Valentin Ion

"I knew I was a Tar Heel on February 8th, 2012,  when Duke won the basketball game against UNC Chapel Hill by scoring the victory points in the last seconds of the game. I'm not a basketball fan, but moments after the game ended, I felt such strong sadness. At that moment, I knew that I became a Tar Heel with a light blue heart."

Q: Where did you study as an undergraduate? What was your major?

I graduated from the University of Bucharest in Romania with a degree in history.

Q: Why did you choose CSEEES?

I chose CSEEES because it is one of the best programs in USA (top ten) and the academic community is very supportive.

Q: Why did you choose to study this region of the globe? Is there something in particular that attracts you to it?

I was born and raised in Romania, which gives me a personal connection to the region and a personal drive to learn more about it.

Q: Do you have work and/or study experience in the region?

I studied Russian at St. Petersburg State University for a year. I also did a summer internship at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Q: What is your thesis topic?

I am interested in frozen conflicts, state building and nationalism in former Soviet Union.

Q: What is your dream job?

Expert in frozen conflicts and state building.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like doing in your free time?

I like to watch soccer, follow the news and play chess.

Q: Fun facts?

I was arrested in Belarus for not having a travel Visa.