Current Graduate Students

Sydney Jean Greenwood | Fishers, Indiana
B.A. History, Purdue University

I chose to specialize in this region because Eastern Europe has such a rich history and has been involved in so many global conflicts but is not well known outside of some history classes. My ancestors also emigrated to the United States from the region, and I love exploring the region through family recipes. More about Sydney >>

Natalya Ryan | Cary, North Carolina
B.A. History, UNC-Wilmington

I enjoyed the wide variety of research specialties, robust Slavic language programs, and the personable (yet professional) culture among faculty and students. My research path is not yet set. However, I am interested in the themes of nationalism, legal history, and the role of religion in shaping culture and politics. More about Natalya >>

Elizabeth Grace Newhall | St. Louis, Missouri
B.A. Anthropology and German Literature and Culture, UNC-Chapel Hill

I have a deep fascination with understanding and solving social issues which plague our entire world. Eastern Europe in particular has had such a different approach from the United States to many of these issues. Understanding how the history and culture of a region impacts their approach to income disparity, discrimination, homelessness and access to healthcare is vital to addressing injustices. More about Elizabeth >>

Daniel Joseph Desjarlais | North Carolina
B.A. International Relations, High Point University

During my sophomore year of university, I took a Middle Eastern History class that explored the Ottoman Empire and early Turkish history. That class deepened my interest in Turkey, so I began an independent study of the Turkish language. When I was awarded a Boren Scholarship, I was finally able to study abroad in Baku, Azerbaijan. I absolutely loved my time in Baku, and it furthered my desire to study the Eurasian region at the graduate level. More about Daniel >>

Mario Sanchez Isabas | Worcester, Massachusetts
B.A. History and Public Policy, Washington & Jefferson College

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. More about Mario >>

Sara Thompson | 
B.A. History, George Mason University    

I love the diversity of an interdisciplinary program; I can take classes in history, politics, anthropology, religion, etc. It allows for a broader understanding of a certain part of the world, and examines human history and culture through many different approaches. More about Sara >>

Caroline Prout | Marietta, Georgia
B.A. History and Government, William & Mary

My family emigrated from Finland prior to Finland’s independence from Russia, so I have always had a connection to the region. It wasn’t until my sophomore year in undergrad that I took a class on Russian History since Stalin and that’s what sparked a deeper dive into the history, culture, and religion of Russia. More about Caroline >>

Katherine Kingma | Atlanta, Georgia 
B.A. History, Oberlin College

I am interested in political philosophy at the turn of the 20th century, disinformation, and Soviet Art. I like the flexibility in what courses could be taken in the program and that I can incorporate interests in tech and other disciplines. More about Kate >>