Tatry Mountains, Poland, 2014
I was born and raised in Ohio and earned bachelor’s degrees in 2006 in Russian and Computer Science from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). After working for a year in the computer industry, I was awarded a Fulbright fellowship to teach English at Novosibirsk State Technical University in Siberia. My fascination with Slavic languages and culture culminated during this year and led to a career change. I entered the Slavic Ph.D. program at Ohio State University the following autumn.
I have lived in Russia for a total of 3.5 years on various trips, both for research and personal travel. Several years ago I also began intensive study of Polish and have lived in Poland for the last 3 summers. As a language lover, I was lucky to have the opportunity to achieve fluency in both Russian and Polish. The extensive time abroad, moreover, presented great research opportunities, allowed me to form lasting friendships with Russians and Poles, and provided insight into these cultures.
Outside of academic interests, I have a number of hobbies. I’m a bit of a sports fanatic and enjoy running, swimming, Bikram yoga and playing pick-up basketball. I love music and play both piano and guitar (I often sing Russian music with my students). I enjoy learning how to cook new things. I consider travel, cinema and good food to be among the finer things in life.
Contact me at upthera44[AT]gmail.com