COLLEGE PARK, Md., Dec. 3, 2024 — The University of Maryland has awarded nonresidential fellowships to two distinguished Ukrainian scholars, through the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Nonresidential Scholars Program, supporting critical research projects focused on “Preservation and Restoration” in the context of Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia.
The program provides a $5,000 grant to each scholar, offering one-year visiting scholar appointments in UMD's College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS). Fellows will receive digital resource access and virtual library borrowing privileges.
Selected scholars:
- Professor Nataliia Shlikhta, a leading historian from the Mohyla National Academy in Kyiv, will explore how Russia's invasion has transformed historical memory of religious life and belonging in post-Soviet spaces. With seven books and numerous international publications, Shlikhta brings deep expertise in religious geopolitics, focusing particularly on the modern Greek Catholic Church. Shlikhta will be hosted by The College of Arts and Humanities' Department of History.
- Professor Olha Brusylovska, Chair of International Relations at Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University, will investigate Russian state propaganda and media disinformation in a global context. As founding director of the Odessa Center for Disinformation Studies and a member of multiple editorial boards, she brings critical insight into global communication strategies during conflict. Brusylovska will be hosted by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences' Department of Government and Politics.
“I know these scholars, who have essentially been made refugees either in their own country or in neighboring countries, deeply appreciate the opportunity to access our online library resources, participating in a BTAA set of workshops, and having the opportunities to network with UMD colleagues. I hope we can see them as part of our wonderful Terp family,” said Dr. Ross Lewin, Associate Vice President of International Affairs.
The Nonresidential Scholars Program aims to provide a platform for continued academic work during challenging times. It was established by Indiana University in June 2022, and in this third cohort of fellows, BTAA support expands the program to eight additional Big Ten universities for a total of 30 scholars from Ukraine in social sciences and humanities. The Senior International Officers Group within the BTAA pledged matching funds for each Ukrainian fellow, doubling each university’s financial contribution. The Alliance’s Dean’s Group has also pledged funds to support needs such as English-Ukrainian interpretation at all program events.
UMD's participation in the Big Ten Academic Alliance brings effective collaboration among research universities. For more than half a century, the world-class institutions of the Big Ten have advanced their academic missions, generated unique opportunities for students and faculty, and served the common good by sharing expertise, leveraging campus resources, and collaborating on innovative programs.