On Saturday, April 17th, the first Baltic Studies Teaching and Learning Workshop, was held via Zoom. Though initially scheduled as an in-person event at Wingate University, Wingate, NC, continuing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic forced the workshop online.
The workshop was aimed at Baltic scholars primarily residing in the American South. Participants included incoming AABS President-elect Dovile Budryte, current board member Ausra Park, former board member Kara Brown, former ABBS student representative Jordan Kuck, and founding AABS member Olavi Arens, among others.
Working papers, book chapters, creative projects, and book proposals were among the types of research reviewed. The participants brought a wide-range of expertise in the disciplines of political science, history, communications, education, and pedagogy. Aimee Herring, a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina, presented her research on audio storytelling in Lithuania with Lithuanian journalist Vaida Pilibaityte. She noted of the workshop: “I found participating in the Baltic Studies workshop a wonderful experience: collegial and informative, and a great opportunity to meet others who share similar research interests. I can’t wait to participate in something similar again.”
Aimee Herring, a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina, presented her research on audio storytelling in Lithuania with Lithuanian journalist Vaida Pilibaityte.
Other participants included Barbara Tedrow, a Fulbright scholar with ties to Lithuania, and Allison Vas, a graduate student at Columbia University who researches Estonian education reform.
The workshop was organized and hosted by Joseph M. Ellis, Associate Professor and Chair, in the Department of History and Political Science, at Wingate University. Ellis is a former VP for Conferences for AABS, and currently serves as an advisor to the Board.