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2009 Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship (Muskie) Program Fellows

December 31, 2009

• Armenia

• Moldova

• Russia

• Belarus

• Georgia

• Ukraine

 

ARMENIA

Karine Avagyan
Armenia
Business Administration
Emory University

Karine Avagyan holds a diploma with excellence from the Yerevan State University Department of Economics and also completed a six month training program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Avagyan was a macroeconomist at the Central Bank of Armenia and the co-founder of the School for Young Leaders. During her fellowship, Ms. Avagyan will study innovations and entrepreneurship.

 

Tatevik Avetisyan
Armenia
Journalism and Mass Communication
Ball State University

Tatevik Avetisyan is an honors graduate of the Yerevan State University of Linguistics and spent one year of her undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming through the Freedom Support Act Undergraduate Exchange Program in 2001-2002.  She was most recently employed as a public relations/marketing and public education coordinator for the Armenian EyeCare Project. Ms. Avetisyan has also served as a translator and interpreter and as an information education communication assistant for the Armenia branch of Médecins Sans Frontières-Belgium. During her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Avetisyan will study public relations and communication.

 

Levon Gevorgyan
Armenia
Law American University

Levon Gevorgyan received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yerevan State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Gevorgyan was employed by Armenia’s Ministry of Justice in the Department of Relations with the European Court of Human Rights, where he served as an expert for criminal and administrative cases. Mr. Gevorgyan has also volunteered his expertise as a pro bono legal advisor for Zard, an Armenian NGO. He received several honors in the 2008 and 2009 Jessup International Law Moot Court Competitions. During his fellowship, Mr. Gevorgyan will study humanitarian law, international human rights, and international criminal law.     

 

Lilit Grigoryan
Armenia
International Affairs
University of Southern California

Lilit Grigoryan received her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Yerevan State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Grigoryan was employed by Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an intern in the legal department. She has also volunteered at a local women’s resource center. During her fellowship, Ms. Grigoryan will study identity and conflicts between nations.

 

Vardine Grigoryan
Armenia
Public Administration
Ohio University

Vardine Grigoryan holds a bachelor’s degree in pedagogy and English from Vanadzor State University and spent one year of her undergraduate studies at Williams College in Massachusetts through the Eurasian Undergraduate Exchange Program. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Grigoryan served as the administrative head for Capacity and Development for Civil Society (CDCS), an Armenian NGO. She has also been a volunteer with CDCS and was recognized by the U.S. Peace Corps for her community service activities in the youth field. During her fellowship, Ms. Grigoryan will study the fundamentals of civil society, issues of NGO management in developing countries, and human rights protection in this context through NGOs and other institutions.

 

Mushegh Harutyunyanv

  • Armenia
    Economics

Indiana University – Bloomington

Mushegh Harutyunyan graduated from Yerevan State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. During his Muskie fellowship at Indiana University – Bloomington, he will study the “capability approach” in the context of designing and implementing poverty reduction policies in transition economies.

 

Ani Haykuni
Armenia
Environmental Management
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Ani Haykuni holds a master’s degree from the Armenian Agricultural Academy and a bachelor’s degree from the Armenian State Agrarian University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Haykuni was employed as a forester for the Armenia Tree Project Charitable Foundation. She has also volunteered for the Regional Environmental Center for the Caucasus. Ms. Haykuni previously participated in a training and experience exchange with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and has presented and published on forestry and other environmental issues. During her fellowship, Ms. Haykuni will study forest management.

 

Robert Khachatryan
Armenia
Public Administration
University of Kansas

Robert Khachatryan received his doctorate in philology from the Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov and a diploma in linguistics and intercultural communication with honors from the same institution. Mr. Khachatryan spent one year of his undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia through the Eurasian Undergraduate Exchange Program. Before beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Khachatryan was employed as a program coordinator at the International Foundation of Electoral Systems (IFES) in Armenia. He also interned at his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the American Department. During his fellowship, Mr. Khachatryan will study public policy analysis, human resources management and organizational analysis, and administrative law.

 

Gevorg Melikyan
Armenia
International Affairs
Ohio University

 

 

 

Sergey Movsisyan
Armenia
Public Policy
University of Alabama-Huntsville

 

 

 

Marine Nalbandyan
Armenia
Public Health
Northern Illinois University

Marine Nalbandyan holds MD degrees in Pediatry and Opthalmalogy from the Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Hratsi and the Armenian National Institute of Health. Ms. Nalbandyan was most recently employed as an opthalmologist at the “Manuk” Medical Center and previously held positions at the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology and the Armenian EyeCare Project. Ms. Nalbandyan has also been a recipient of the prestigious Salzburg Medical Seminars Fellowship. During her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Nalbandyan plans to investigate associations between cigarette smoking and the development of glaucoma, as well as outcomes of cataract surgery and predictors of poor outcome.

 

Tsovinar Nazaryan
Armenia
Journalism and Mass Communication
Howard University

Tsovinar Nazaryan holds a diploma in international relations from Yerevan State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Nazaryan was employed by the Yerevan Press Club as its project coordinator and has also reported on politics and art for the Zhamanak Yerevan Daily, the Hayastani Hanrapetutyun Daily, the Zhamanak Daily/Weekly, and AR TV. Throughout her career, Ms. Nazaryan has been recognized with awards and grants from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations. During her fellowship, she will study issues of media management in a diverse political environment.

 

Veronika Sargsyan
Armenia
Economics
Williams College

 

 

 

Ani Ter-Mkrtchyan
Armenia
Public Administration
University of Oklahoma

Ani Ter-Mkrtchyan earned a master’s degree in political science and international affairs from the American University of Armenia, where her studies were supported by the General and Mrs. Sarkis M. Zartarian Scholarship, and also holds a diploma in English with honors from the Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Ter-Mkrtchyan worked as a project manager for a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service higher education development project in Armenia. She also served as deputy director of the Global Developments Fund and has volunteered to improve the environment, including tree planting and public clean-ups. During her fellowship, Ms. Ter-Mkrtchyan will focus on public management.

 

Vahe Vardanyan
Armenia
Environmental Management
University of Idaho

Vahe Vardanyan is a graduate of the Yerevan State Institute of Economics. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Vardanyan was most recently employed as an environmental and social impact specialist for EAAC. He has also served on the community council of his home city of Kapan and been a member of the Syunik Civil Society Development Center, a local NGO. During his fellowship, Mr. Vardanyan will study environmental and social impact assessment, natural resources management, waste management, and geographical information systems.

 

AZERBAIJAN

 

Zamira Abbasova
Azerbaijan
International Affairs
SIT Graduate Institute

Zamira Abbasova is an honors graduate of the Azerbaijan Teacher Training University in Mingachevir, Azerbaijan and holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages. She was previously employed by the U.S. Peace Corps in Azerbaijan and has volunteered for Save the Children, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Project Harmony, IREX, and the Azerbaijan English Teachers Association. Ms. Abbasova served as an observer during Azerbaijan’s parliamentary elections and a translator and facilitator for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) during her country’s presidential elections in 2009. During her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Abbasova will study meditation and conflict resolution and the promotion of peace.

 

Galib Abbaszade
Azerbaijan
Public Administration
Appalachian State University

Galib Abbaszade is a graduate of the Azerbaijan State Economic University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Abbaszade worked for American Councils for International Education (ACTR-ACCELS). He also taught a course on globalization and identity to graduate students in the Department of American Studies at Baku State University on a voluntary basis. During his fellowship at Appalachian State University, Mr. Abbaszade will study non-profit management, public finance and management, microeconomics, leadership and conflict resolution.

 

Rashad Aliyev
Azerbaijan
Public Policy
University of Maryland

Rashad Aliyev holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international relations from Baku State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Aliyev was employed by Azerbaijan’s Department of Justice as a law enforcement assistant for the International Criminal Investigative and Training Assistance Program. He also worked at the Ministry of Education in support of the Education Sector Reform Project. Mr. Aliyev will complete his fellowship at the University of Maryland.

 

Turana Baghirova
Azerbaijan
International Affairs
George Mason University

Turana Baghirova graduated from the Academy of Public Administration with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Baghirova worked at the Caucasus Research Resource Center as a program associate. She previously studied in the United States as a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program participant in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended the Open Society Institute Summer School in Westchester, Pennsylvania. Ms. Baghirova will complete her fellowship at George Mason University.

 

Jalal Baghishov
Azerbaijan
Economics
Williams College

 

 

 

Aygun Dadashova
Azerbaijan
International Affairs
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

Aygun Dadashova is a graduate of Lankaran State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Dadashova was a secondary school English teacher in the village of Mashkan, near the city of Astara. She was also a volunteer English teacher at the American Center in Lankaran, Azerbaijan. Ms. Dadashova was one of the founding members as well as a past officer of the South Branch of the Azerbaijan English Teachers’ Association. During her fellowship, Ms. Dadashova will explore gender studies, including women’s rights and girls’ education.

 

Sakina Ibrahimova
Azerbaijan
Law
Pennsylvania State University

 

 

 

Nigar Ismayilzada
Azerbaijan
Education
Alabama A&M University

Nigar Ismayilzada holds a master’s degree in language studies from the Azerbaijan University of Languages and a bachelor’s degree with honors in foreign languages from Ganja State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Ismayilzada worked in paid and volunteer positions with the Ganja Education Information Center, the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Project Harmony, Save the Children, and the Young Leaders Education, Training, and Development Public Union. During her fellowship, Ms. Ismayilzada will study educational administration, educational policymaking, education systems, and the development of partnerships between educational institutions.

 

Turan Jafarova
Azerbaijan
Public Policy
Duquesne University

 

 

 

Ramina Murshudova
Azerbaijan
Education
SIT Graduate Institute

Ramina Murshudova graduated from Baku State University with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, she worked as a program coordinator for Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program at American Councils for International Education (ACTR-ACCELS). In 2006, Ms. Murshudova participated in the UN Global Youth Leadership Summit held in New York City, where she was appointed Youth Spokesperson for the Millennium Development Goals in Azerbaijan. Ms. Murshudova will complete her fellowship at the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont.

 

Nadir Ramazanov
Azerbaijan
Economics
Williams College

Nadir Ramazanov earned his bachelor’s degree at Baku State University. He was previously employed as a senior economist at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. During his Muskie fellowship at Williams College, Mr. Ramazanov will study policy economics and monetary economics.

 

Seymur Rasulov
Azerbaijan
Library and Information Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Seymur Rasulov holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ganja State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Rasulov was employed as an entry clearance assistant at the British Embassy in Baku and a translator for the World Bank’s Rural Investment Project. As a student, he was goalkeeper for his championship soccer team in a tournament of Turkish high colleges. During his fellowship, Mr. Rasulov will study information collection and management, databases, and copyright regulations.

 

Vusala Safarova
Azerbaijan
Public Administration
American University

Vusala Safarova graduated with honors from the Azerbaijan University of Languages and also completed non-degree study at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Safarova was a training specialist for the USAID Trade and Investment Reform Support Program. She also held positions with USAID’s START Program and G&R Business Services and interned in the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During her fellowship at American University, Ms. Safarova will study the legal basis of public administration.

 

Shahla Sultanova
Azerbaijan
Journalism and Mass Communication
Indiana University – Bloomington

Shahla Sultanova holds a Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Management from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in English language philology from Ganja State University. Before beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Sultanova was a reporter and anchor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She has also been an instructor at Khazar University, a reporter for Azerbaijan Today and Internews Azerbaijan, and held various paid and volunteer positions with the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation, International Relief and Development, the Ganja Education Information Center, the Ganja Debate Center, and the Bridge to the Future Youth Union. During her fellowship, Ms. Sultanova plans to focus her studies on political reporting, in particular oil and democracy issues and the politicization of Islam.

 

Musa Teymurov
Azerbaijan
Public Administration
Kansas State University

Originally from Lankaran, Azerbaijan, Musa Teymurov was employed by PH International Azerbaijan as a logistics coordinator before beginning his Muskie fellowship. Mr. Teymurov has also worked for American Councils (ACTR/ACCELS), CHF International, and IREX in Azerbaijan. During his fellowship at Kansas State University, he will study public administration.

 

BELARUS

 

Kaciaryna Biaspalava
Belarus
International Affairs
Yale University

 

 

 

Maryna Dymovich
Belarus
Law
University of Washington

Maryna Dymovich earned her law degree from Belarusian State University and studied at the National Center of Legislation and Legal Research of Belarus. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Dymovich was a senior attorney at the Law Offices of Borovtsov and Salei. She has also been a tutor for classes at Belarusian State University and the Institute for Continuing Education of Judges, Attorneys, and Court Officials. In 2007, Ms. Dymovich was a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, researching civil law insurance regulation. She will complete her Muskie fellowship in the L.L.M. program at the University of Washington.

 

Pavel Malcheuski
Belarus
Law
University of Missouri - Kansas City

Pavel Malcheuski attended the European Humanities University and Viadrina European University in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Malcheuski practiced law. During his fellowship, he will study international business and trade law.

 

Ruslan Mikulsky
Belarus
International Affairs
University of Wyoming

 

 

 

Alena Pisarchyk
Belarus
Business Administration
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

 

 

 

GEORGIA

 

Luka Berulava
Georgia
Business Administration
University of Minnesota

Luka Berulava earned his bachelor’s degree from the European School of Management – Tbilisi and studied for one year at Ruhr University Bochum under a German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship. While he was a high school student, Mr. Berulava also spent one year in the United States as part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Berulava was a risk analyst at the People’s Bank of Georgia and previously worked as an auditor for Deloitte & Touche. During his studies at the University of Minnesota, he will focus on corporate finance.

 

Sopio Chakvetadze
Georgia
Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Georgia

Sopio Chakvetadze holds a master’s degree from the School of Public Administration at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in English from Akaki Tsereteli State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Chakvetadze served as a chief consultant in the administration of the President of Georgia. She was also previously employed by the Communications Office of the Administration of the President, the National Archives under the Ministry of Justice, the Operation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the USAID-supported AgVANTAGE project. During her fellowship, Ms. Chakvetadze will study government communications.

 

Ilia Gogichaishvili
Georgia
Economics
Texas A&M University

 

 

 

Irakli Gvilia
Georgiav Law
Franklin Pierce Law Center

Iraki Gvilia graduated from the International Law Department at Tbilisi State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Gvilia was most recently employed by JSC Creditinfo Georgia. He will study in the L.L.M. program at Franklin Pierce Law Center.

 

 

Nino Jakhaia
Georgia
Education
University of Mississippi

Nino Jakhaia is a graduate of the Sokhumi branch of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Jakhaia was employed by the Association Atinati as an English as a Second Language teacher. During her studies at the University of Mississippi, Ms. Jakhaia will focus on education policy.

 

Otar Kantaria
Georgia
Public Policy
Georgia State University

Otar Kantaria holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Grigol Robakidze University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Kantaria was a program coordinator for the National Integration and Tolerance in Georgia Program of the United Nations Association of Georgia. He will study public policy at Georgia State University.

 

 

 

 

Gvantsa Khizanishvili
Georgia
Public Health
University of Missouri – Columbia

Gvantsa Khizanishvili received her medical degree from Tbilisi State Medical University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Khizanishvili was employed by the National Cancer Center of Georgia. She has also served as the volunteer leader of the National Council of Youth Organizations of Georgia’s communication task force and the National Focal Point Program coordinator for the Association Hera XXI. She has also volunteered with YouAct and the Global Youth Coalition HIV/AIDS. Ms. Khizanishvili previously came to the United States as a visiting scholar at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. During her fellowship, she will study health promotion and policy.  

 

Khatuna Kveselava
Georgia
International Affairs
University of Denver

 

 

 

Koba Lomidze
Georgia
Education
Old Dominion University

Koba Lomidze holds a diploma in philology from Akaki Tsereteli State University and a Ph.D in philology from Georgian Technical University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, he was employed as a lecturer at Akaki Tsereteli State University. During his studies at Old Dominion University, Mr. Lomidze will focus on contemporary issues in higher education administration.

 

Natela Otaridze
Georgia
Law
University of the Pacific

 

 

 

David Sakhvadze
Georgia
International Affairs
University of Southern California

David Sakhvadze holds a master’s degree in international politics from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, where he received a scholarship for his outstanding academic record, and a diploma in physics from Tbilisi State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Sakhvadze headed the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia Divison and served as an adviser in the Office of the State Minister of Georgia for Reintegration. During his fellowship, he will focus on international security, small state politics, and globalization and integration.

 

Nana Sharia
Georgia
Public Administration
University of Louisville

Nana Sharia graduated from the Sokhumi branch of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University with a bachelor’s degree in English. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Sharia was employed as a project manager for the Danish Refugee Council and has also worked for Oxfam of Great Britain. During her fellowship at the University of Louisville, she will study policy making and analysis, de-centralization and good governance, and NGO and public administration.

 

Irine Surmanidze
Georgia
International Affairs
SIT Graduate Institute

 

 

 

Levan Svimonishvili
Georgia
Law
Washington University in St. Louis

 

 

 

KAZAKHSTAN

 

Khalima Alimbayeva
Kazakhstan
Business Administration
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

 

 

 

Rashid Beisenov
Kazakhstan
Business Administration
Alabama A&M University

Rashid Beisenov holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marketing from the Kazakh State National University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Beisenov was employed by GSM Kazakhstan as head of the distribution unit. His past work experience also includes positions as a brand manager for Orbita Plus and marketing manager for ABS LLP. He is a past winner of an inter-university contest of the intellectual game “What? Where? When?” and was honored as a top seller for the KCell mobile communication company in 2006. During his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Beisenov will study strategic planning and entrepreneurship.

 

Aliya Bizhanova
Kazakhstan
Education
Vanderbilt University

Aliya Bizhanova is a graduate of Samara State University in Samara, Russia, where she earned a Diploma in Law. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Bizhanova was employed by World Exchange LLP as an international programs manager. During her fellowship at Vanderbilt University, Ms. Bizhanova plans to study international education, sociology in education, and the education systems of Central Asia.

 

Taissiya Dubinina
Kazakhstan
Education
Boise State University

 

 

 

Saule Kussayeva
Kazakhstan
Education
University of Maryland

Saule Kussayeva is a graduate of the Kazakh State University of International Relations and World Languages. In 1998-1999, she spent one year studying at Troy University in Alabama through the Freedom Support Act Undergraduate Exchange Program. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Kussayeva was most recently employed by American Councils for International Education (ACTR-ACCELS) as a program coordinator. During her fellowship, she will study higher education administration.

 

Azamat Murzabekov
Kazakhstan
Public Administration
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

Azamat Murzabekov earned his bachelor’s degree from Kazakh National University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Murzabekov managed the European unit at the Center for International Programs of the Department of Organization and Monitoring of the Educational Process.  During his program at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Mr. Murzabekov will study leadership in public administration and public policy, nonprofit management, and international development.

 

Murat Myktybayev
Kazakhstan
Business Administration
University of Missouri - Kansas City

Murat Myktybayev holds a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Almaty State University after Abai. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Myktybayev was the managing director of the Investment Fund of Kazakhstan. In 1997-1998, he spent one year in the United States as a high school student as part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program and later served as President of the FLEX Alumni Association in Kazakhstan. Mr. Myktybaev was also vice-president of the Almaty Trends Youth Intellectual Club, an NGO. During his fellowship, he will study the effective use of human labor within the developing economy.

 

Vsevolod Ovcharenko
Kazakhstan
Law<
College of William and Mary

Vsevolod Ovcharenko holds a diploma in law from Adilet Higher Law School and a diploma in physics from Kazakh State National University. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Ovcharenko served as a regional legal consultant for Central Asia with the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law and was also a civil practice lawyer. During his fellowship, Mr. Ovcharenko will study tax incentives for philanthropy and sponsorship and the taxation of various public fundraising events.

 

Natalya Panchenko
Kazakhstan
Environmental Management
Indiana University – Bloomington

 

 

 

Adil Supiyev
Kazakhstan
Public Health Emory University

Adil Supiyev holds an MD degree from Pavlov State Medical University and a Candidate of Medical Sciences degree from the Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in St. Petersburg, Russia. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Supiyev served as a senior expert in the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and as the coordinator for medical science and medical education reform for a World Bank health project. During his program at Emory University, Mr. Supiyev will study epidemiology and biostatistics.

 

Altynay Tanasheva
Kazakhstan
Law
University of Arizona

Altynay Tanasheva graduated with honors from the Kazakh National University named after al-Farabi and holds a bachelor’s degree in international law. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Tanasheva was an associate with Salans LLP and has held positions with other law firms in Kazakhstan. Ms. Tanasheva has participated in working groups organized by the Foreign Investors’ Council, EUROBAK, and the American Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues affecting foreign investors in Kazakhstan and propose amendments to Parliament concerning labor legislation and environmental regulations. She is a former host of the television program “Leader of the 21st Century” on the national Khabar channel and has been a representative in the Kazakhstani Youth Congress. During her fellowship, Ms. Tanasheva will study international commercial and investment law, international trade law, arbitration, and tax litigation. 

 

Bauyrzhan Yedgenov
Kazakhstan
Economics
Georgia State University

Bauyrzhan Yedgenov graduated from Suleyman Demirel University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Yedgenov was an assistant lecturer at his alma mater. During his fellowship at Georgia State University, he will study government budget management and explore ways of improving the teaching of economics at the university level.

 

  • Rafael Zhansultanov
  • Kazakhstan
  • International Affairs
  • Oklahoma State University

 

 

 

 

KYRGYZSTAN

 

  • Saidulla Abdil Abylov
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Public Administration
  • Kansas State University

 

Saidulla Abdil Abylov was trained as an engineer at the Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transport and Architecture. Prior to his participation in the Muskie program, Mr. Abdil Abylov was a principal specialist for the State Architectural and Construction Surveillance Administration of the City of Bishkek. During his fellowship at Kansas State University, Mr. Abdil Abylov will study management systems of urban planning and architecture.

 

  • Ermek Adylbekov
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Public Administration
  • University of Missouri – Columbia
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  • Aida Bazarkulova
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Public Policy
  • Duquesne University

 

Aida Bazarkulova graduated from the English Language and Literature Department of I. Arabaev State University. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Bazarkulova was employed by the Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan, coordinating the project “Social and Legal Protection from Violence Against Women.” She previously held positions with the UNDP Democratic Governance Program. During her fellowship, Ms. Bazarkulova will study public policy analysis and policy evaluation.

 

  • Elnura Emilkanova
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Education
  • Georgia Southern University

 

Elnura Emilkanova holds bachelor’s degrees in finance and credit and world languages from Osh State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Emilkanova was a teacher of English at a specialized boarding school for blind and visually impaired children. She was a member and volunteer of the Kyrgyz Association for the Blind and Deaf and in 2008, received the New Hero of Kyrgyzstan award. During her fellowship at Georgia Southern University, Ms. Emilkanova will study issues in special education.

 

  • Bakai Madybaev
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Business Administration
  • Texas Christian University

 

Bakai Madybaev was trained as a software engineer at Kyrgyz State Technical University. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Madybaev was a software engineer and IT consultant for Information Business Systems, Ltd. in Bishkek. He has previously been a professor of software engineering at his alma mater and coached an American football team in Bishkek. During his fellowship at Texas Christian University, Mr. Madybaev will study finance.

 

  • Dinara Osmonalieva
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Public Health
  • SUNY – Albany

 

Dinara Osmonalieva received her medical degree and completed her residency in family medicine at Kyrgyz State Medical University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Osmonalieva worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross as a health field officer. She has also previously been employed as a medical translator, a nurse at the Children’s City Hospital, and an instructor in the International School of Medicine of the International University of Kyrgyzstan. Ms. Osmonalieva has undergone extensive training on lung health and tuberculosis through several international workshops. During her fellowship at SUNY – Albany, she will study international health and statistical and epidemiological methods in public health.

 

  • Tologon Sartbaev
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Public Administration
  • California State University - East Bay

 

Tolgon Sartbaev graduated from Osh State University, where he was trained as a teacher of English. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Sartbaev worked for the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED) as a senior appraisal, monitoring and evaluation Officer. He has also served as a community mobilization officer for the ACTED projects “Rural Development and Cross-Border Cooperation” and “Integrated Community-Based Social and Economic Development in Rural Southern Kyrgyzstan.” During his fellowship, Mr. Sartbaev will conduct research on public administration.

 

  • Aida Satylganova
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Law
  • University of Miami

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  • Eldiar Seitkaziev
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Public Administration
  • University of Wyoming

 

Eldiar Seitkaziev graduated from Kyrgyz National University, where he majored in Orientalism and Japanese Studies. Prior to beginning the Muskie fellowship, Mr. Seitkaziev held positions with the Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program for the Kyrgyz Republic, the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations in Kyrgyzstan. He was recognized by the Red Cross for his achievements in community and volunteer mobilization during a national immunization campaign against measles and rubella in Moldova. During his fellowship, Mr. Seitkaziev will study NGOs in countries in transition, project cycle management, fundraising, and non-profit financial management.

 

  • Elena Skochilo
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Middle Tennessee State University

Elena Skochilo graduated from Kyrgyz State National University, where she was trained as an engineer. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Skochilo was an editor for the Central Asian blogging site Neweurasia.net and the online newspaper Gazeta.kg, an editor and contributor for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), and a reporter for Channel 5 television. She was honored as best photojournalist of the year by the Bishkek Press Club and her personal blog was recognized in the Blog of the Year category in the Russian Online TOP (ROTOP) competition. During her fellowship, Ms. Skochilo will study online journalism, photojournalism, journalism training, and the strategy, development, start-up, and promotion of new media.

 

  • Mederbek Toktosunov
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Business Administration
  • Eastern Washington University

Mederbek Toktosunov received his bachelor’s degree from the American University of Central Asia. His undergraduate studies included a visiting semester at Vidzeme University College in Latvia. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Toktosunov was a senior consultant at J’son & Partners. He has also been a volunteer with the Alpine Fund and the Rotary Club and was a recipient of the Open Society Institute's International Higher Education Support Program (HESP) fellowship. During his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Toktosunov will study hedge funds, stocks, and bonds.

 

MOLDOVA

 

  • Eugeniu Ciolacu
  • Moldova
  • Environmental Management
  • University of Idaho

Eugeniu Ciolacu received his diploma in environmental engineering and management from Moldova Technical University. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Ciolacu was a researcher at the National Institute of Ecology in Chisinau. During his fellowship at the University of Idaho, he will study geographical information systems, landfill engineering, and environmental protection.

 

  • Svetlana Cotelea
  • Moldova
  • Public Health
  • Kansas State University

Svetlana Cotelea completed her medical education at the Nicolae Testemitanu State Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Chisinau with a residency in internal medicine and a clinical secondary diploma in dietetics. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Cotelea was employed as a lecturer and member of the academic staff of her alma mater. She has also been a trainer and nutrition counselor at a school for diabetic patients. During her fellowship at Kansas State University, Ms. Cotelea will study metabolic disorders and nutritional interventions.

 

  • Radu Cucos
  • Moldova
  • Public Policy
  • University of Chicago

Radu Cucos received his undergraduate degree in international law from the State University of Moldova. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Cucos headed the Law and Consular Relations Division of the Department of Consular Affairs of his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. He also previously held the post of Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico. Mr. Cucos has been a legal adviser to the PROGENEVA (Program for Education Without Violence and Abuse) Center and in 2006, he was honored as Person of the Year of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration in Combating Human Trafficking by the Moldovan NGO LaStrada. During his fellowship, Mr. Cucos will study the economic, legal and social policies that he believes should be implemented in developing countries.                       

 

  • Alexandru Mocanu
  • Moldova
  • Law
  • George Washington University

Alexandru Mocanu received his law degree from the Free International University of Moldova. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Mocanu was a legal assistant at the International Organization for Migration Mission to Moldova. He has also served as a consultant to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and a teaching assistant at the Academy of Public Administration of the Free International University of Moldova. During his fellowship, Mr. Mocanu will study international law, human rights, and migration.

 

  • Oleg Potinga
  • Moldova
  • Public Policy
  • University of Missouri - St. Louis

Oleg Potinga graduated from the Department of Political Science of Al. I. Cuza University in Iasi, Romania. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Potinga was employed by the Leova District Council, serving as head of the Department for Attracting Investments. His past experience with the District Council includes roles managing the cross-border “A Family for Every Child” project, financed by the European Commission, and the renovation of the Cultural House of the city of Leova, supported by the Moldovan Social Investments Fund. In 2006, Mr. Potinga founded Minerva, a youth NGO, and served as its president before departing for his studies in the United States. During his fellowship, Mr. Potinga will study the relationship between American public administrative authorities and the non-governmental sector in decision making and public policy formation. He also intends to investigate methods for engaging citizens in community development and strategies for strengthening the NGO sector.

 

  • Violeta Teutu
  • Moldova
  • International Affairs
  • University of Kentucky

Violeta Teutu holds a master’s degree in international relations from University Perspectiva-INT in Chisinau, Moldova, and received her diploma in foreign languages from the A. Russo State University in Balti, Moldova. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Teutu was a regional coordinator for the Moldova office of the Swiss Terre des homes Foundation for Child Relief. She has also worked for the United Nations Development Program, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova, and the I. Creanga State Pedagogical University and volunteered for the Association of Young Trainers. During her fellowship, Ms. Teutu will study development assistance for countries in transition to the market economy system.

 

RUSSIA

 

  • Ellina Aleynikova
  • Russia
  • Law
  • University of Pittsburgh
  •  

Ellina Aleynikova received her law degree from Rostov State Economic University. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Aleynikova served as head of the legal department at the Priroda Agricultural Holding Company. She previously held positions with the Rostov State Foundation for the Protection of Investor and Stockholder Rights and the Rostov Regional Bar. For three years, Ms. Aleynikova was the president of Support and Sympathy, a regional charitable organization. During her fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Aleynikova will study international commercial law, international business transactions, international taxation, and international commercial arbitration.

 

  • Marina Bukhryakova
  • Russia
  • Public Policy
  • University of Missouri - St. Louis

  •  
  •  
  • Alevtina Durmashkina
  • Russia
  • Public Administration
  • Syracuse University
  •  

Alevtina Durmashkina received her MD and PhD degrees in pediatrics from Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy and was supported in her doctoral studies by a government grant from the Russian Federation. Her past experience includes work as a volunteer and project coordinator for the Nizhny Novgorod Women’s Crisis Center. During her fellowship at Syracuse University, Ms. Durmashkina plans to study healthcare management.

 

  • Vitaly Filonov
  • Russia
  • Economics
  • Texas A&M University
  •  

Vitaly Filonov is a graduate of Voronezh State Agricultural University, where he received a specialist’s degree in financial management. Mr. Filonov also completed non-degree study at North Dakota State University in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. He received the prestigious Presidential Scholarship of the Russian Federation and in 2008 was the winner of a national competition for student business plans in Moscow. Prior to his participation in the Muskie program, Mr. Filonov was a market analyst at Courax Co. Ltd. During his fellowship, he will study agricultural economics, financial management, and risk management.

 

  • Kamilla Gazieva
  • Russia
  • Business Administration
  • Boise State University
  •  

Kamilla Gazieva is a graduate of the Moscow State Linguistic University. During her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Gazieva will study Business Administration at Boise State University.

 

  • Anna Glazyrina
  • Russia
  • Economics
  • North Dakota State University
  •  

Anna Glazyrina is a graduate of Mari State Technical University, where she received a specialist’s degree. Prior to her participation in the Muskie program, Ms. Glazyrina was a teacher assistant at her alma mater. During her fellowship, she will study economics at North Dakota State University.

 

  • Edil Islamov
  • Russia
  • Business Administration
  • Georgia Institute of Technology

  •  
  • Vladimir Ivashchuk
  • Russia
  • Business Administration
  • Duquesne University
  •  

Vladimir Ivashchuk is a graduate of both Vladivostok State Medical University and the Far East State Academy of Economy and Management. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Ivashchuk was a marketing manager for LG Electronics. His past experience includes positions as a medical representative for Ipsen Pharma and as Russian-American Partnership Coordinator for the Territory Center for Disaster Medicine. Mr. Ivashchuk has published two books, What to Do Before a Doctor Arrives and Basic CPR. During his fellowship, he intends to study hospital management.

 

  • Pavel Komogorov
  • Russia
  • Public Administration
  • Ball State University
  •  

Pavel Komogorov was educated as a lawyer at Bashkirian State University and received both his Candidate of Science degree and a specialist’s degree in linguistics and philology from Kurgan State University. Prior to his Muskie program participation, Mr. Komogorov served in the government of Kurgan region as head of the Department of Relations with Regions of the Russian Federation. He has also been a professor and chair of the Department of English at Kurgan State University and head of the board of the Kurgan regional NGO Znanie (Knowledge) Society of Russia. During his fellowship, Mr. Komogorov will study public administration.  

 

  • Irina Kruglova
  • Russia
  • Public Policy
  • Vanderbilt University
  •  

Irina Kruglova received her bachelor’s degree with honors from St. Petersburg State University. While she was in high school, Ms. Kruglova spent one academic year studying in the United States as part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program. During her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Kruglova will study education policy.

 

  • Maria Kuzmina
  • Russia
  • Law
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  •  
  •  
  • Yury Nikiforov
  • Russia
  • Public Administration
  • Syracuse University
  •  

Yury Nikoforov received his undergraduate and candidate’s degrees in economics from Chuvash State University and diplomas in English, German, and linguistics at Chuvash State Teachers Training Institute and Tver State University. He also received a diploma from the Cheboksary Public Correspondents Training University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Nikoforov served as Dean of the Economics and Management Department at the Chuvash branch of the Moscow Humanitarian and Economics Institute. He has also been a Deputy Dean and Foreign Languages Chair at Chuvash State University, an assistant to a deputy of the Russian Federation State Duma, and a deputy in the Cheboksary City Assembly, where he served on budget and trade committees. During his fellowship, Mr. Nikiforov will study public administration.

 

  • Tatiana Okisheva
  • Russia
  • Law
  • Tulane University
  •  

Tatiana Okisheva graduated from Mari State University in Yoshkar-Ola with a specialist’s degree in jurisprudence. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Okisheva was employed as a judicial assistant in the Arbitration Court of the Mari El Republic. She has also worked as a university lecturer and as a lawyer for a private firm. During her fellowship, Ms. Okisheva will study in the L.L.M. program at Tulane University.

 

  • Andrey Rybalov
  • Russia
  • Public Policy
  • Georgia State University

  •  
  • Victor Shestakov
  • Russia
  • Public Policy
  • Kansas State University
  •  

Victor Shestakov studied environmental policy at Indiana University and financial management at Yakutsk State University. Prior to his participation in the Muskie program, Mr. Shestakov was a business advisor at the International Finance Corporation and served as vice-head of the Budget Expenditures Department at the Yakutsk City Hall. During his fellowship, Mr. Shestakov will study energy policy in the United States and ways of reducing energy consumption.

 

  • Igor Stepanov
  • Russia
  • Public Administration
  • Monterey Institute of International Studies

  •  
  •  
  • Denis Subbotnitskiy
  • Russia
  • Economics
  • University of Missouri – Columbia
  •  

Denis Subbotnitskiy graduated from St. Petersburg State University with a diploma in mathematical economics. In 2008, he was awarded third prize by the Institute for the Economy in Transition, a Russian think tank, for the best thesis in economics defended in Russia and has also received the prestigious Presidential Scholarship of the Russian Federation. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Subbotnitskiy was employed as an analyst for the magazine Bud v kurse. In the past he has been a lecturer at St. Petersburg State University and an account assistant at Intervisa. During his fellowship, Mr. Subbotnitskiy will study mathematical methods in economics and international financial relations.

 

  • Natalia Trapeznikova
  • Russia
  • Public Administration
  • University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

 

Natalia Trapeznikova received MD degrees from the Turkmen State Medical Institute and the Moscow New Law Institute. Prior to her Muskie program participation, Ms. Trapeznikova headed the Center of Adolescent Reproductive Health under the Central Clinic of Sovetsk, Russia. She has also been the executive secretary of the Sovetsk District Administration’s Interdepartment Commission on the Counteraction of Narcotics and Narcotics Trafficking. During her fellowship, Ms. Trapeznikova will study the management of health organizations and the quality of care.

 

  • Boris Utnasunov
  • Russia
  • Law
  • University of the Pacific
  •  

Boris Utnasunov graduated cum laude from Lomonsov Moscow State University.  Prior to his participation in the Muskie program, Mr. Utnasunov was an associate at Allen and Overy Legal Services in Moscow. During his fellowship, he will be enrolled in the L.L.M. program at the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, California.

 

TAJIKISTAN

 

  • Malika Ibrohimova
  • Tajikistan
  • Business Administration
  • Kent State University
  •  

Malika Ibrohimova received her bachelor’s degree in economics with honors from the Samarkand Institute of Economics and Service. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Ibrohimova was employed by German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) as a principal expert for a project supporting microfinance services in rural areas. She has also served on the board of directors of two microfinance organizations in her home country and is a member of the Public Institute of Accountants and Auditors of Tajikistan. During her fellowship, Ms. Ibrohimova will study finance, specifically risk management in banks and other financial organizations, capital markets and analysis, investment strategy, mathematics for finance, and financial management.

 

  • Nargis Karimova
  • Tajikistan
  • Law
  • University of Connecticut

 

Nargis Karimova graduated with honors from the Tax and Law Institute in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where she specialized in jurisprudence. Ms. Karimova also received a diploma of human rights through her participation in the Raoul Wallenberg Institute Regional Advanced Program on Human Rights in Lund, Sweden and Skopje, Macedonia. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Karimova headed the human rights education center at the Bureau on Human Rights and Rule of Law, an NGO. In 2006, she was awarded Best Orator in Tajikistan in the Jessup International Moot Court Tournament. During her fellowship, Ms. Karimova will focus on human rights and the implementation of international standards of human rights.

 

  • Aziz Nabidzhonov
  • Tajikistan
  • Public Health
  • Western Illinois University
  •  

Aziz Nabidzhonov received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general practice and urology from the Tajik State Medical University and earned a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence from the Tajik State National University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Nabidzhonov was a senior program assistant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. He has also worked for the United Nations World Food Program, served as a monitoring and evaluation specialist for various health programs, and practiced medicine as a urologist. During his fellowship, Mr. Nabidzhonov will study community health education. 

 

  • Zuhro Qurbonova
  • Tajikistan
  • Economics
  • Williams College
  •  
  •  

  •  
  • Rukhshona Qurbonova
  • Tajikistan
  • Public Health
  • Portland State University
  •  

  •  
  • Ibragimdzhon Rustamov
  • Tajikistan
  • Education
  • University of Hartford
  •  

Ibragimdzhon Rustamov received his bachelor’s and master's degrees in English and Persian with honors from Khujand State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Rustamov was the acting country director for Relief International – Schools Online. A former secondary school English teacher, Mr. Rustamov was recognized by the local government for training fellow educators and community members in leadership and organizing community service activities in his hometown of Isfara. He has completed several  distance learning courses supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of English Language Programs. During his fellowship, Mr. Rustamov will study the role of web-based application tools in education, collaboration technologies for enhanced teaching, and strategies for integrating information and communication technologies into the curriculum.

 

TURKMENISTAN

 

  • Dayanch Hojagyeldiyev
  • Turkmenistan
  • Environmental Management
  • Brown University

 

Dayanch Hojagyeldiyev earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Turkmen State University and spent one year of his undergraduate studies at Washington State University through the Eurasian Undergraduate Exchange (UGRAD) Program. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Hojagyeldiyev was employed by the United Nations Development Program in Turkmenistan, serving as a public relations and educational programs specialist for the Hazar Project. In November 2008, he was honored as the State Alumni Member of the Month for his achievements as the director of a Model United Nations club in Turkmenistan. During his fellowship, Mr. Hojagyeldiyev will study environmental management.

 

  • Aynabat Karaeva
  • Turkmenistan
  • Education
  • Pittsburg State University

 

Aynabat Karaeva is a graduate of D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and also attended Oregon State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Karaeva taught at the secondary school level and coordinated the ACCESS program. She previously worked for Counterpart Turkmenistan’s Civil Society Support Center. During her fellowship, Ms. Karaeva will explore methods of creating online English courses for Turkmen speakers.

 

  • Arzigul Kochkarova
  • Turkmenistan
  • Education
  • Alabama A&M University

 

 

 

  • Reimbay Reiimbayev
  • Turkmenistan
  • Public Policy
  • Georgia State University
  •  
  • Jahan Saparmamedova
  • Turkmenistan
  • International Affairs
  • Oklahoma State University
  •  

Jahan Saparmamedova received her bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and literature with honors from Turkmen State University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Saparmamemdova served the United Nations Development Program for a decade, most recently as the executive assistant to the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. During her fellowship, she will study human rights.

 

  • Gulnara Toyjanova
  • Turkmenistan
  • Economics
  • Bowling Green State University

 

UKRAINE

 

  • Nataliya Borodchuk
  • Ukraine
  • Public Administration
  • SUNY – Binghamton
  •  

Nataliya Borodchuk holds a master’s degree in management and a bachelor’s degree in translation from Lviv National Polytechnic University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Borodchuk was employed by American Councils for International Education, working on the Ukrainian Standardized External Testing Initiative. She has also worked for the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine and interned for the Committee for Foreign Affairs in the Parliament of Ukraine. During her fellowship, Ms. Borodchuk will study nonprofit management and international development.

 

  • Ruslan Furtas
  • Ukraine
  • Business Administration
  • New Mexico State University

  •  
  •  
  • Andriy Karmazin
  • Ukraine
  • Business Administration
  • Kennesaw State University
  •  

Andriy Karmazin is a graduate of Dnipropetrovsk National University, where he majored in finance. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Karmazin was the owner and director of a small business he founded in 2007 and grew primarily through word-of-mouth advertising. His experience also includes work as an economist for Dniprovazhmash, a 2,000 employee plant specializing in building heavy machinery. During his fellowship, Mr. Karmazin will study leadership and management, particularly the management of small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

  • Anastasiya Khmilovska
  • Ukraine
  • Public Policy
  • The New School

  •  
  •  
  • Maksym Klyuchar
  • Ukraine
  • Public Administration
  • University of Texas – Brownsville
  •  

Maksym Klyuchar holds a master’s degree in the translation and interpretation of English and German from V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University in Simferopol, Ukraine. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Klyuchar was a communications associate for the United Nations Development Program-Ukraine’s Crimea Integration and Development Program. He is a past participant of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program and the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program. During his fellowship, Mr. Klyuchar will study public administration with a concentration on sustainable local socioeconomic development and planning.

 

  • Nataliia Kravchenko
  • Ukraine
  • Economics
  • Colorado State University

  •  
  •  
  • Mykhailo Kryvoruchko
  • Ukraine
  • Economics
  • Virginia State University

 

Mykhailo Kryvoruchko holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in accounting and auditing from the Cherkasy Institute of Banking of the University of Banking of the National Bank of Ukraine. As an undergraduate, he won prizes for his research at several student conferences in Ukraine and traveled to the United States through the International Camp Counselor Program. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Kryvoruchko interned with the National Bank of Ukraine and the Oranta National Joint Stock Insurance Company. During his academic program at Virginia State University, he will study demography economics and labor relations.

 

  • Olena Mar'yenko
  • Ukraine
  • Public Administration
  • University of Georgia

  •  
  • Andriy Olenyuk
  • Ukraine
  • Law
  • Georgetown University

  •  
  • Sergey Opanasenko
  • Ukraine
  • Business Administration
  • Rochester Institute of Technology

 

Sergey Opanasenko received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Opanasenko was a research analyst at SARS capital. He is a past participant of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program, interning in the Canadian Parliament. During his fellowship, Mr. Opanasenko will study corporate finance, investment analysis, and portfolio management.

 

  • Oksana Oriekhova
  • Ukraine
  • Business Administration
  • University of Texas – Arlington
  •  

Oksana Oriekhova received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from V. Dal’ East Ukrainian National University. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Oriekhova was employed by the Globus Vienna Insurance Group as a specialist’s assistant. She will study business administration at the University of Texas – Arlington.

 

  • Dmytro Panchuk
  • Ukraine
  • Public Administration
  • Kansas State University
  •  

Dmytro Panchuk holds a bachelor’s degree in English and French and a specialist’s degree in tourism and hospitality from Ostroh Academy National University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Panchuk was the vice president of Dubno Municipal Guardians, a youth NGO, and served as an advisor on cultural and historical affairs to the Dubno City Council. He is a past participant of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program, through which he completed an internship in the Canadian Parliament. During his fellowship, Mr. Panchuk will study municipal self-government.

 

  • Oleksandr Pankiv
  • Ukraine
  • Law
  • Boston University
  •  

Oleksandr Pankiv received master’s and bachelor’s degrees in law with honors from Ivan Franko Lviv National University. Mr. Pankiv also completed special courses in law and governance at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, and Folkuniversitetet in Lund, Sweden. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Pankiv worked as a program coordinator for the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program and was a junior associate at Sphinx Law Firm. He has interned in the Candian Parliament, the Krakow City Council, and the Legal Clinic at the University of Lviv. In 2009, Mr. Pankiv was awarded the Viktor Pinchuk Scholarship for his research paper in land law. During his fellowship, he will study antitrust and securities law.

 

  • Olena Prokopenko
  • Ukraine
  • Public Policy
  • Western Illinois University
  •  

Olena Prokopenko holds a specialist’s degree in law from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a bachelor’s degree in law from the College of Finance and Law. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Prokopenko was a legal adviser for the Motherland political party, a member of the Yulia Tymoshenko bloc parliamentary faction. Ms. Prokopenko has also worked as a senior legal adviser for Interbank OJSC and was a vice-president of the Toastmasters International English public speaking club in Kyiv. She has won several awards for her speeches with the club. Ms. Prokopenko is also the co-founder of the youth organization Our Future. During her fellowship, she plans to study gender equality and women in politics.

 

  • Alisa Puchkova
  • Ukraine
  • Economics
  • University of Wyoming

  •  
  •  
  • Oleksandr Slashchyn
  • Ukraine
  • Business Administration
  • Eastern Washington University
  •  

Oleksandr Slashchyn received his specialist’s degree in finance from Dnipropetrovsk National University and also holds a master’s degree in automobiles and automobile enterprises and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kirovograd National Technical University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Slashchyn was a  financial manager at the Zavod-Firma Os in Kirovograd. During his academic program at Eastern Washington University, he will study corporate finance and international business.

 

  • Oleksiy Stolyarenko
  • Ukraine
  • Law
  • Louisiana State University

 

 

 

 

UZBEKISTAN

 

  • Mamlakat Abduhamedova
  • Uzbekistan
  • Business Administration
  • Lincoln University of Missouri

  •  
  • Hasan Atamirzaev
  • Uzbekistan
  • Law
  • Duke University

  •  
  •  
  • Sirojiddin Eshmatov
  • Uzbekistan
  • Economics
  • North Dakota State University

  •  
  •  
  • Nigorahon Hamidova
  • Uzbekistan
  • Education
  • Northern Illinois University

  •  
  •  
  • Zebbohon Ibragimova
  • Uzbekistan
  • Public Health
  • University of South Carolina

  •  
  •  
  • Altinay Jarimbetova
  • Uzbekistan
  • Public Health
  • Western Illinois University
  •  

  •  
  • Zafar Khodjaev
  • Uzbekistan
  • Law
  • Saint Louis University

  •  
  • Tatyana Lee
  • Uzbekistan
  • Law
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  •  

Tatyana Lee received her bachelor’s degree in international law from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in Tashkent. Prior to beginning her Muskie fellowship, Ms. Lee was a legal consultant and trainer on civil, labor, family, and housing law for the UWED Legal Clinic. She has also interned in the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights and the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for Central Asia in Tashkent. During her university studies, Ms. Lee participated in moot court competitions and in 2008, she was a finalist in the 9th Central Asian Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law. While enrolled in the LL.M program at the Illinois Institute of Technology, she plans to study corporate law.  

 

  • Behzod Mamadiev
  • Uzbekistan
  • Journalism and Mass Communication
  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
  •  

Behzod Mamdiev holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Delhi University and a bachelor’s degree in international journalism from the Uzbek State World Languages University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Mamadiev was a correspondent for the Ma’rifat newspaper. As a university student, he participated in knowledge olympiads and sport competitions and served in the student union of the International Student House at Delhi University. During his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Mamadiev will study crisis communication.

 

  • Sardorbek Musayev
  • Uzbekistan
  • Environmental Management
  • North Dakota State University

  •  
  •  
  • Zaytuna Nasirova
  • Uzbekistan
  • Business Administration
  • North Dakota State University

  •  
  •  
  • Davron Niyazmetov
  • Uzbekistan
  • Economics
  • Western Illinois University
  •  

Davron Niyazmetov holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in economics from Urgench State University. Prior to beginning his Muskie fellowship, Mr. Niyazmetov was the deputy chief of the Khorezm Regional Department of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on De-monopolization, Support of Competition, and Entrepreneurship. His master’s studies were supported by the ZEF/UNESCO project “Economic and Ecological Restructuring of Land and Water Use in Khorezm Region.” In 2003 and 2004, Mr. Niyazmetov was the winner of the regional Khroezm chess championships. During his fellowship, he will examine he role of government in stabilizing macroeconomic situations during crises.

 

  • Shuhrat Tagaev
  • Uzbekistan
  • Education
  • Columbia University - Teachers College

  •  
  •  
  • Malika Umarova
  • Uzbekistan
  • Public Health
  • University of Southern Maine

  •  
  •  
  • Damir Valeev
  • Uzbekistan
  • Law
  • Tufts University