More and more RGPP alumni are starting their PhD journeys! As an academic unit, RSP is committed to preparing Roma for master's studies and contributing to knowledge production in Critical Romani Studies. We are proud to recognize and continue supporting RGPP alumni as they pursue their doctoral paths. Their reflections on the role we played in their success are humbling, and we look forward to hearing updates on their scholarly achievements.
Tomas Sarkozi, Slovakia, RGPP 2021/2022, Economic Policy MA, 2024
In the 2024/25 academic year, I have started my PhD studies in Economics at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia. My goal while pursuing doctoral education is to develop my intellectual potential to the fullest. Since Romani students are underrepresented in higher education, I recognize the importance of increasing the number a Romani intellectuals and scholars to promote good governance principles with the purpose of reducing Romani poverty and increasing Roma inclusion.
The long-standing false stereotype of Roma abusing the social system has fueled negative perception of the Roma minority for decades. I applied for the program that, in my opinion, where I could have the biggest impact on Roma inclusion, specifically integration into the labor market.
Applying for a PhD was not a decision made in a day, nor was building my knowledge in economics at CEU. Without proper preparation in the RGPP program, where I was taught mathematics by Hulya Duyan, public policy by Simona Torotcoi, and English by Viktoria Vajnai, along with other great professors, I would have had no idea what I am intellectually capable of.
Demiran Asim, North-Macedonia/Canada, RGPP 2014/2014, International Relations MA, 2016
This fall, I started at the York University's Doctoral Program, in Toronto, Canada in Political Science. I chose this program because its course structure and the focus on quantitative methodology can prepare me to continue the research I started back in RGPP about China's growing international influence. I am so grateful to RGPP for helping me better understand the world and take a step toward realizing my full academic potential. It is encouraging to see more and more Romani students starting PhD courses.
####
Where are you now? Please share you updates with us! Email: Nemethk@ceu.edu