2009 Programs and Events
Fulbright recipients from Latvia honored
On July 15, U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires Bruce Rogers hosted a reception in honor of Latvian students and scholars who have received the prestigious U.S. government's Fulbright scholarship. Five students and four researchers from several Latvian universities and different academic fields will study or conduct research in a U.S. university during the next academic year.
In the U.S., the students and scholars will be hosted by high-quality universities such as the University of Texas, University of Massachusetts, Syracuse University, Oregon State University and California Institute of the Arts.
Bruce Rogers says: "I admire the enthusiasm with which these talented individuals have pursued their research and studies. They are a talented group of individuals. Many of former Fulbright fellows from Latvia have gone on to become leaders in politics, business and the NGO sector. I am confident that we will hear similar success stories in the future from this group."
Former U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright established the Fulbright program in 1946. The goal of the program is to increase mutual understanding among the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The U.S. government maintains the Fulbright program with many countries all over the world, including Latvia. Since 1992, total of 179 students, scholars and teachers from Latvia have received this scholarship.
The Fulbright scholarship covers all expenses during the fellow's stay in the United States, as well as round-trip airfare to and from Riga. Students normally study for one or two years, while senior educators travel for either one or two semesters to conduct research or teach at
universities in the United States.
The U.S. Embassy encourages qualified Latvian students and scholars to participate in the competition for next year's scholarships. The embassy will announce the next competition for the Fulbright program in August.
Fulbright Student Fellowship Recipients AY 2009/2010:
Ms. Agnese Irkle will work towards her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the University of Texas, Austin.
Ms. Liene Locmele, lecturer from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences will work towards her Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Mr. Jevgenijs Babaicevs will work towards his Master's degree in Eonomics at New York University.
Ms. Madara Apsalone will work towards her MBA in Global Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Mr. Kaspars Berzins, chairman of the board of Zeno Consulting, Ltd. will work towards his Master's degree in Public Administration at Syracuse University.
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Fellowship Recipients AY 2009/2010:
Ms. Anna Mezaka, Scientific assistant, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia will conduct her research at Oregon State University. The theme of research is "Epiphytic bryophyte and lichen community ecology in temperate forest ecosystems."
Dr. Juris Zvikovs, Assistant Professor, Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music will teach piano performance at California Institute of the Arts.
Dr. Ivars Ijabs, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Latvia will conduct his research at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The theme of research is "Politics of Memory and Democratization: the Role of Civil Society."
Dr. Arturs Kucs, head of International Law Department, Faculty of Law, University of Latvia will conduct his research at the University of Connecticut. The theme of research "Balancing the freedom of expression and hate speech: legal doctrine and case-law in the United States."