Three scholars from Kazakhstan are visiting from mid-May to mid-June through a partnership CEHSP is developing with L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
Aliya Mambetalina, a psychology professor and department head, and two doctoral psychology students, Assel Akhmetova and Gaukhar Mambetalina, presented their research as well as an array of gifts during a meet and greet last week that included Duluth community members and UMD International Programs and Services staff as well as CEHSP faculty, staff, and students.
Assistant Professor Viann Nguyen-Feng from UMD's Department of Psychology has been cultivating a relationship with the scholars for two years. She taught two courses online for the Eurasian National University this year and will be going to Kazakhstan this summer as part of this international collaboration.
The intent is to develop a long-term relationship with the Kazakh university that includes continued opportunities for cultural and intellectual exchange as well as visiting professorships.
"This partnership has blossomed so beautifully and organically over the last two years; each new step in our collaboration process seems like a natural extension and integration of the prior step," said Nguyen-Feng. "I look forward to visiting ENU this summer and finally having the opportunity to meet colleagues and friends in person."
Feature photo at top: UMD Applied Project Graduate Assistant Mariah Ravet and UMD Assistant Professor Viann Nguyen-Feng don traditional Kazakh embroidered vests from ENU Scholars Aliya Mambetalina (pictured), Assel Akhmetova (pictured), and Gaukhar Mambetalina.