Natalia Velikova, Ph.D. received her second Fulbright Award and will be continuing her research in Bulgaria
Professor Natalia Velikova, Ph.D., recently received her second Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of people, knowledge, and skills. Competitively-selected American scholars receive awards to conduct research and/or teach abroad.
"It's a huge honor for me to represent Texas Tech and the HRM department," said Velikova. "I hope that upon my return from Bulgaria, Texas Tech University and my host university in Bulgaria (the University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv) will establish larger institutional collaboration, including joint research projects and student and faculty exchanges."
This opportunity will allow Velikova to further her research and teach a course on a subject she enjoys, wine. The course includes the study of ancient wine, with an addition of modern business elements. Through this experience, she will learn about Bulgarian wine, its history, heritage, and culture. Velikova said she was honored to receive this and is excited about the adventure.
“I was honored and humbled to find out that I've been awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Bulgaria,” Velikova said. “Although my previous international research helped me discover and develop my career path, the Fulbright Awards provide exceptional opportunities to deeply integrate with a single culture, to experience a different way of living, learning, and appreciating our roots.”
Fulbright is one of the largest and most diverse international educational exchange programs. The program aims to help individuals develop international understanding and establish open communication and long-term cooperative relationships. Participants represent their country and work collaboratively with international partners in educational, political, cultural, economic, and scientific fields.