Grantees AY 2024-2025

Fulbright Slovak Student Program

Dávid Hovančík

Dávid is a Ph.D. candidate in physics at Charles University, in the Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Prague. He specializes in magnetic phenomena, particularly magnetic order in the two-dimensional limit. His Fulbright project focuses on the spectroscopic study of atomically thin van der Waals magnets, aiming to probe quantum correlations between magnetic and other degrees of freedom in reduced dimensions. Dávid will be affiliated with the University of Washington, Seattle. Honors and Awards: Rector's Prize for the exceptional score (1.0) & Dean's Prize for scientific publication - Prešov University. Best Poster Award - Conference on Strongly Correlated Electron Systems, South Korea. Milan Odehnal’s Prize for Young Scientists, Czech Physicists Association.

Mária Novotná

Maria is a PhD student at the Faculty of Architecture and Design at STU Bratislava, where her research focuses on the history of mountain architecture. Her Fulbright project, "Mountain Solitudes," explores the relationship between architecture and mountainous environments, examining how these landscapes are colonized and exploited by architectural practices. Her host institution will be the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver. Maria is interested not only in architectural topics but also in the Anthropocene and other environmental sciences. Part of her research has already been published ("The Mountain Lodge Téry Hut," Architektúra & Urbanizmus, 2022) and has become part of a larger analytical publication (Správa o slovenskej architektúre, 2023).

Michaela Vojníková

Michaela is a PhD candidate in nanosciences at CEITEC Brno University of Technology and a researcher in the Nanomedicine laboratory at Mendel University in Brno. Her research focuses on the development of thernanostic nanoparticles for cancer treatment, which is funded by Brno PhD Talent. For her efforts, she received the CEITEC Director's Award for the best PhD student of the year 2022. Michaela will affiliated with the University of California San Diego in Joseph Wang's laboratories, developing smart nanorobots. This experience will support advancing the multidisciplinary knowledge needed to evolve new oncological therapies.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Gunner Bauer

Gunner is a recent graduate from Lawrence University with a degree in Russian Studies and International Relations. He currently works as a freelance writer in Menomonie, Wisconsin. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, he will work to create cultural ties and enrich the learning atmosphere at Gymnázium Krompachy in eastern Slovakia. He hopes to use exciting source materials from current events, sports news, and world history to help keep curriculum engaging. Gunner is passionate about music, politics, and eastern European history. He is excited to meet and begin working with Slovak students and colleagues. Interests: Music, Language, History.

Mary Beard

Mary Grace Beard grew up in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and is graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a degree in global studies. She previously worked for the Fulbright program in the scholar program and currently works for Church World Service Harrisburg, a refugee resettlement agency, where she organizes the healthcare for all incoming refugees. Mary will be an ETA at Konzervatórium Bratislava. She plans to establish an after-school club, delve into crafts, and volunteer with animal rescues. Passionate about fostering global understanding, Mary sees cultural exchanges as crucial for nurturing peace. She is excited to immerse herself in Slovakia and meet new people.

Sarah Bender

Sarah grew up in Glen Allen, Virginia and is a 2024 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. She majored in political science and statistics while competing as a member of the varsity swim team and serving as captain. As a student, Sarah worked as an intern with EducationUSA Belarus, English for Academic Purposes tutor, and research assistant in European studies, all of which developed her passion for cultural exchange and prepared her to serve as an English Teaching Assistant at Gymnázium Jána Chalupku in Brezno. She is excited to explore all of Slovakia’s natural beauty, try out local foods, and visit as many towns as possible.

Sadie Deshon

Sadie is originally from Chandler, Arizona, though she’s spent the past four years at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she recently earned her degree in history and her TESL certification. She is delighted to serve as an English Teaching Assistant at Obchodná akadémia in Senica. In her time there, Sadie is eager to learn as much as she can about Slovak culture, language, and history, while sharing with her students what she knows and loves of 'Americana' tradition and heritage.

Benjamin Dever-Mendenhall

Ben graduated from Cornell University in 2024 with a quadruple major in Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Psychology, and Independent Major, and a double minor in Anthropology and Astronomy. He hopes to increase English fluency and foster cross-cultural understanding at the Gymnázium in Spišská Nová Ves. Upon returning to the U.S., he will matriculate in the Philosophy PhD program at Harvard, where he will apply the teaching techniques, he learns at the Gymnázium. He looks forward to working with his new colleagues in Slovakia. Hobbies: travel, reading, hiking. Awards: Notebaert Premier Fellowship, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, MIT MSRP Fellowship (linguistics), Phi Beta Kappa.

Henry Fox-Jurkowitz

Henry Fox-Jurkowitz is from Arlington, Massachusetts. He recently graduated Amherst College where he studied Mathematics. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Martin, he is excited to share his love for American literature and folk music. He hopes to learn about Slovak folk traditions and create a fun and engaging classroom in which students are eager to share their culture and experiences.

Zoe Golomb

Zoe graduated from the University of Florida, where she majored in History and International Studies with a minor in EU Studies. While attending the University of Florida, she worked at her university's public service center, interned at the Florida Capitol, and was a student instructor. Additionally, her involvement with her school's Center for European Studies helped spark her passion for Central European history and an interest in cross-cultural exchange. Zoe enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and hiking in her free time. She is incredibly excited for the opportunity to work as an ETA in Partizanske, Slovakia, and looks forward to exploring the history, culture, and natural beauty of Slovakia while connecting with the community.

Stuart Holton

Stuart just graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Honors College with a degree in political science and writing. He is Ukrainian-American. At UMBC he was a Division 1 swimmer, writing tutor, and summer fifth-grade math teacher in Baltimore City. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at Stredná odborná škola obchodu a služieb in Komárno, he will teach democratically to ignite passion for English conversation and writing. Strengthening the connection between Slovak and American cultures is his great honor. Hobbies: Yoga, Hiking, Cooking, Writing. Honors: Nonfiction Publication, Bellevue Literary Review; Press Intern, Congressman John Garamendi.

Bailey Kaufman

Bailey is a Ph.D. candidate at Fordham University in New York City. Her Fulbright project, "Teachers' Perceptions of the Integration of Picture Books in Early Childhood Mathematics," explores the connection between children's books and mathematics education. She will be hosted by the University of Prešov in Prešov, Slovakia and aims to foster cross-cultural understanding regarding equity and diversity in early childhood pedagogy and instructional materials. Research Interests: Mathematics Teacher Education, Diversity in Early Childhood Education, Picture Books and Children's Literature.

David Koeller

David is an English Teaching Assistant at Stredná priemyselná škola elektrotechnická in Prešov. He is a native Texan and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Chemical Engineering and Plan II Honors. At UT Austin, he was involved in Texas 4000, a charity bike ride across the United States to raise money for cancer research and support services. David is passionate about American food and American music, and the people, cultures, landscapes, and stories that birthed each dish or song. He is excited to share this love with his students, and to explore the connections between America and Slovakia through food and music.

Cole Matthews

Cole Matthews is from Boston, Massachusetts and is currently living in New York City. He recently graduated from Bowdoin College, majoring in sociology and minoring in visual arts. As an English Teaching Assistant at the Gymnázium, Stredná športová škola Jozefa Herdu in Trnava, Cole aims to facilitate English language learning and cultural exchange. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, engaging in photography, and hiking. He hopes to use these hobbies as a way to further immerse himself within Slovak culture.

Katherine Motley

Katherine Motley is a recent graduate from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature on the Pre-Medicine track. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, she will be teaching at Strednej zdravotníckej škole Celestíny Šimurkovej Veľkomoravská, a secondary vocational school specializing in nursing education. Her role involves enhancing the students' English language proficiency and fostering cross-cultural exchange, introducing American culture while learning about Slovak traditions. Her presence will help bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, preparing future nurses for international communication and collaboration in their field. Interests: Literature/Poetry, Recreational Tennis, Hiking.

Nikhil Patel

Nikhil graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s in Ancient Studies, concentrating in Public Health and pre-med. His senior thesis focused on reconstructing historical impacts of climate change in the ancient world through migration narratives. At Columbia, he was co-president of the Society for Baseball Research and active in Columbia Synapse. Currently, he is involved in a global health project on chronic kidney disease in South Asia and Latin America with Dr. Ana Navas-Acien. Upon return, Nikhil plans to attend medical school.

Ananya Shah

Ananya is from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Southern California where she earned a B.A. in Political Economy and Narrative Studies. In college she worked as a tutor and coordinator with the Joint Educational Project. She completed multiple internships, including one with the Los Angeles Chapter of U.N. Women, and wrote articles that have been published with NASA. She is looking forward to working as an English Teaching Assistant at Stredná zdravotnícka škola in Žilina, where she hopes to explore nature and sample as much dessert as possible. Hobbies: Literature, Writing, Theater. Honors and Awards: Phi Beta Kappa, USC Order of Troy, Presidential Scholarship.

William Smith

A native of St. Charles, Minnesota, William Smith recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in theology. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, reading, hiking, cooking, and running. He will be an ETA at Cirkevná Spojená Škola in Humenné. His project concentrates on integrating cultural elements with learning objectives to enhance educational outcomes. He looks forward to meeting the school community—colleagues, students, and staff—as well as finding the best local bakery, ice rink, and sunset view.

Meghan Udell

Meghan Udell, a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), is a fiber artist who explores steganographic textiles—the art of embedding hidden messages within fabrics. Her Fulbright project, “The Weight of Departure,” investigates the cultural symbols woven into kroje, the traditional folk attire of Slovakia. This research will lead to a unique collection of reimagined suitcases and travel bags, featuring embroidered fabrics inspired by kroje patterns. Her work redefines comfort by using fiber to reveal rather than conceal, and she will be hosted by the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava.

Stephanie Virts

Stephanie recently graduated from The University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in English and French, as well as a minor in Political Science. As an undergraduate, Stephanie pursued her passion for cross-cultural communication through an internship at the Boulder Public library where she worked with people learning English as a second language. She aims to work further with language and culture exchange as an English Teaching Assistant at the Obchodná akadémia in Šurany through various interactive teaching methods. Stephanie is passionate about travel, food, and literature. She hopes to explore all of these passions during her time in Slovakia, while learning more about the culture.

Fulbright Slovak Scholar Program

Jakub Januška

Dr. Januška works as a researcher, university lecturer, and psychologist at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and University Hospital in Bratislava. His primary research interest is everyday social experiences of patients with severe psychiatric disorders and people from the general population. In the current project, he will be studying social isolation and loneliness in the Approach Motivation & Participation Lab at Boston University.

Alexandra Kolenová

Dr. Kolenová is a Chief of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department, Medical School, Comenius University, National Institute of Children’s Diseases, Bratislava. Her Fulbright project focuses on advancing the understanding of pediatric cancer through the integration of genomics and precision medicine. It aims to understand personalized treatment strategies that improve outcomes and quality of life for young patients. She will be affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Research Interests: Pediatric cancer, genomics, precision medicine. Honors and Awards: State award from the President of the Slovak Republic.

Mária Murray Svidroňová

Dr. Murray Svidroňová, PhD. is an Associate Professor at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, focusing on the nonprofit sector and civil society. She will be doing her Fulbright at the Governors State University, Chicago. Her project "Behavioral interventions in public sector – the role of NGOs in behavioral experiments" aims at promoting behavioral interventions administered by the NGOs. She wants to establish a Behavioral Unit (the OECD Network) at the Matej Bel University. Research Interests: Social innovations in public sector, co-creation, behavioral interventions. Honors and Awards: Rector's prize for an active approach to the development of civil society, 2017.

Anna Slatinská

Dr. Slatinská is an Assistant Professor at the Matej Bel University. Her Fulbright project aims to explore best practices exercised by US-based professionals in the area of inclusion of diasporic and other non US-based communities. She will be hosted by the IMID and BSU, Idaho. She aims to launch Internationalizing University Curriculum in Slovakia at her home institution. Research Interests: ELT Methodology, Innovative Approaches to Teaching Foreign Languages and Cultures. Honors and Awards: Co-editor of "Global Cultures. Engaging Diasporas around the World in Diverse Contexts", Recipient of the HEART Award, 2023 (issued by IMID).

Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

Aaron Creller

Dr. Creller is an Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of North Florida. His Fulbright Project is titled “Realism, Pluralism, and Knowing Across Cultures.” It aims to bring together cutting-edge philosophical ideas from around the world to explore how we understand knowledge while living in a shared reality with justified beliefs (realism) and having individual, subjective experiences (pluralism). He will be affiliated with the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. Research Interests: Comparative and Cross-cultural Philosophy and Methodology Epistemology, Chinese Philosophy, Philosophy of Science. Honors and Awards: Author of Making Space for Knowing (2017), Florida Blue Center for Ethics Fellow 2023-2024.

Julie Felker

Dr. Felker is a Faculty Affiliate at the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan where she provides organizational development expertise in emerging economies to strengthen educational infrastructures and promote positive social change. Her Fulbright project “Integrating Contemporary Talent Management Topics into University of Prešov Management Curricula” aims to complement the educational content in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management courses. She will be hosted by the Faculty of Management and Business at the University of Prešov. Dr. Felker is devoted to establishing a classroom culture where students flourish, and providing support as they pursue successful and enriching careers.

Nicole Gullekson

Dr. Gullekson is a Professor of Management at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where she teaches classes related to International Management, Global Leadership, and Organizational Behavior. Dr. Gullekson will spend the Spring 2025 term at the Economics University of Bratislava. Her Fulbright Project, Advancing Leadership through Experiential Learning, Research and Development, involves teaching topics related to global leadership and international business consulting, while also researching perceptions of, and barriers to, women in leadership in Slovakia, and supporting the university's efforts to advance industry-academic partnerships.

Amy Murphy

Dr. Murphy is an Associate Professor of Teaching at Syracuse University in the Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric, and Composition. She has been a university and college professor for 25 years, since completing her Ph.D. in Literature at the University of Arizona in 1999. As a Fulbright U.S. Scholar, she will be hosted by the Department of British and American Studies at Comenius University in Bratislava, where she will teach courses in writing and literature. Inspired by the lives of her Slovak great-grandparents, she looks forward to researching the development of oral and written literacies in Slovakia, and the impact of samizdat literature.

Karen Sandrik Ross

Dr. Karen Sandrik is the Maynard & Bertha Wilson Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty of Law at Willamette University College of Law. She will be hosted by Comenius University Bratislava (CU). While at CU, Dr. Sandrik will study technology transfer and public-private partnerships in Slovakia. She is excited about the opportunity to learn what barriers there are to more efficient technology transfer from the academic/public sector to the private sector, and whether contract law can help remove or decrease these barriers. Professor Sandrik will also teach in the CU Institute of Information Technology Law & Intellectual Property.

Hubert H. Humphrey Program

Zuzana Pavlíčková

Zuzana is Head of Policy and International Affairs at Slovak National Centre for Human Rights. She graduated from Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava and holds LLM in European and international law from Erasmus University in Rotterdam. She specializes at gender equality, LGBTI+ rights and DEI at workplace. Zuzana cooperates with civil society at trainings for businesses and setting workplace processes. Her fellowship at American University in Washington is dedicated to strategic litigation, intersectionality between religious freedoms and LGBTI+ rights and different ways to use law to achieve full equality.

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program

Erika Čvirik Karpáty

Erika Čvirik Kárpáty is a teacher of English language at a Secondary Medical School in Nové Zámky, Slovakia. She was the Head of Language Department, leader of students in the Duke of Edinburgh program, and a successful eTwinning teacher. Her main objective for participating in the FTEA Program - Media Literacy Cohort is to implement gained skills and knowledge about media literacy and critical thinking into the teaching process at the Secondary Medical School. Erika will be hosted by University of Wisconsin in Madison. Erika loves sport, hiking, and learning languages. She received a Doctor of Education degree in 2016.

Dana Mikulová

Dana Mikulová is a passionate English language and literature high school teacher at Gymnázium L. Stőckela, Bardejov, Slovakia. With over twenty years of experience, she has been organizing the Taste The Future conference, where students have the opportunity to ‘taste the future’ through the eyes of successful alumni via engaging interactive lectures in English. In 2021, Dana participated in the Erasmus+ mobility program in Helsinki, Finland, where she had the opportunity to learn about a successful school system. Hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she will collaborate with educators worldwide to develop innovative teaching strategies. Outside of teaching, she likes reading, hiking, cooking, and crime series.

Fulbright Schuman Program

Laura Jsgelková

Laura Jagelková seeks to inspire other young people from poor backgrounds to become successful. She comes from a village nestled between the mountains where different Slavic cultures and languages intermingle. This led her to study Slavic ethnolinguistics at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Her upcoming projects, supported by the DAAD at the University of Cologne and the Fulbright Schuman Program at Dartmouth College in Hanover, examine the mutual intelligibility of West and South Slavic languages. As a teacher of Slovak, Laura is excited about the impacts of this research on language teaching, allowing for improved communication between EU citizens.