College of Ag welcomes new Fulbright scholar from Ukraine

Welcome to the college’s new Ukraine Fulbright Scholar!

Dr. Tetiana Popova is an assistant professor in the Department of Economics and Business at Tavria State Agrotechnological University in Ukraine. She earned her doctoral degree in economics from Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian University and has a research background in agricultural economics, entrepreneurship in agriculture, and teaching and learning in agricultural education. Dr. Popova is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field.

In addition to her academic pursuits, she gained valuable administrative experience as the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business. Dr. Popova actively contributed to curriculum development and educational process improvement as a member of the Academic and Methodical Council of Tavria State Agrotechnological University.

To enhance her teaching and research abilities, she participated in the Faculty Exchange Program and WIRA Program at Colorado State University and Penn State, focusing on agricultural economics, agribusiness, marketing and agricultural education.

As a Fulbright Fellow and a postdoctoral candidate at Poltava State Agrarian University, Dr. Popova's primary focus is sustainable community development in Ukraine. She dedicates herself to offering practical recommendations for sustainable rural and community development involving non-profit organizations in Ukraine, inspired by her experience in the United States.

Dr. Popova collaborates closely with experts such as Timothy Kelsey, professor of agricultural economics, and other esteemed professors from Penn State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education.

During her time at Penn State, she will be doing a research project focused on understanding the role that non-profit organizations play in rural communities, their impact on community and economic development, and the challenges and opportunities that they face. She intends to use this information to develop recommendations for strengthening and improving the non-profit sector in Ukraine.