The Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting at the School of Communication and Journalism will host two visiting fellows this fall as part of an international program focused on enhancing media, communications, and leadership skills. This marks the fourth year that the Colvin Center is participating as a host.
Vuochleang Uon, who previously worked as a communications and media coordinator for Cambodia’s Coalition for Partnership in Democratic Development, will focus her fellowship project on strengthening democratic engagement among high school and university students in Cambodia. Her work aims to develop media literacy skills and encourage participation in governance processes.
“Communication is a powerful way to inspire people and also bring people together,” said Uon. “Through this fellowship, I hope to develop skills that I can implement into my project, so I can inspire people to engage more efficiently in the democratic process in Cambodia.”
Zuzana Grochalova’, formerly with Transparency International Slovakia, plans to create a community action project combining civic education, public awareness, and historical reflection on anti-corruption efforts. Her initiative includes organizing walking tours in Bratislava focused on transparency and accountability, with possible expansion to other Slovak towns.
“I am very thankful and grateful for this opportunity to come and learn from the best practices the U.S. has to offer,” said Grochalova’. “I want to pick up the cherries from those and make a delightful, juicy cake to bring back home that people could benefit from.”
Sarah Baxter, director of the Colvin Center and visiting professor of foreign reporting, commented on the significance of hosting international scholars: “The Colvin Center is thrilled to welcome Vuochleang and Zuzana to Stony Brook. Hosting visiting international scholars is an important part of our mission to train the next generation of foreign correspondents. Their expertise offers a wonderful chance for our students to learn about Slovakia and Cambodia and for us to share our knowledge of communications and journalism in the U.S. with them.”
Stephanie Kelton, interim dean of the School of Communication and Journalism, highlighted how these exchanges support global perspectives within media education: “Sarah and the Colvin Center team have done exceptional work in building these international partnerships. When we bring together emerging leaders from around the world with our students and faculty, we create meaningful exchanges that benefit our entire community. Vuochleang and Zuzana’s work in promoting democracy and transparency aligns perfectly with the values we strive to instill in our future journalists and communicators.”
The fellows will remain at Stony Brook until November before spending a week in Washington D.C., then returning home in December.
Grochalova’ and Uon are participating through the IREX Community Solutions Program—a fellowship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. government—which seeks to empower youth leaders worldwide by supporting institutional development as well as access to quality education.
In previous years, visitors hosted by the Colvin Center have come from countries such as Indonesia, Nepal, Ukraine, Moldova, and others; after these visits SoCJ students have had opportunities for reporting experiences abroad.
