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 aimed at enhancing media, communications, and leadership skills. This marks the fourth year that the Colvin Center is participating in this initiative.
Vuochleang Uon, a former communications and media coordinator for the Coalition for Partnership in Democratic Development in Cambodia, aims to strengthen democratic engagement in her home country by developing a community action project during her time at Stony Brook University. “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.” Her project will focus on equipping high school and university students with media literacy skills such as identifying misinformation and encouraging participation in governance.
Zuzana Grochalova’, who previously worked as a community/project coordinator and fundraiser for Transparency International Slovakia, plans to create a series of walking tours in Bratislava focused on civic education, public awareness, and historical reflection regarding transparency and public accountability. The initiative may expand 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, welcomed the new fellows: “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, noted how these partnerships reflect broader goals: “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 support from IREX—which seeks to empower youth leaders globally by strengthening institutions through access to education.
In previous years, visitors hosted by the Colvin Center have come from Indonesia, West Bank, Nepal, Ukraine, and Moldova; after these visits some SoCJ students traveled abroad for reporting opportunities.