The Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies is pleased to announce that Santa Barone-Upeniece has been awarded the 2024-2025 Mudīte I. Zīlīte Saltups Fellowship.
The fellowship provides for up to eight weeks of study in the United States with a maximum stipend of $10,000, and is funded from a bequest in memory of Dr. Mudīte I. Zīlīte Saltups. Dr. Saltups’ will provides that recipients of a fellowship must be citizens of the Republic of Latvia, speak Latvian, have their permanent residence in Latvia, and come to the United States to study or conduct research.
The 2024 applications were evaluated by the AABS 2023-2024 Grants and Awards Committee consisting of AABS VP for Professional Development Dr. Kaarel Piirimäe, AABS President Dr. Dovilė Budrytė, and AABS Director-at-Large Dr. Daunis Auers. Learn about the other 2024-2025 recipients here.
Santa Barone-Upeniece is a doctoral student in the Economics and Business program at the University of Latvia. She studies the impact of refugees, including those from Ukraine, on Latvia’s regional economy and labour market. Barone-Upeniece also explores the dynamics of integration in Latvia, examining how different local factors impact the experiences of Ukrainian and other third-country migrants. Her background in consulting and public administration informs her multidisciplinary, policy-relevant approach.
Project Overview
Santa Barone-Upeniece will use the Saltups Fellowship to gain a deeper understanding of the United States’ experience in the inclusion of immigrants into society. Her engagement with this fellowship is driven by a commitment to advancing research that contributes to societal well-being and positive impact on the economy. Barone-Upeniece’s focus on developing innovative methods stems from a desire to contribute meaningfully to societal and economic spheres in Latvia. By adopting fresh and effective strategies, she aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable environment within her home country, thus ensuring the transfer of knowledge acquired in the United States to Latvia.