Awards

Caroline Solomon – 2023 Boren Flagship Scholarship Recipient: Making a Difference during her time at UGA

I’m from Marietta, Georgia, and I just finished four years at UGA, where I majored in Russian and Environmental Economics & Management. I switched around my majors a lot when I first got to UGA, but I ultimately landed on this combination because I’m really passionate about sustainability and environmental issues, but also wanted to keep an international perspective by studying Russian. Also, I think there are some important overlaps between the two subjects, like the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on energy exports.

This August, I will be heading to Kazakhstan for the Russian Overseas Flagship Capstone Year, funded through the Boren Scholarship. The Capstone Year, which lasts for 9 months in the city of Almaty, is part of UGA’s Russian Flagship program, which I’ve been a participant in throughout my time at UGA. During the program, I’ll be taking Russian language and content classes, living with a host family, and working an internship. I hope to maintain my focus on energy, the environment, and sustainability through these opportunities.

I’m very grateful to the Boren Award for making my participation in this program possible. After my time in Almaty, I hope to either work on renewable energy or energy security policy for the federal government or pursue further graduate study in applied economics.