Christian Aagnes, Norway, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science at Harvard University, and he is also taking courses at MIT through a cross-registration. His lifelong passion for mathematics, sparked in childhood, inspired him to write a book about the Abel Mathematics Competition, in which he was a multiple-time finalist. Recently, Christian has developed a keen interest in machine learning and its many applications, which he aims to further explore during his graduate studies. In addition to his academic pursuits, Christian is an avid football player and enjoys competing in chess tournaments.
Maria Atanasova, Bulgaria, is a researcher and Roma activist. She has a Master’s degree in Political Science from Central European University in Vienna where her thesis examined the electoral representation of Roma in Bulgaria. She also earned an Advanced Certificate in Romani Studies. For her activist work with Roma and non-Roma youth organizations, fighting for social inclusion and political representation in Bulgaria and across Europe, she was awarded “Young European of the Year 2020”. Maria is also a trained midwife and holds a bachelor’s degree in the field of healthcare. Maria Atanasova’s extensive activism experience shaped her personal and academic interests. She is currently a Fulbright scholar obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park focusing on memorialization, minority representation, migration and minorities, race, and Roma.
Frederik Bendtsen, Denmark, is a Fulbright grantee pursuing a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His passion for space exploration ignited at a young age during his visits to the Johnson Space Center while living in Houston, Texas. Frederik earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aalborg University in 2024. His research interests include feedback control and systems design. While studying at Aalborg University, Frederik was part of AAU Space Robotics, a team developing a Mars rover designed to compete in the European Rover Challenge. During his Master’s, Frederik aims to specialize in systems design and optimization. He aspires to leverage his expertise to advance space exploration within and beyond our solar system. In his free time, Frederik stays very active with CrossFit workouts, running, and bouldering.
Tomine Bergseth, Norway, is a second-year master’s student in Applied Data Science at the University of Southern California (USC). She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from USC in International Relations and Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change in 2022. During her undergraduate studies, she developed an interest in quantitative data analysis and statistical modeling. She is passionate about machine learning and how we can use data science to solve complex problems.
Ashod Derandonyan, Bulgaria, is a Fulbright graduate grantee pursuing his studies in Public Policy at Gallaudet University, the leading institution for Deaf education worldwide. As a prominent Deaf leader, Ashod is deeply committed to advocating for equity, truth, and justice for the Deaf community. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in the successful enactment of the Bulgarian Sign Language Act, which marked a significant milestone in the recognition of Deaf rights in his home country. His ongoing studies are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of this law, enhancing opportunities for Deaf Bulgarians, and setting an example for other nations where Deaf communities are still fighting for their linguistic rights. Ashod serves on the Bulgarian Sign Language Council at the Ministry of Education and is an active voice in advocating for Deaf rights in various institutions. Additionally, he is a driving force behind the “Building Bridges for Deaf Leaders of Tomorrow” initiative, which aims to empower Deaf specialists in Bulgaria. Recently, Ashod was appointed as an Expert on Human Rights at the World Federation for the Deaf, furthering his efforts to create more opportunities for professional and academic exchange between Deaf communities in the US and the EU.
Joel Ekström, Sweden, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Development at Cornell University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict studies at Lund University, Sweden, focusing on the issue of food security in conflict. After an internship at the Danish think tank The Council for International Conflict Resolution (RIKO), he worked for the UN World Food Programme. During his Master’s degree, Joel will continue to focus his studies on the interrelation between hunger and conflict.
Gustav Granlund, Sweden, is pursuing a Master of Engineering Management at Dartmouth. His diverse background includes serving in the Swedish Navy as a Systems Technician and conducting research at the Swedish Defense University. Gustav’s passion for innovation and technology has led him to focus on Operations Research and Supply Chain Management in his graduate studies. Gustav is eager to apply his knowledge and skills to real-world challenges and contribute to the development of cutting-edge maritime shipping software. After completing his degree, Gustav plans to return to Sweden to help drive innovation and technological advancement in his home country.
Isabella Biorac Haaja, Finland, is pursuing a master’s degree at Syracuse University in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications. Isabella is a journalist and has worked at the Finnish public service media company for two years, reporting on various topics for TV, radio, social media, and online news. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from the University of Helsinki. She is also a Fulbright grantee.
Freja Hoejland Hoej, Denmark, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship at The New School College of Performing Arts. She previously received her a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, during which she studied abroad at The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Recently, Freja collaborated with artist Faun Vium on a multidisciplinary project involving classical singing, new music, paper sculpture, and modern visual effects. Previous projects include performances with Festival & Friends premiering the Danish composer M. Vestergårds new song cycle KRISER staged by Johan Klint Sandberg, female voice 1 in Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians, Earl Kim’s Where Grief Slumbers which was broadcast on Danish Radio P2, Proserpina at Den Fynske Opera in a remake of Monteverdi’s opera L’Orfeo by Kind of Opera and We Like We, and the soprano in A Child Is Born – a staged queer version of Händel’s Messiah by Neugeboren Opera Group. Furthermore, Freja has performed as a soloist in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Magnificat, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Faurés Requiem, and Judith by E. J. de La Guerre at the National Gallery of Denmark in a staging by Kind of Opera. (PHOTO CREDIT JULIA SVERINSEN)
Ruben Høgh, Denmark, is a NYC-based prizewinning Danish pianist and performer, fully dedicated to exploring the realms of contemporary music. Having earlier obtained a master’s degree in classical piano performance at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as studies in Düsseldorf and Berlin, Germany, he is now enrolled as a Fulbright scholar in Manhattan School of Music’s Contemporary Music Performance Program with piano teachers Margaret Kampmeier and Anthony de Mare. Finding inspiration in everything from post-rock music to composers such as D. Shostakovich, John Adams and Julia Wolfe, Ruben was especially drawn to New York when discovering Bang on a Can with its multifaceted aesthetical profile. In the summer of 2024, he was selected as a fellow at Bang on a Can’s annual summer festival at MASS MoCA in North Adams, fully funded by Art Music Denmark. This culminated in several performances at Loud Weekend, including works by Meredith Monk and Mathew Rosenblum – both of whom he got to work directly with at the festival. Ruben currently enjoys exploring and developing his musicianship at the very epicenter of his motivations. His studies in New York are generously supported by a number of foundations, including Fulbright Denmark, Thanks to Scandinavia and Léonnie Sonnings Talent Prize.
Haakon Huyhn, Norway, is a former professional violinist with a diverse academic background in Classical Music and Psychology. His time in Switzerland sparked an interest in foreign cultures and languages, driving his ambition to serve as a Norwegian diplomat. Haakon will be pursuing an interdisciplinary MA in Global Thought at Columbia University, where he plans to research the influence of Vietnamese diaspora communities on Vietnam’s foreign policy. Haakon’s long-term goal is to strengthen ties between Norway and emerging economies in Asia.
Alexander Ivanov, Bulgaria, is a dedicated member of Bulgaria’s Deaf community, known for his creativity, determination, and commitment to truth and justice. As the co-founder of the Active Deaf Youth Organization (ADYO), he strives to support and unite young deaf individuals. Fluent in multiple sign and written languages, he will delve deeper into linguistics on sign languages and will be studying towards his MA in Linguistics at Gallaudet University, the only university offering bilingual education through American Sign Language and English. He has contributed to various organizations and campaigns, including the Bulgarian Sign Language Act of 2021. He serves on the Bulgarian Sign Language Council at the Ministry of Education and Science and is an active non-formal educator for the Deaf communities in Bulgaria and at the European level under the European Union of the Deaf Youth.
Thea Ullegaard Kjeldsmark, Denmark, is pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Software Development at the IT University of Copenhagen with a study abroad semester at the American University in Cairo. Besides her studies, Thea has interned at Microsoft Ireland and J.P. Morgan Scotland. At UC Irvine, she specializes in software and systems security, focusing on researching security and privacy for emerging technologies. During the 2024 summer, she was a research fellow at ETH Zürich, Switzerland, in the Advanced Software Technologies Lab, where she worked on finding bugs in programming languages. Thea hopes to help address the growing digital threats by finding new ways to discover vulnerabilities and developing protection mechanisms against cyberattacks.
Heeirthan Shanthan, Norway, is pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). At UCSB, he will specialize in controls, wireless communication, and digital signal processing. Heeirthan has participated in grant-funded research in embedded machine learning and developing an audio recognition model to reduce insect infestation in citrus trees. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. He enjoys playing soccer in his free time and was a student-athlete during his undergraduate years.
Malene Anthony Sommerand, Denmark, is a journalist pursuing a master’s degree in Global Thought at Columbia University in New York. She has been working in the media industry for the last ten years and has witnessed both the challenges and opportunities that social media, artificial intelligence, and a changing advertising market have presented to media companies. Her studies will focus on media policy and analytic journalism in a global context. After completing her studies in New York, Malene will return to Denmark to work in the media industry, using her insights to create more meaningful journalism and help grow better and more sustainable news companies.
Claudia Camille Steenhard, Denmark, is both anthropologist and journalist. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism at Columbia University. With a concentration in politics, her focus is to cover complex political topics and to build depth and nuance into her work as a journalist by drawing on her academic skills and understanding. She aspires to produce journalism – written as well as in audio and video form – which encourages people to think more deeply about social and political affairs. In her leisure time she enjoys literature, films, museums, cooking and running.
Sebastian Vilstrup-Jørgensen, Denmark, is an attorney pursuing a Master of Laws at the University of Chicago Law School. After graduating from the University of Copenhagen in 2020, Sebastian was employed at the Danish Ministry of Justice, where he advised governmental entities and the administration on EU law. In 2022, he joined Accura, a leading Danish law firm, where he has been working as an attorney. At Accura, Sebastian advised privately owned companies on matters relating to bankruptcy and corporate restructuring proceedings. His interest in these areas has led him to focus on cross-border transactions and corporate reorganizations during his LLM studies.
Henri Winberg, Finland, is currently pursuing the Transatlantic Master’s Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a BSc in Economics and Business Administration from the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki. His interest in transatlantic affairs was sparked during internships in Washington, D.C., and Brussels, where he engaged with key themes and institutions within transatlantic relations. Henri aims to deepen his understanding of the transatlantic relationship during his time in the US, emphasizing the invaluable people-to-people encounters he will experience. In his spare time, Henri enjoys reading, visiting museums, and exploring everything related to coffee.
Mehreen Zaigham, Sweden, is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lund University in Sweden. She completed her MBBS from King Edward Medical University in Pakistan and works as a Specialist doctor at Skåne University Hospital in Sweden. Her PhD from Lund University focused on the role of umbilical cord blood sampling in predicting neurodevelopmental handicap in infants later on in life. She is a clinical scientist interested in global maternal healthcare research and advocacy. She is a current Master of Public Health student at the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health and a Paul Farmer Research Fellow at the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change at Harvard Medical School.