovakia. Sophia has taught international students at Columbia University thought a pre-college program called "College Edge" and looks forward to teaching more students during her time in Slovakia. She loves traveling, hiking, and trying new foods. She cannot wait to learn and create new memories during her time abroad.

Sophia Cassa

Sofia DaCruz

Home Institution: Syracuse University, New York, USA

Majors & Minor: The Cultural Foundations of Education, Citizenship and Civic Engagement, Women’s and Gender Studies & Atrocity Studies and the Practices of Social Justice

Host Institution: Gymnázium Púchov

Sofia is a recent graduate of Syracuse University where she worked at a local refugee organization as their Women’s Empowerment coordinator, organizing educational programs for women and girls. Through this experience Sofia developed a passion for cross-cultural connection that she will continue pursuing at Gymnázium Púchov. Sofia also studied abroad in Wrocław, Poland where she explored storytelling as a way of developing intergenerational bonds. Sofia is excited to dive into learning about the history and culture of Slovakia.

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Sofia DaCruz

Sadie DeShon

Home Institution: Liberty University, Virginia, USA

Major & Minor: History & Teaching English as a Second Language

Host Institution: Obchodná Akadémia, Senica

Sadie is originally from Chandler, Arizona, and is a graduate of Liberty University, where she studied history and TESL. She served as an English Teaching Assistant at Obchodná Akadémia in Senica this past school year and is delighted to be returning to her role there in September 2025. In her second year in Slovakia, Sadie is most excited to deepen her connections with friends, students, and colleagues in Senica; increase her current "castle count"; and eat as many Horalky wafers as possible!

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Sadie DeShon

Kate Howell

Home Institution: Butler University, Indiana, USA

Major & Minor: Social Studies Education & History

Host Institution: Gymnázium Ľudovít Štúra, Zvolen

Kate is delighted to serve as an English Teaching Assistant at Gymnázium Ľudovít Štúra in Zvolen. She is originally from Barrington, Illinois and recently graduated from Butler University. While in Slovakia, Kate is eager to facilitate English language learning and cultural exchange while deepening her understanding of the country's rich culture and history. Kate is passionate about nature, the arts, and food and cannot wait to explore these interests during her time in Slovakia.

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Kate Howell

Hayley Hunter

Home Institution: Arizona State University-Tempe, Arizona, USA

Majors & Minor: Sustainable Food Systems, International Affairs

Host Institution: Stredná odborná škola veterinárna, Nitra

Hayley holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Georgia, with a minor in Horticulture and a Certificate in Sustainability. She has experience in farming, community food security, and youth education, most recently as garden coordinator at a non-profit where she taught children and families of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Hayley looks forward to teaching English in Slovakia and exploring its culture and natural beauty. She enjoys knitting in her free time.

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Hayley Hunter

Helena Kucera

Home Institution: Alma College, Michigan, USA

Major & Minor: Political Science & Psychology

Host Institution: Stredná priemyselná škola Jozefa Murgaša

As a Political Science student at Alma College, I have developed a passion for global engagement and service. I spent three summers in Tanzania volunteering with an NGO supporting children with cerebral palsy and their families, and one summer in Sierra Leone assisting children affected by Ebola. My independent research on refugee protection in the context of the war in Ukraine was inspired by these experiences. I enjoy hiking, exploring historic architecture, and collecting rocks, and look forward to connecting with students in Slovakia.

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Helena Kucera

Emily Kujan

Home Institution: Florida Southern College, Florida, USA

Major & Minor: Elementary Education

Host Institution: Via Humana Skalica

Emily has had the opportunity to teach in diverse roles, including teacher, assessment consultant, and interventionist. Looking ahead, her goal is to become an education policy analyst, contributing to meaningful improvements in educational systems through data-driven research and policy development. During this experience, she is especially excited to learn about the Slovak education system, deepen her understanding of her family’s Slovak heritage, and explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural richness that Slovakia has to offer.

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Emily Kujan

Jonah Montgomery

Home Institution: University of Portland, Oregon, USA

Major & Minor: Economics & Political Science

Host Institution: GObchodná akadémia, Trebišov

Jonah Montgomery graduated from the University of Portland in 2024, where he studied Economics, Political Science, and Global Affairs. Over the past year, he taught Mathematics at a high school in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. He enjoys skiing, hiking, playing soccer (football), running, and reading. Jonah looks forward to meeting the community of Trebišov, including his students and colleagues, and to exploring Slovakia’s beautiful geography and rich traditions.

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Jonah Montgomery

Tyler Moore

Home Institution: BVillanova University, Pennsylvania, USA

Majors & Minor: Economics and Political Science

Host Institution: Gymnázium Antona Bernoláka, Námestovo

Tyler graduated from Villanova University in May 2025 with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. At Villanova he was senior director of Admitted Students Day, worked in the Office of the President, served as a new student orientation counselor, and wrote for the student newspaper. Tyler is eager to embrace the Slovak culture, especially hiking and skiing. In the future, he plans to pursue a master's degree and a career in higher education administration.

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Tyler Moore

Maria Murinova

Home Institution: University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

Major & Minor: Program of Liberal Studies & Pre-Health

Host Institution: Stredná zdravotnícka škola, Prešov

Maria recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame's Program of Liberal Studies, with a supplemental major in Pre-Professional (Medical) Studies. While studying abroad, she loved experiencing other cultures and is excited to continue doing so through the Fulbright program. Her father’s family is Slovak, but she has not lived in Slovakia since she was young, so this year she is most looking forward to reconnecting with her Slovak heritage. Her hobbies include reading, knitting, dancing, traveling, hiking, and soccer.

Maria Murinova

Robert Novak

Home Institution: College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts, USA

Major & Minor: Philosophy & General Chemistry

Host Institution: Stredná odborná škola stavebná, Nové Zámky

Robert was born in shanghai China and moved to America at the age of 7. His father is a second generation American who hails from Slovakia, and his mother is a first generation America from China. Robert loves basketball, being outdoors, and spending good time with friends. He plans to start medical school in 2026. In Nove Zamky, he plans to organize an English club that is structured around fun activities.

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Robert Novak

Madison Teres Rogers

Home Institution: Nicholls State University, Louisiana, USA

Major & Minor: Art Education

Host Institution: Gymnázium Karola Štúra, Modra

Madison is from Cut Off, Louisiana. She recently graduated from Nicholls State University with a BFA in Art, concentrating in Art Education and minoring in Art History. Madison aims to use her background in fine art to help facilitate meaningful language learning and cultural exchange. As painting and ceramics specialist, while at Nicholls, she is also excited to explore Modra’s native art forms. In her free time she likes to attend art museums, draw in her sketchbook, and explore new cuisines.

Madison Teres Rogers

Isabel Rushton

Home Institution: University of Iowa, Iowa, USA

Major & Minor: Global Health Studies

Host Institution: Stredná zdravotnícka škola, Košice

Isabel Rushton was born and raised in Eastern Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Global Health Studies. She has studied abroad in Mexico and Indonesia and is excited to share the spirit of international education with her students in Slovakia. After her Fulbright experience, she plans to attend graduate school for law and public health. This year, she is especially looking forward to exploring Slovakia’s museums, learning some Slovak, and meeting her students.

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Isabel Rushton

Fulbright Slovak Scholars

Tibor Petrov

Home Institution: Department of International Research Projects - ERAdiate+, University of Žilina

Host Institution: The George Washington University, Washington DC

Fulbright Project Focus: Simulation Models for Vulnerable Road Users in Connected Vehicles Environment

Tibor Petrov is a researcher in Intelligent Transport Systems at the Department of International Research Projects - ERAdiate+, University of Žilina, Slovakia. He holds a MSc. (2015) and PhD. (2018) degrees in Telecommunications. His research activities include computer modelling of Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS), performance assessment of C-ITS services and vehicular and cellular communication network protocols.

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Tibor Petrov

Zuzana Poláčková

Home Institution: Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences

Host Institution: University of California, Center for Poverty & Inequality Research, Davis

Fulbright Project Focus: Employers' strategies for employing people disadvantaged in the labor market, with an emphasis on people living in generational poverty.

Her research focuses on employment, social inclusion, public services, the social economy, innovation, and regional development. She works with public institutions, NGOs, and international bodies, and has co-authored key policy documents and legislative proposals. Previously, she held roles at the Slovak Government’s Roma Office, the Ministry of Labour, and UNDP. She also serves on boards and advisory committees of NGOs and foundations and is an elected member of the Municipal Council in Rajec.

Zuzana Poláčková

Barbara Šalingová

Home Institution: Clinical research unit, 5. Clinic of Internal medicine, University Hospital Bratislava, Faculty of Medicine, Commenius University

Host Institution: Stanford Cardiovascular institute, Stanford University, California, USA

Fulbright Project Focus: Biomedicine, Cardiovascular Reseach / Role of Prions in Cardiomyopathy

Barbara studied in Czech Republic and COVID returned her to Slovakia. Two years ago she was awarded prestigeous MSCA-PF fellowship, which allowed her to pursue her research passion in a high-tech envinronment in the Netherlands. Her research interest is stem cells and heart development, especialy the process of cells recognising their fate, function and place in the human body. It is her privilage to pursue her passion with the greatest minds in cardiovascular research at Stanford University for the next 6 months.

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Barbara Šalingová

Michal Vaněk

Home Institution: Slovak National Museum - Museum of Jewish Culture

Host Institution: John Brown University, Arkansas, USA

Fulbright Project Focus: Museum Studies / History of Holocaust

Michal recieved his M.A. degree at the UNESCO World Heritage Studies of BTU Cottbus and Doctorate from the Comenius University in Bratislava. Since 2009, he works at the Museum of Jewish Culture. He is an author of several internationally acclaimed exhibitions related to the development of Jewish sport. In 2021, his exhibition Football Under the Swastika, recieved a Julius Hirsch Preis from the German Football Federation. In the same year, he became director of the Museum.

Michal Vaněk

Fulbright U.S. Scholars

Jonathan Chilcote

Home Institution: Florida College, Social and Behavioral Science Department, USA

Host Institution: Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Matej Bel University, Banska Bystrica

Fulbright Project Focus: U.S. Foreign Relations and American Culture

Jonathan is an Associate Professor of History at Florida College, where he teaches and conducts research on U.S. foreign relations. At Matej Bel University, his work will focus on exploring how foreign relations and culture interact, specifically, how core American ideals influence global action and how world events shape the United States. He is eager for the opportunity to learn from Slovak students, collaborate with the faculty at Matej Bel, and deepen his understanding of the close connections between Slovaks and Americans.

Jonathan Chilcote

Benjamin B. Olshin

Home Institution: Bryn Mawr College

Host Institution: Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave

Fulbright Project Focus: Homo sapiens to Homo faber: Design as 'Making Meaning'

Dr. Olshin is a Research Associate at Bryn Mawr College. He has worked all over the world in industrial design, art, history, and philosophy. His Fulbright project is "Homo sapiens to Homo faber: Design as 'Making Meaning'", on how humans use design to "make sense" of the world. He will work in the Faculty of Architecture and Design at STUBA. His most recent book is Lost Knowledge: The Concept of Vanished Technologies and Other Human Histories.

Benjamin B. Olshin

Glenn Stuart Perkins

Home Institution: Greensboro History Museum, North Carolina, USA

Host Institution: Bratislava City Museum, Bratislava

Fulbright Project Focus: City Museums, Civic Spaces (Museum Studies)

Glenn works as Curator of Community History at the Greensboro History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate and part of the municipal government in North Carolina’s third-largest city. He also serves as Chair of CAMOC, the International Council of Museums committee for city museums around the world. Blooloop recognized him as one of its 50 global Museum Influencers for 2022. He holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Greensboro, and Columbia University. Glenn enjoys music, cycling, walking, cooking, and exploring new places.

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Glenn Stuart Perkins

Shelbey Rosengarten

Home Institution: St. Petersburg College, Florida, USA

Host Institution: Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra

Fulbright Project Focus: A Comparison of writing instruction in the digital age

Shelbey Rosengarten is a professor of composition and literature. She has extensively experimented with instructional technology, currently focusing on generative AI. Her courses emphasize creative thinking and experiential learning with an eye toward thoughtful use of technology. But her first love is the work of the nature poets. From early in her courses, she encourages her students to cultivate a relationship with the outdoors. She looks forward to exploring Slovakia and its natural beauty.

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Shelbey Rosengarten

Proshek-Fulbright Scholarship grantees

Kristína Danková

Home Institution: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Faculty of Medicine

Host Institution: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA

Fulbright Project Focus: Our research focuses on the role of mitochondrial metabolism in chemoresistant ovarian cancer.

Kristína is currently a PhD student in Medical Pharmacology at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, balancing research, teaching, and clinical practice. Her doctoral work focuses on the role of the erythropoietin receptor in ovarian cancer cells, exploring its influence on treatment effectiveness and chemoresistance. She is passionate about embracing new opportunities and challenges, and about contributing to meaningful projects. She enjoys travelling and always looks for new learning opportunities.

Kristína Danková

Andrej Lasica

Home Institution: Department of Neurology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague

Host Institution: Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota

Fulbright Project Focus: Neuronal energy metabolism in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders: Transfer of advanced methodology

Andrej is a Ph.D. candidate and his research is focused on neuroimaging of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. His Fulbright project is focused on measurement of neurometabolic changes occurring naturally during ageing and in brains affected by Parkinson’s disease. His host institution will be the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Andrej enjoys reading, cooking and playing video games in his free time, and is excited to explore the city and the culture in Minneapolis.

Andrej Lasica

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow

Eva Frantová

Home Institution: Petit Press, a.s./Denník SME

Host Institution: Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona

Program Focus: Journalism and Mass Communication

Eva is a reporter and podcast host. She won a Journalist Award 2023 from the Open Society Foundation for the special podcast episode dedicated to the misuse of coal mining by the Slovak government. The aim of her H. Humphrey Fellowship is to explore effective strategies to rebuild public trust in mainstream media through podcasts and to reach audiences outside the traditional media bubble. Also, as a warm weather lover, she looks forward to spending a year in the Arizona desert and immersing herself in its beautiful nature.

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Eva Frantová

Martin Mňahončák

Home Institution: TENENET NGO, Dept. of Science, research and innovation, Senec

Host Institution: Emory University, Georgia, USA

Program Focus: Public Health Policy & Management, MHPSS (Mental Health Psycho-Social Services)

With Experience in crisis management, public service and nonprofit knowledge Martin leads TENENET delivering integrated health and social services as key expert of national standards for MHPSS. As a member of various national councils focusing on strengthening health and social systems, expanding outpatient care and implementing case management models tailored to regional specifics. He would like to explore effective strategies in health system design, family medicine and participatory policymaking to improve accessibility, quality, and sustainability of complexed services in Slovakia.

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Martin Mňahončák

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Grantees

Zuzana Polónyová

Home Institution: Gymnazium Pavla Jozefa Šafárika, Rožňava, Slovakia

Host Institution: University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA

Zuzana holds a degree in English Language and Literature and completed a two-year pedagogical qualification program. Since 2004, she has been teaching English at the Grammar School in Rožňava and has extensive experience in teacher training, language courses, and STANAG exam preparation. Her professional interests include innovative language teaching, international collaboration, and student development, reflected in her long-term involvement in eTwinning projects with multiple national and European awards.

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Zuzana Polónyová

Janka Potančoková

Home Institution: Evanjelické gymnázium Tisovec

Host Institution: University of Northern Colorado, Colorado, USA

Janka teaches English and World history at a bilingual high school in a small town in the middle part of Slovakia. She has a degree in Linguistics from Middlesex university in London, a Masters in Translation studies from the Matej Bel university in Banská Bystrica and another one in History. Before teaching she'd enjoyed a career in the hospitality business in London. In Colorado she hopes to explore the outdoors as much as possible and she would love to participate in some local running competition.

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Janka Potančoková

Ján Šajtlava

Home Institution: Secondary Vocational School of Mechanical Engineering, Považská Bystrica

Host Institution: University of North Dakota, North Dakota, USA

Ján is a teacher at the Secondary Vocational School of Mechanical Engineering in Považská Bystrica, Slovakia, where he has been teaching physics, computer science, English, and German since 2003. His professional interests extend to modern pedagogical approaches and integrating cutting-edge technologies. He participates in EU-funded projects and Erasmus+ program. He looks forward to co-teaching in a US high school and at the same time learning about modern teaching trends at his host university.

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Ján Šajtlava