University of Michigan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia
August 2024 - Present
As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan’s Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, I conducted interdisciplinary research on forced migration, authoritarianism, and environmental justice in post-Soviet states. In addition to advancing my book manuscript, I developed and taught a class Environment, Politics, and Society in Russia for which I have received exceptional student reviews and an Early Career Excellence in Teaching Prize from the British Association of Slavonic and East European Studies.
University of Oregon, Graduate Teaching Employee
September 2016 - June2024
As a Graduate Teaching Employee, I have developed and taught new sociology courses, such as Sociology of Corruption; taught online courses, such as Research Methods; led discussion sections, graded student work, and assisted sociology professors in a variety of other ways. In my role as a GTE, I support students’ success by providing office hours, course advising, and general student counseling.
American Councils for International Education, Resident Director (Tbilisi, Georgia)
June - August 2023
As a Resident Director, I served as a liaison between the Tbilisi office and the DC headquarters of the American Councils’ Critical Language Scholarship program. Provided daily and weekly reports, and managed the financial documentation. I assisted students with academic programming and conflict resolution, served as a key contact, and provided immediate support with medical emergencies and mental health crises. I aided students in the cross-cultural integration process, organized and led weekly student meetings, and assisted local staff with designing and carrying out cultural activities, workshops, and academic talks.
United Nations Environment Programme, Intern
September 2021 - March 2022
During this six-month long internship my duties included writing and providing feedback on case-studies and other literature for informing policy decisions. These documents are primarily related to the infrastructure, sustainability, and the environment. I assisted with the organization and implementation of webinars and presentations, particularly an environmental series (SI-COL) held at Duke University. I helped revise and finalize documents translated into the Russian language to effectively communicate the intended message for global stakeholders and assisted with building and designing UNEP webpages aimed at popularizing sustainable infrastructure solutions.
St. Petersburg Municipal Foreign Languages Courses, English and Chinese Language Teacher
September 2015 - August 2017
In my capacity as a Chinese and English teacher, I created English and Chinese course syllabi. Developed vocabulary, grammar, and oral ability of students. Taught small classes; managed attendance, and graded assignments.
Freelance Tour Guide with English and Mandarin
Summers 2013 - 2018
I led private and group tours of St. Petersburg and surrounding towns. As a licensed guide, I also led tours in local museums, such as The Hermitage, Church on The Spilt Blood, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Faberge Museum, and many others.