Viktoria Sibir ’20

Where did you study as an undergraduate? What was your major(s)?

I have my BcS and McS in Sea Transportation and Logistics (Odessa National Maritime University) and an incomplete BA in International Relations (London School of Economics)

What do you like about UNC’s graduate program in Russian and East European Studies?

A wide variety of courses with a possibility to choose a concentration, and the option of studying one more language.

Why did you choose to specialize in this region of the globe?

Because I’m Ukrainian, and the program for me is an excellent option to study the region from the global and external perspective.

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

Yes, both (Ukraine).

What are your research interests?

Hybrid wars, cyber security, military conflicts caused by Russia, nationalism, country development under the war conditions.

What would you like to do after you graduate?

Developing security and defense in Ukraine, either with the governmental structures or international security organizations.

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

Reading a lot, travelling, painting, studying languages, and working on journalistic investigations.

What is your favorite visual reminder of the region and why? 

Euromaidan. Boy reading a book on the barricade, Kyiv, February 2014