My Fulbright Experience

Each spring, Romania awakens to the scent of blossoming trees, the hum of bees, and the echoes of ancient traditions that mark the season’s arrival. Among the most cherished is the celebration of Sfântul Mare Mucenic Gheorghe (Saint George the Great Martyr) honored on April 23 by those who follow the New Calendar. Known for …

Celebrating Sfântul Gheorghe: The Hero Saint of Springtime and Renewal in Romania Read More »

In Romania, the week before Easter, known as Săptămâna Mare (Holy Week) is a time of deep reflection, quiet rituals, and hopeful anticipation. It begins on Palm Sunday (Duminica Floriilor), commemorating Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and culminates in the most crucial celebration in the Orthodox Christian calendar: Paștele, the Resurrection of Christ. This week …

The Light Before the Resurrection: Reflecting on Holy Week in Romania Read More »

To Bloom, To Migrate, To Become I saw them today: two storks in a nest, returned from their long journey across continents. Their arrival felt like a quiet miracle, though they do it twice each year without ceremony or hesitation. It made me think of how nature embraces difficulty without flinching. A flower bud does …

To Bloom, To Migrate, To Become Read More »

Fulbright represents more than academic excellence. It signifies a commitment to dialogue across cultures, the respectful exchange of ideas, and the pursuit of mutual understanding in a complex world. As a Fulbrighter, I carry this responsibility with deep sincerity, especially in a time when inclusive thinking and global cooperation are not simply ideals, but necessities. …

Refusing to Shrink: On Fulbright, Feminism, and Finding My Way Read More »

Being awarded a Fulbright is often described as one of the greatest honors a scholar can receive. It is a rigorous, highly selective process that identifies America’s best and brightest, those with the intellect, dedication, and cross-cultural adaptability to represent the United States abroad. And yet, despite its legacy, despite its significance in diplomacy, and …

The Unraveling of Fulbright: America’s Best and Brightest Left in Limbo Read More »

Today was one of those rare, perfect days: ideal weather, peaceful waters, and a reminder of why I love the Danube Delta so much. I spent the day exploring the waters of Somova, a stunning part of the exterior delta that often gets overlooked in favor of more well-known areas deeper within the biosphere reserve. …

A Day on the Water: Discovering the Beauty of Somova Read More »

Mărțișor, celebrated on March 1st, is a cherished Romanian tradition that marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal, hope, and good fortune. As a Fulbrighter in Romania, I have the unique opportunity to experience this tradition firsthand, witnessing how cultural heritage remains deeply embedded in everyday life. More than a simple red-and-white trinket, Mărțișor …

Mărțișor: The Celebration of Spring in Romania Read More »

Knitting has long been associated with warmth, tradition, and craftsmanship, but recent research suggests it is also an elegant exercise in geometry and physics. A study published in PNAS by Lauren Niu, Geneviève Dion, and Randall D. Kamien reveals that the way knitted fabrics naturally curl and fold follows precise mathematical principles. Their findings highlight …

The Science of Knitting: How Romanian Traditions Align with Theoretical Physics Read More »

Connecting with the Next Generation:My Fulbright Cultural Exchange Experience at American Corner Cluj and Gheorghe Șincai National College Introduction As a Fulbright grantee, one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been engaging with Romanian students and sharing my experiences. Recently, I had the privilege of giving presentations at American Corner Cluj-Napoca and …

Connecting with the Next Generation: My Fulbright Cultural Exchange Experience at American Corner Cluj and Gheorghe Șincai National College Read More »