top of page
Search

Building Cultural Identity Resilience in Transatlantic Talent Mobility Hubs - Sixth Annual Conference of Romanian American Professionals

TeoStan

Updated: 14 minutes ago

December 20th and 21st 2024

The Sixth Annual Conference of Romanian American Professionals took place on December 20-21, 2024, providing a dynamic platform for researchers, professionals, and leaders within the Romanian-American diaspora to reflect on the evolution and resilience of our diaspora ecosystem and its instrumentality in nurturing stronger transatlantic ties in research and innovation. This conference aimed to advance interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the impact of professional networks across the transatlantic landscape, focusing on critical themes essential for bolstering talent mobility and innovation.

Among the key highlights was the focus on navigating talent mobility. The conference opened with in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges of talent exchange among Romania, Moldova, and the United States. Experts shared insights on fostering efficient pathways for professionals seeking to engage across borders, highlighting the importance of these connections in today’s global landscape. Secondly, presenters highlighted the importance of building stronger institutional bridges. A significant portion of the event concentrated on strengthening transatlantic cooperation through our robust diaspora networks. Attendees and presenters explored how various collaborative efforts can effectively address community challenges, enriching both local and national ties. With regards to the drive of promoting innovation, the conference showcased the power of diverse perspectives in driving research and innovative practices. Presenters highlighted successful projects that leverage the unique backgrounds and experiences of participants to foster meaningful advancements in various fields.

Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to engage with influential figures from the diaspora and share their own experiences and contributions toward cultural preservation and community development. The second day panel presentations emphasized the necessity of nurturing peer and mentor relationships, which are pivotal in guiding newcomers and emerging talent. The conference featured contributions from multiple academic and professional councils representing areas such as: Arts and Culture; Medicine and Public Health; Legal Counseling, Development, and Public Policy; STEM and Information Technology; Community Civic Engagement and Social Entrepreneurship. These councils serve as incubators for innovative ideas and best practices, reinforcing the collective mission of fostering resilience in cultural identity within our diaspora.

A notable highlight was the announcement of Romania's designation as the 43rd country to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This milestone, achieved through our collaborative advocacy efforts, marks a historic opportunity for the Romanian-American community, significantly enhancing mobility and fostering deeper connections between Romania, Moldova, and the United States.

As our societies grapple with global shifts and emerging challenges, the imperative for transatlantic cooperation has never been more evident. The insights gained during this conference have reinforced our commitment to leveraging the strengths of our diaspora networks to drive social mobility and foster innovation.

The Sixth Annual Conference not only celebrated the achievements of our community but also served as a call to action for continued engagement and collaboration. Together, we are poised to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, building on our shared cultural identity to support and uplift our communities. We look forward to future gatherings that build on these discussions and further empower our diaspora, fortifying our collective journey toward cultural resilience and innovation. Thank you to all participants for contributing to a successful and inspiring conference. Your dedication is vital as we continue to work together for a brighter future.


Welcoming remarks: Teodor Stan, President and Founder of Immigration Research Forum and 2023-2024 President of the Federation of Romanian American Organizations

Teodor Stan, the conference host, welcomed attendees and reiterated the conference's mission of fostering innovation, cultural identity, and transatlantic cooperation. He also noted significant achievements such as advocacy for Romania’s inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program and the vital contributions of the Romanian American diaspora.

Opening Plenary Session Speakers:


Formal Opening Address by Minister Counselor Anton Lungu, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the United States of America;

Republic of Moldova's DCM in Washington, DC - Mr. Anton Lungu, spoke about Moldova's European path and the role the diaspora can play by sharing expertise

Keynote speaker: Prof. Maria Bucur-Deckard, Ph.D. - John W. Hill Professor of History, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington

Acasa: Historical Perspectives on the Anxieties of the Moment”

Prof. Maria Bucur is the John V. Hill Professor of East European History at Indiana University, Bloomington. She is the author or co-author of 11 books and numerous articles in many journals, from the American Historical Review to the Journal of Women’s History. Her most recent work includes The Nation’s Gratitude: War and Citizenship in Romania after World War I (Routledge, 2022) and “The Vanishing Invalid: Visual Representations of Disabled Veterans in Interwar Romania” (2023). She is currently completing a book manuscript entitled Five Faces of Disability in Interwar Romania. Professor Maria Bucur-Deckard was introduced to provide context on Romania's political situation after recent elections raised concerns about the rise of fascist elements. She aimed to discuss the implications for the Romanian diaspora and Romania's future.

Remarks by Alexandra-Ileana Mutiu, Vice Rector, Human Resources, Students’ Support and Development Unit, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca;

Alexandra-Ileana Muțiu is the Vice Rector of the Human Resources, Students’ Support and Development Unit at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. With a distinguished career in academia, she has been instrumental in advancing the university's initiatives in human resources, alumni relations, and career counseling. Dr. Muțiu's extensive experience includes leadership roles within the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, where she has contributed significantly to both educational and administrative excellence. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for students and staff alike underscores her dedication to the university's mission of academic and personal development.

Remarks by Dorian Branea, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute (RCI) in New York


Remarks by Honorary Consul of Romania to Connecticut, Immigration Attorney Dana R. Bucin at Murtha Cullina LLP;

Implications of Visa Regime Changes and Impact on Scientific Diaspora Mobility

Dana Bucin discussed the changes in immigration policies for Romanian nationals under the recent administrations. She highlighted the potential entry into the Visa Waiver program by January 20th, the elimination of the J.1 No Objection Waivers, and the implications of these changes. Dana also discussed the typical path to US citizenship for Romanian nationals, the differences between the Visa Waiver program and the existing B1/B2 visitor visa, and the challenges faced by H1B visa holders. She emphasized the importance of seeking legal advice for undocumented Romanians and the need for increased caution in respecting immigration laws.

Marius-Ionuț Ungureanu, MD PhD - Associate Professor & Chair - Department of Public Health, School of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University; Director - Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy; Adjunct Assistant Professor - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; President - Health Workforce Research Section, European Public Health Association

Marius Ungureanu MD, PhD is a medical doctor with extensive training in healthcare management and policy, and a background in health workforce, health systems & public health research. He is currently serving as Chair of the Department of Public Health, and Director of the Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy, both within the School of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences at Babeș-Bolyai University (BBU) in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Marius also serves as President of the Health and Care Workforce Section within the European Public Health Association (EUPHA).

Mihaela Serpe, Ph.D. Senior Investigator, Section on Cellular Communication NICHD/DIR - The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - National Institutes of Health

Mihaela Serpe Lab: Section on Cellular Communication

Mihaela Serpe, Ph.D. is a Senior Investigator in the Section on Cellular Communication at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Serpe leads a pioneering research lab focused on understanding the mechanisms of synapse development and homeostasis. Her work delves into the intricate processes of synaptogenesis, including the trafficking, organization, and maturation of synaptic components. Utilizing advanced techniques such as genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and super-resolution imaging, her lab employs the Drosophila neuromuscular junction as a model to explore glutamatergic synapse development and function. Dr. Serpe's research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse formation and plasticity, providing insights into various human pathologies, from learning and memory deficits to autism. Her contributions to the field of cellular communication are invaluable, making her a leading voice in neurodevelopmental research.

Asst. Prof. Arh. Cristina Maria Povian - Politehnica University Timișoara

Fostering Global Research Connections: The Impact of Research Mobility and the Woodrow Wilson Scholarship”

Cristina Maria Povian is an architect, interior designer, and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Politehnica University of Timișoara. She graduated from the same faculty and studied for a semester at the Sapienza University of Rome. Holding a Ph.D. in Architecture focused on social architecture for children in need, she also conducted postdoctoral research in Venice, Italy, and architectural history at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington D.C. In 2022, she became a Ph.D. supervisor in Architecture, mentoring doctoral students on sustainable architecture and design. She gained international experience through an internship in Berlin and teaching mobilities worldwide. Dr. Povian specializes in sustainable, user-centered solutions for contemporary challenges. She has authored works on architecture for abandoned children in Romania. Her workshops with schools and community organizations introduce children to architecture, fostering creativity and appreciation for the built environment.

Prof.  Ileana Marin - ARCS Co-Founder, University of Washington Professor, Director of Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine Study Abroad; University of Bucharest – Doctoral School "Space, Image, Text, Territory"/CESI


Otilia (Vieru) Baraboi, Ph.D. - Executive Director at Alliance Française de Seattle, President & Co-Founder at The American Romanian Cultural Society (ARCS- Seattle)

Ana Bacioiu, Ing. MBA - ARCS-Seattle Secretary and VP of Strategy, team member of the 2024 VIII Edition of the Romanian American Heritage Awards (RANHA)


"Transatlantic academic research opportunities for stakeholders in the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions and the European Research Council"


Medicine and Public Health Panel Speakers:

Dr. Nina Smart - Human rights activist, FGM expert, activist, sociologist and author, Dr. Smart’s professional and life experience straddles many cultures, Romanian, American, Indian and West African.

'Eliminating FGM by 2030 - a Global Public Health Priority; Transcultural Efforts made of one Romanian Woman'

Dr. Nina Smart, a distinguished human rights activist, sociologist, and author. Dr. Smart is renowned for her tireless efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone and beyond. As the founder of Servicing Wild Flowers (SWF) International, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to raise awareness and educate communities about FGM. Her impactful memoir, "Wild Flower: The True Story of a Romanian Girl in Africa," has become an essential resource in academic settings, fostering a deeper understanding of social issues. Dr. Smart's dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the United States Congress.

Crina Pupaza - Chief People Officer @ Nymbus | Talent Enabler | HR Strategy 

Implementing the UBB Alumni Mentorship Pilot Program with Romanian-American Alums


Michael Bogdan Mărgineanu - Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Neuroscience at The Francis Crick Institute | Founder at Biomentorhub;

Diana Rotaru - Research scientist, Columbia University (New York, NY) VP for Entrepreneurial Initiatives at BioMentorHub | Manager of 4BiOMed with the OneHealth Incubator;

Mihaela Madaras, PhD R&D Manager - Sun Chemical Corporation US | VP of Biomentorhub, co-founder of One Health Incubator;

Presentation title: " Advancing the life sciences innovation ecosystem in Romania by leveraging diaspora expertise"


Vero Nica, Co-founder & President of VAR Cultural, Bucharest;

Wave’s Imprint: An International Cinematic Experiment


Ian Vasilovski Toma, MD, PhD, MSHS, Associate Research Professor & Fulbright US Scholar, The George Washington University, Dept. of Clinical Research & Leadership

Opportunities for collaboration with Moldova’s scientific and academic community and governmental agencies

Dr. Toma was born in Chișinău, Moldova, and is a medical graduate of the State Medical and Pharmaceutical University (USMF). His clinical training includes a residency in Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care and a PhD in Clinical Toxicology from Moscow. He spent over a decade as an ER, EM, and ICU physician at the National Clinical Hospital (Spitalul Clinic Republican Timofei Moșneaga). After immigrating to the United States in 1996, Dr. Toma earned an MS in Clinical Research Administration from George Washington University (GWU). Since 2003, he has been a faculty member at the GWU School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he developed and taught courses in Clinical Research Administration, Genomic Medicine, Bioinformatics, and Medical Informatics. Dr. Toma's research focuses on the discovery and validation of genomic biomarkers for diseases and drug responses, serving as the Director of Genomic Clinical Research within the Division of Genomic Medicine. He is a member of the US National Academy of Inventors, holding two patents, and has received several research and developmental grants from International, US, and Moldova’s funding entities. He is also a two-time recipient of the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Fellowship (2017–2018, 2022–2023). Currently, Dr. Toma is collaborating with the Moldova’s National Agency for Research and Development (ANCD) and Biroul Relatii cu Diaspora (BRD) on improving the application process, reviews and evaluation of the national and international grants for recipients from Moldova.

STEM and IT Panel Speakers:

Asst. Prof. Gina C. Adam, PhD - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC

Electronics Research and Transatlantic Collaboration under the Microscope"

Gina Adam is an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at George Washington University. Originally from Ploiesti, she obtained her Bachelors degree in applied electronics from Politehnica Bucuresti, her Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California Santa Barbara thanks to a Fulbright S&T fellowship from the U.S. Department of State and was a research scientist at the Romanian National Institute for R&D in Microtechnologies thanks a Marie-Sklowdoska Curie grant from the European Commission. Since joining GW in 2018, she has been leading an interdisciplinary research group focused on the development of emerging nanoscale memory devices and novel hardware foundations that will enable new ways of brain-inspired computing.

Julia Costin Co-Founder & COO at Cyber Qubits | Revolutionizing Cybersecurity Education | Honorary Consul of Romania in Colorado

"Hacking Into Cybersecurity Careers"


Dr. Sylvia Biscoveanu, NASA Einstein Fellow, CIERA, Northwestern University

Listening to the Universe: A journey from music to physics,”

Sylvia Biscoveanu is a NASA Einstein Fellow at Northwestern University-CIERA, working on using gravitational-wave data to understand the properties of compact-object mergers, their electromagnetic counterparts, and the stochastic gravitational-wave background. In Fall 2025, she will join the Princeton Department of Physics as an Assistant Professor. Sylvia received her PhD in Physics from MIT in June 2023, where she was a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, and a PEO Scholar. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Schreyer Honors College of the Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Physics and Spanish with minors in Mathematics and Violin/Viola performance. She currently plays in the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and with a string quartet in the Chicago area. Hailing from Philadelphia, Sylvia is the daughter of Romanian immigrants.

Dorin Munteanu - President, Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.; Honorary Consul of Romania to the Commonwealth of Virginia (designate); Co-Chair DC Cyber Task Force;

Dorin is Principal of Transilvania Group, a Washington, DC-based business management and policy advisory firm. He also serves as President of the Romanian American Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C. Chapter and as the Honorary Consul of Romania to the Commonwealth of Virginia (designate). He is a Managing Partner to the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions uRADMonitor network, the co-founder of the Intelligent Automation (IA) Initiative and the Community Co-Director of the Virginia Academic IA Community of Practice. Dorin is a senior advisor at the Center for Business Civic Engagement at George Mason University and has advisory roles at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University and RevelSI.

In Memoriam Prof. Dr. Eliot Sorel:

Acad. Prof. Dr. Mircea Lazarescu - Emeritus member of the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences; First president of the Romanian Psychiatric Association; Founding member of the European Psychiatric Association; Past vice-president of the Danubian Psychiatric Association


Georgiana Cosoveanu - Director Governmental Affairs and Policy, Romania Leadership Team, Johnson & Johnson Romania, AmCham Board of Directors Member, PhD Candidate

Dr. Eliot Sorel, MD – husband, father, grandfather, friend, healer, teacher, coach, mentor, innovator, internationalist, photographer – passed peacefully on October 13, 2024, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Christiane E. Sorel; his Son, Marc A. Sorel (wife Maura); his Daughter, Marie-Adele Sorel Kress, MD (husband Jeremy); and his six wonderful grandchildren, Benjamin, Davina, Elias, Olympia, Theodore, and Zeke. A first generation American, Dr. Sorel lived the American dream. Working his way through school after emigrating from Europe at the age of 21, Dr. Sorel studied at NYU, the State University of New York-Binghamton, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Yale, where he would meet his future wife. After a pioneering two-year stint establishing mental health services in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he moved to Washington, DC. Dr. Sorel was an innovative global health leader, health systems performance expert, practicing physician, and Clinical Professor of Global Health, Health Policy and Management at the George Washington University, where he was also a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Sorel served as a subject matter expert for the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH Fogarty International Center), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), World Bank Group (WBG), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD). He was founding editor in chief of the Global Mental Health and Psychiatry Review and a cofounder of the Africa Global Mental Health Institute. At the George Washington University, Dr. Sorel taught Global Mental Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health. He was an active and respected member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Psychiatry; President of the World Association for Social Psychiatry; active member of the World Psychiatric Association; President of both the Washington Psychiatric Society and the Medical Society for the District of Columbia, and creator of the TOTAL Health model: an integrated, collaborative template for health care that combined the capabilities of primary care, mental health & public health. Dr. Sorel was the organizer and President of the 1st International Perinatal TOTAL Health Congress. His honors and initiatives were diverse and extensive. They include the RI Centennial Award from Rehabilitation International (RI) in 2023; the Ronald A. Shellow Award from the American Psychiatric Association in the spring of 2021; recognition as a Pioneer and Leader in Public Health from The George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health honored in December 2019; the Mental Health Champion Award, awarded at the Universal Health and Mental Health for All Conference in Malta, E.U., in December, 2018; the Excellence Prize, from the Government of Romania at the Romanian Embassy, in Washington in 2018; Doctor Honoris Causa from Carol Davila Medical University and the Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania, awarded in October 2009 and June 2014, respectively; Star of Romania, Order of Commander, awarded by The President of Romania in Bucharest in January 2004; a commendation from the United States Congress for initiating and chairing Resilience in the Face of Terror: Healing the Trauma of 9/11 in the autumn of 2002.

Ambassador Jim Rosapepe (ret.), Alianta President, Maryland State Senator and board member of the Council of American Ambassadors;



Community Civic Engagement and Social Entrepreneurship Panel Speakers:

Documenting Romanian Immigration - The premiere of the documentary JOURNEYS OF IDENTITY: Romanian Immigration Stories of Resilience

'Journeys of Identity: Romanian Immigration Stories of Resilience' is HORA’s masterful final act in a documentary trilogy that authentically covers through oral history interviews the experience of transatlantic migration from the turn of last century to current times. It testifies to the complexities of current migration, the varied facets of discursive collective identity construction. Viewers are invited into the intimacy of migrants' family lives, into their attempts to redefine their personal narratives, their contextual ways of being and simultaneously belonging within native and adoptive societies. These are discreet stories of bridging and enriching geographically remote communities, of negotiating disruptive pressures of acculturation and increasingly transnational, interdependent lifestyles. These are stories of affirming one’s heritage as reinforcing mechanism for coping with rapid social changes. Most importantly this documentary refocuses us on the vital stories we craft to share and model resilience for our descendants. What drives migrants’ cultural resilience and positive continued anchoring in both native and host communities is an appreciation of the diversity of perspectives and traditions on which to build, the bedrock of a thriving, innovative "nation of nations," and the unflinching belief that the elusive “American dream” is within reach.


The concerted efforts of consolidating the federation and implementing the Eighth Edition of the Romanian American National Heritage Awards (RANHA) 

The 53 college-bound RANHA awardees were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the cohesion of the Romanian American diaspora community and the preservation of its heritage, language, culture and traditions (www.romanianamericanheritage.us ). IRF together with eight other diaspora community entities, is one of the founding entities of the Federation of Romanian American Organizations, a single collaborative forum for mutual support that seeks to build a stronger national Romanian-American community, represent the interests and needs of our many diaspora communities and speak with one voice for the well-being of our future constituent communities. (www.fora-usa.org) The awards, now at their 8th edition are the brainchild of Honorary consul Iulian Calinov’s and had been professionally implemented over the years by the ARCS team in Seattle, a member organization of FORA. This year, the Federation has undertaken the National Heritage Awards as its flagship youth program, an exercise of sharing the administrative efforts of national coordination in implementing this worthy project. We are elated with the results and wish to express our gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Andrei Muraru for his unwavering support and long-term vision in supporting FORA’s mission and in hosting at his residence our awards ceremony, the day-long college application training workshops by and for our youth and the evening reception. A special thank you to the Deputy Chief of Mission Cristian Gaginski and the embassy’s political office Cristina Kassai for their logistic support, the time and resources graciously offered as hosts. The success of this year’s awards would not have been possible without true leadership and service of project coordinator Adriana Trandafirescu, RUF Education Board member, Simona Vasile, RomAmPro and FORA board member and especially the without the time and effort graciously offered by the FORA Secretary Mirela Panaitiso, the Vice-President of Romanul Corporation, CT. Mirela was for the past few years the force behind the curtains marshaling the federation’s resources and members’ input to allow us to work together simultaneously within multiple diaspora hubs, share the burden and the opportunity to have these awards. It was out RANHA alumni that hosted and facilitated the workshops hosted at the ambassador’s residence and we commend the work of youth leaders Liana Moldoveanu, Emily Boldor, Theodore Ganea as well as student speakers Maxim Cupsa, Sarah Emily Spiridon and Emma Dram. This is a heritage that will enrich the awardees and alumni’s personal lives, support their careers and give them a sense of accomplishment, of feeling fully understood and contained in communities they choose to nurture within their life journeys. Knowing who you are means knowing the value you bring to the communities you choose to belong to. Affirming their Romanian heritage is also a smart choice, it gives them access to potential mentors and peers. It opens doors to supportive networks, resources and opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic should they choose to pursue transnational career paths. Link to photos of the event: https://lucyjo.pixieset.com/romanianamericannationalheritageawards8thaddition/?fbclid=IwY2xjawILX39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ-7xw_NYhVHXxXTgwLDDf4Uszggt-yB6Zp3DprMVnD0wSItRRWcRdpKKw_aem_UXzlrmdqsr9nmmVksfP9yg

Adrian Ozarchievici - Romanian Business Professionals Association, (RomAmPro) NY/NJ


Roxana Cazan, PhD. Executive Director ARCHER, Senior Lecturer, University of Oklahoma

Cultivating Cultural Identity and Resilience Through Community Engagement and Scholarship


Diana Dram - Global Strategic Sourcing Director, McDonald’s


Antonia Baroga Hau, Romanul School of Connecticut coordinator, Romanian language teacher, Board member of Romanul Corp.

Presenting on the importance of Romanian language and culture education in the US diaspora


Liliana Onita-Lenco - President of The Association of Romanians In New England (ARNE)


Humanities, Arts and Culture Panel Speakers:

Anca Mizumsky - Phoenix-based writer and psychologist, whose recently published novel “Those Who Buy Stars" delves into immigration as a moral experience

Anca Mizumsky is an author, essayist, public speaker, and cultural broadcaster, who lives in the USA since 2016 and writes in Romanian and English. Since 1989, the year of her debut, the author has published several works: Far from Hemingway, short stories (1989), East, poems, (1993), Letter of Discharge, poems, (1995), Paper Guillotine, poems, (2008), Anna of Noah’s Ark, poems, (2009), Beyond, poems, (2010), In the Softness of the Sky, poems, (2012), My Suspended Land, essays, (2018), Those Who Buy Stars, novel, 2022. The author's poems have been included in two anthologies - Madugrada- Songs of Love and Fury, (2013), Metropolitana (2018) - as well as in numerous Romanian and international anthologies: (selection) Strong Romanian-Polish Anthology (1997), 27 Romanian Poets (Stockholm, 2011), Mujer en la aduana – 10 poetas rumanas contemporáneas (Madrid, 2022). Her articles and poems have been published in several cultural magazines and her poems have been translated into Spanish, Swedish, German, Italian, French, Hungarian, Czech, Albanian, and Chinese.

 

Dr. Carmen Bugan - George Orwell Prize Fellow featured among Oxford Alumni Authors, is an award-winning poet and writer who explores the expressions of historical and political upheaval in literature.

Tristia -poems, forthcoming Spring 2025

Carmen Bugan, George Orwell Prize Fellow, is an award-winning poet and writer who explores the expressions of historical and political upheaval in literature. She is the author of ten books including poetry, memoir, and criticism, and some of her work has been translated into Swedish, Polish, Italian, and Chinese. Tristia is her sixth collection of poems. Bugan's monograph, Seamus Heaney and East European Poetry in Translation: Poetics of Exile (Modern Humanities Research Association, 2013/ Routledge, 2020), has received international praise. Her most recent book of essays on politics and poetics, Poetry and the Language of Oppression (Oxford University Press, 2021), dealt with Cold War surveillance and considered the wider perspectives on writing in turbulent times; it was named an "essential book for writers" by Poets and Writers. Time Being (Shearsman, 2022), her most recent collection of poems, reflected on the pandemic and the changed sense of time. Her memoir, Burying the Typewriter: Childhood Under the Eye of the Secret Police (Picador/ Graywolf, 2012), was the winner of the Bakeless Prize for Nonfiction, was a finalist in the George Orwell Prize and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and was serialized as the BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week, as well as a Waterstones Book Club Choice. Bugan's new and selected poems, Lilies from America (Shearsman, 2019) received a Poetry Book Society Special Commendation. Bugan was the 2018 Helen DeRoy Professor in Honors at the University of Michigan, and held teaching posts at New York University Abu Dhabi, Stony Brook University, University of Fribourg, and Oxford University, where she was a Creative Arts Fellow in Literature. Other fellowships and grants include Arts Council England and Hawthornden Fellowship. www.carmenbugan.com Other notable works: Time Being, poems, March 2022 and Poetry and the Language of Oppression: Essays on Politics and Poetics (OUP, 2021)

Adela Sinclair - Romanian-American poet, translator, and teacher, and a NYFA Grant recipient

Romanian Roots and La Revedere

Adela Sinclair is a Romanian-American poet, translator, and teacher, and a NYFA Grant recipient. Fluent in English, French, and Romanian, her poetry delves into themes of cultural identity, memory, loss, and desire. Her chapbook La Revedere is available through Finishing Line Press, and her work has appeared in The Bridge (Brooklyn Poets), Tupelo Press’ 30/30 Project, and Other Worldly Women Press. Adela has performed widely in NYC venues, including the Yale Club, 92nd Street Y, and Bowery Poetry Club. Her full-length collection, The Butcher’s Granddaughter, will be released in April 2025. www.adelasinclairpoet.com

Larisa-Ilaria Tabara, MA(c) TESOL, Fulbright Student, Michigan State

University and Ștefan cel Mare University, Suceava


Adriana Cordali, PhD author of the recently published Visual Rhetorics of Communist Romania: Life Under the Totalitarian Gaze

The Necessity of Teaching about Totalitarian Regimes in Today's World



Closing remarks: Teodor Stan, President and Founder of Immigration Research Forum, call to action in support of transatlantic scientific diaspora leveraged academic exchange programs and institutional partnerships.




21 views0 comments

Comments


IRF

The IRF is incorporated in the District of Columbia as a nonprofit under Title 29 Chapter 4. The IRF is established within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the corresponding provision of any future Federal tax law (“Section 501(c)(3)”).

EIN: 83-3592175

Email: info@immigrationresearchforum.org

Phone: 202-569-3310

 

 

 

Get Monthly Updates

© 2019 Immigration Research Forum | 4418 Lingan Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20007 | 202-569-3310 |  The views and opinions expressed in the media, comments, or publications on this website are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by IRF.

Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy 

 

bottom of page