Global Matters Newsletter
With President Gilliam’s Visit to BU Geneva, An Inspiring Moment for BU Geneva Study Abroad Students
By Leonella Castellano Thiébaud, Director, BU Geneva Programs Last January, Dr. Melissa Gilliam visited Boston University students in Geneva and immersed herself in the day-to-day lives of those completing physics research and international relations/public health internships during their semester abroad. Over two days she engaged closely with students — she wasn’t simply... More
In the Zone: Edson Filho Studies the Science of Flow
Whether it’s an athlete in the middle of a perfect game or a writer lost in a burst of inspiration, many people have experienced the elusive feeling of being “in the zone.” At Boston University, Associate Professor of Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Edson Filho, PhD, studies exactly that phenomenon —... More
International Peer Mentor Program Helps Foster Successful Transitions to BU
Mentor & Mentee Pair Reflect on Their Strong Connection When Ava Azari (CAS ‘29) first came to Boston University to start her freshman year on a pre-med track she had never been to the United States before. She was relieved to receive an invitation from Global Programs’ International Peer Mentor (IPM)... More
Creating a New Way to Stay in Madrid
Madrid Alumna Works to Launch a Boutique Hostel called Mosaico When Aparna Rakesh-Murakonda (QST ‘19) studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in 2018 the city and vibrant culture left a lasting impression — one that would ultimately bring her back to the capital of Spain for a new opportunity. “The people of this... More
Stem Cell Biologist Andrea Alber Works to Help Those with Pulmonary Fibrosis
She and Her Colleagues Push Research Boundaries in BU’s Kotton Lab Andrea Alber, PhD, grew up in Switzerland and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Zurich and her doctorate degree at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, studying genetics and molecular biology. She explains that she always wanted... More
Ahaan Vaknalli’s Impressive Copywriting Portfolio Grows with London Internship
COM Senior Gains More International Work Experience, Touts Importance of Understanding Different Cultures, People Some of Ahaan Vaknalli’s (COM ’26) fondest memories growing up in India involve thinking up scenes and writing screenplays as a wide-eyed highschooler taking in the world around him. “I’ve always been attracted to the idea of exploring... More
Journalism Student Hopes Her Future Career Path Involves a Return to London
Josephine Best Relished Working and Living in London Through Study Abroad Josephine Best has always wanted to move to London. With her dad hailing from Newcastle, England, and her uncle living just outside of London, perhaps it’s no surprise that Best was drawn to Britain. In addition to family ties to... More
CELOP Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Students
Students from all corners of the globe have studied at CELOP Started in 1975, BU’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP), has grown to become one of the top University-affiliated English language programs in the U.S. For five decades, in addition to helping students improve their English language skills, More
Senior Research Fellow and International Scholar Studies the Intersection of Pharmacy and Public Health
Dr. Zana Wangari Kiragu’s global perspective and passion for helping others shapes her work Growing up in Kenya with almost endless curiosity and a passion for learning, Dr. Zana Wangari Kiragu, Senior Research Fellow, has forged both a meaningful and impactful career path in global public health. A pharmacist by training, More
Clinical Associate Professor and International Scholar Strives to Advance Dental Education and Bring a Global Perspective
Dr. Manish Bhagania’s commitment to his students and patients runs deep For Dr. Manish Bhagania, Clinical Associate Professor at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, every student interaction, research question, and patient encounter is an opportunity to push the boundaries of oral and maxillofacial surgery — and to... More