In our previous article, we wrote about the importance of international students at the University of Vermont and how donors can help create more opportunities for them access a world-class education.

None of that information is theoretical - it's real. And we have six student and alumni profiles below as the proof. When international students get the chance to come to UVM, they make an incredible impact.

Samuel Dingba

Samuel Dingba completed his bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from the University of Vermont.  He transferred into UVM and wrapped up his MPA in 2019.  Originally from Cameroon, Samuel spent some of his high school years in the US, living in Connecticut with a host family and attending a prep school, Salisbury School.  He came to visit Vermont twice before committing to wrap up his undergraduate degree here, and he was attracted to the campus for its academics, student success support, and because it is both quiet and welcoming.

As a student, Samuel contributed to and benefitted from the athletic program, playing men’s basketball. While doing so, he also found that the community supported it students, ensuring students stay on top of their work, providing study support for all athletes and the opportunity to support students through the Tutoring Center and the English language support, helping him master a third language.

"The UVM library was like a second home to me.  I would spend the entire night there studying …and sleeping."

Among the activities that Samuel took advantage of was an internship opportunity that Dr. Pablo Bose facilitated. The Association of Africans Living in Vermont gave him a chance to contribute to an important community for Samuel, gain more skills and grow.  He was lucky to have the experience, he reported, as it fostered a stronger sense of how to manage his commitments, time-management, and workplace teamwork. Plus, it was a way to have someone on your side after graduating. He found managing an internship while being a student athlete challenging but extremely rewarding. 

Currently, Samuel serves as the Youth Program Coordinator at the organization, Association of Africans Living in Vermont. He is keen to partner with organizations that provide a safe environment to serve and empower youth. He brings in his own experience as an immigrant and encourages the young people who he works with to not lose sight of their culture. He coordinates a lot of different programs – with over 60 African and 20 Nepali immigrants in these programs. Samuel is looking to build more sustainability into the programs over time and is pleased with the foundation that he’s been able to establish. 

Samuel shares that one of the fun facts about his personal story is that he comes from a family with ten children, where there was a degree of independence and initiative among all of them, and curiously all his siblings play basketball.  

Nata Dudkina

Natavan Dudkina, who also goes by Nata, attended the University of Vermont from 2014 to 2018.  She earned her bachelor of science in biochemistry with a mathematics minor.  She joined UVM, having grown up in Azerbaijan and having participated a short exchange program to US while in high school.

Nata was motivated to study in the US based in part on her experience in that exchange program, as she learned about the US education system. She appreciated the interactivity that US education provided and that teamwork and participation was part of the US educational culture. In Azerbaijan, Nata spent her junior and senior year applying to universities in the States, attending educational fairs, taking required entrance exams, and research institutions of interest. 

The University of Vermont landed on her radar for a few reasons – it offered high-quality educational opportunities in biomedical education and research, and initially she was thinking about attending medical school.  She also found UVM would support the expansion her English language skills, accepted her high school curriculum, and helped her transition well into university life in Vermont. She reports she had no regrets.

For Nata, her absolute positivity around her decision to attend the University of Vermont – started with the professor and the classes. She learned a lot from them and recognized their effort and dedication to learning.  She also found building relationships with mentors, peers, and friends crucial to her success.  She recognized in herself that she was a bit intimidated in her first-year but a transformation happened by her second year at UVM.  She learned to speak up in class, not worrying about her command of all the terminology. She learned to approach her classes by appreciating the rigor of the material and forgetting about the little things and focusing on the bigger concepts and issues.

"The first time I was in a lab was at UVM, and I needed a lot of support.  But with a lab partner and supportive instructors, I learned what the equipment was and I had the scaffolding to succeed." 

Coming from Azerbaijan, where there was a lack of research resources and lab experiences at school, Nata did not know what being a researcher really meant. When she came to the UVM for her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and started taking lab courses, she realized how fun it was to set up experiments and observe textbook knowledge in action. At a later stage, Nata joined the lab of Dr. Severin Schneebeli in the chemistry department, where she worked on making complex molecular cages inspired by nature’s enzymes. This experience of working in the lab and making new molecules that did not exist before made her fall in love with chemistry even more.

Nata wanted to continue to learn more and engage in using chemistry to not only make interesting structures but also use it as a tool to probe biological questions. Nata pursued an array of lab experiences while at UVM, and this undergraduate research experience ultimately catalyzed her decision to apply to graduate school. Nata recently and successfully defended her dissertation at Yale University and is seeking for a post-doctoral fellowship, where she can continue to grow and explore her research interests. 

Fun Fact: Nata tells the story of exploring the beautiful architecture of the University of Vermont campus. One day over Thanksgiving break when few people were around, she went to study in Old Mill on campus, as a new destination for her.  As the day progressed, she saw that there was a remarkable sunset, and she stepped out onto a fire escape to admire the sunset and capture a photo.  Unfortunately, she also was locked out, as she stepped out. 

Leaving her key, phone, computer in Old Mill. With few people on campus, she was a bit panicked and stressed.  She made it to the ground level and waited outside the building.  Fortunately, in time a couple of art students showed up with access to the building, and Nata was able to grab her things and scurry back to her safe dormitory. 

Yasaman Pedari

Yasaman Pedari is a doctoral student in electrical engineering at the University of Vermont.  She started her journey at UVM in 2021 and expects to finish by spring 2025. Yasaman comes to UVM from Iran, where she did her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Khaje Nasir University.

Yasaman began her studies with an interest in control system theory that stemmed from her bachelor's studies. She sought a Ph.D. position that aligned with her interests and found UVM through her advisor, Prof. Hamid Ossareh, who was working on exciting research projects that immediately caught her attention.

She credits the University of Vermont with offering her a nurturing and supportive environment, where she has grown academically and personally. The collaborative culture and the opportunity to work on impactful projects have been invaluable for Yasaman.

Her time at UVM has been enriched by the supportive department that ensured she was set up for success. She has attended professional conferences, collaborated with local companies like Benchmark Space Systems, and worked on a NASA-funded grant; each of which were key highlights in her academic journey. 

Additionally, serving as the Treasurer of the Graduate Student Senate has been a rewarding part of her UVM experience. This role not only allowed Yasaman to contribute to the graduate student community in a meaningful way but also helped her find a great community among her peers, enriching her time at UVM even further.

Looking ahead, Yasaman’s experiences at UVM have solidified her passion for academia and research, and she is eager to see where this path leads her.

Fun Fact: Vermont’s natural beauty has been a constant source of inspiration and relaxation for Yasaman. In the summer, she enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors, while in the winter, she finds solace in painting.

Adebukola Abiodun Aborigho

Adebukola Abiodun Aborigho is a doctoral student studying aquatic ecology at the University of Vermont.  She hails from Nigeria and started her studies in Burlington in 2022. She aims to finish up her studies by or before 2028. 

Adebukola has appreciated many aspects of UVM, including its global learning community that enriches her educational experience through exposure to a diverse array of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds. Also, she has found UVM’s academic programs are comprehensive and rigorous. Third, Adebukola has enjoyed the international research opportunities and mentorship she’s received. She has found that the faculty skillfully strike a perfect balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications, which ensures that students are well-grounded in their field of study. 

Her UVM classes have challenged her to think critically, analyze complex problems from multiple angles, and develop innovative solutions. Furthermore, the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects, such as the international research project (AQUACOSM), that she embarked on in the Netherlands last summer, allowed her to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, honing her analytical and technical abilities. Adebukola finds that the professors at UVM go above and beyond, serving as mentors who provide personalized guidance and support students in pursuing their intellectual curiosities.

“Being a student at UVM, I have had the opportunity to engage with students and faculty from all corners of the world, each bringing their unique experiences and viewpoints to the classroom. Through different thought-provoking discussions about international relations or collaborative group projects, I have been able to gain a deep understanding of complex global issues.”

Adebukola’s academic journey at the University of Vermont has been profoundly enriched by her involvement with the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, a unique opportunity that has proven transformative to both her studies and professional development. Under the guidance of esteemed professors, including her research advisor Prof. Jason Stockwell, she has been part of a dynamic team comprising students with diverse research interests and complementary skill sets. 

This collaborative environment has fostered her growth as an independent researcher, advancing her critical thinking abilities and providing invaluable hands-on experience with field techniques specific to her area of aquatic ecology. Through immersive research projects, Adebukola has mastered essential skills such as data collection, analysis, experimental design, and more, which have seamlessly complemented her coursework. This experience has cultivated her ability to thrive in interdisciplinary teams, fostering effective communication and problem-solving strategies. 

Collaborating with peers from various academic backgrounds has broadened her perspective, allowing her to approach complex ecological challenges from multiple angles. The Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory has been a transformative platform, equipping Adebukola with the scientific rigor, technical proficiency, and interdisciplinary mindset necessary to excel in her future professional endeavors as an environmental scientist.

Upon the successful completion of her doctoral studies at the University of Vermont, Adebukola is eager to transition into the professional arena and apply the comprehensive knowledge and skillsets she has cultivated. Her primary objective is to pursue rewarding opportunities within government agencies, such as the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation or environmental monitoring programs. 

These organizations align seamlessly with her academic background in aquatic ecology and her passion for the conservation of our freshwater resources, both the flora and fauna. Through roles in these agencies, Adebukola aspires to contribute to critical initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, conservation efforts, and evidence-based policymaking. 

One of the most amazing and beautiful Vermont experiences Adebukola has and always looks forward to at UVM is witnessing the breathtaking fall foliage that blankets the region each autumn. As the leaves transitioned from lush green to brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow, the entire campus and surrounding areas transformed into a striking panorama of natural beauty. 

She always looks forward to walking to the campus, the foliage creates a warm, inviting ambiance that makes Vermont so special. She has yet to hike up those hills, but Adebukola hopes to one day before she rounds up her program. 

Fun Fact:  Adebukola learned about Vermont through a tweet she found on Twitter showing a picture of a tourist at the top of a mountain looking at the peak fall foliage. That experience inspired her to go and research the universities in Vermont and that was how she came across UVM.

Matias Ovrum

Matias Øvrum, who is Norwegian, began his studies at Grossman School of Business in 2018.  He pursued a B.S. in business administration with a statistics minor, which he completed in 2022. Matias was attracted to UVM, in part, because of his enthusiasm for Nordic skiing and the opportunity to continue race for a strong athletic program, and he sought an academic core that would have practical application.  

For him, UVM encapsulated these opportunities.  At UVM, Matias found an athletic program and coach that believed in the intersection of performance and fun. In Grossman Business School, Matias found strong encouragement to participate in case competitions with unique offerings built into the curriculum.

“From a bird’s eye view, the surroundings and culture makes Burlington a great place to spend one's college years. It's a bit opaque perhaps but anyone who has been to Burlington and UVM campus knows what this means.” 

Matias noted a few standout experiences about his UVM education. First, he was encouraged to participate in case competitions, giving him the practical experience he sought. Matias met few people in his industry that have had access to the same degree of hands-on learning.  He attributed his successes after UVM to these experiences.  

Second, the open-door policy with professors was also transformative. Matias always felt welcome to ask questions in the classroom and after lectures, and he found that UVM faculty’s commitment to communication was key to making theory engaging. 

Third, the UVM culture is very supportive. Even though students often compete for the same grades, awards, and even jobs, Matias found that people want to see each other succeed at UVM.  During this time, he got help from peers who reviewed his resumes and cover letters for job applications, offered to connect him with their managers and companies about part-time jobs, and offered help with homework.  

Matias described a transformative class he took at UVM, "The Wall Street Seminar." It operates as a semester-long case competition, where alumni and faculty support students in creating two investment recommendations. For Matias, he developed skills that helped him land the job he wanted after UVM and made the transition to "real" work very smooth. Since graduating, Matias has probably reviewed close to 100 applications for very competitive summer internship positions, but very few candidates he has come across have the same level of hands-on-experience that the Wall Street Seminar offered. 

Currently Matias lives and works in London and works in a position that came about through opportunities that UVM facilitated. He is acclimating to British weather, having lived in Norway, Vermont, New York City and now the London. In the summer of 2024, Matias returned to the Wall Street Seminar for the third time as an alumni to contribute to the class. 

Fun Fact: Matias did not have a chance to visit Burlington before coming for his first semester of classes. He arrived during a very rainy August day and went for a run along Route 7. He was soaked and temporarily started to rethink his decision to come to Vermont. He quickly found his path toward happiness at UVM and exploring the region.  

Young Chin Park

Young Chin Park’s studies at the University of Vermont began in Fall 2016, and she is wrapping up her doctoral degree in winter 2024. She is originally from South Korea, and she came to Vermont to study social psychology in the Department of Psychological Science.

She came to UVM to study with Dr. Elizabth Pinel, having been intrigued by her research and based on her mentorship of her students. Young’s interests were further piqued by the broader department’s scope of research and by learning more about the campus and its commitments to diversity and inclusion as well as to safety. 

For Young, she wanted to find an institution that was explicitly supportive of diverse students’ experiences including those of LGBT, refugee, minority and foreign students. Young also found value in UVM’s emphasis on fostering a global perspective among students too, as it would be indicative of a larger commitment to marginalized populations. 

Young also treasures the Department of Psychological Science’s commitments to enable collaborative research and study in other academic disciplines. She has been able to broaden her academic interests, learning from other people and students and acknowledge their experiences and interests around issues where she might not have perceived those experiences directly. 

This has been important to Young’s academic career, and as a result she has conducted many cross-cultural studies internationally and published many articles as results.

After graduation, Young plans to pursue a post-doctoral position or research position more globally, helping undervalued population integrate into society.