Mario Sanchez Isabas ’25
Q: Where did you study as an undergraduate? What was your major(s)?
I majored in History and Public Policy with a concentration in Conflict and Resolution Studies from Washington & Jefferson College.
Q: What do you like about UNC’s graduate program in Russian and East European Studies?
I like that I get to choose the courses that interest me the most, along with the required language courses and the required classes, which all fall into place.
Q: Why did you choose to specialize in this region of the globe?
I did not know about REEES history, language, or culture during my undergrad. However, a professor in my undergrad offered a course relating to REEES history, where my fascination for this area of study started. I pursued more history courses in this area and did two summers of Intensive Russian language courses.
Q: Do you have work and/or study experience in the region?
I participated in the 2021 Undergraduate REEES Think Tank fellowship program coordinated by Howard University. As a fellow I researched the historical memory of Chernobyl.
Q: What are your research interests?
My research interests lie within the transnational historical framework, specifically with Latin America, the former Soviet Union, and the current Russian Federation. I am most interested in Soviet Cold War Internationalism and Russian Internationalism. My current research delves into the Soviet use of academic opportunities and foreign study programs in the “third world” as a form of soft diplomacy.
Q: What would you like to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I would like to work either in Washington D.C or somewhere outside the U.S, possibly in the private or public sector or even in a Think Tank. However, the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. is still possible.
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like doing in your free time?
In my free time, I like spending time with friends and family. I can also play the Violin, Viola, and the Piano.
Q. What is your favorite visual reminder of the region and why?
A visual reminder would be a picture of the road I took on the Island of Aegina in Greece, which describes the journey I am embarking on starting this program and where it would lead me.