Kristi Lekies, an associate professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources was awarded an Office of International Affairs Academic Enrichment Grant for travel to Germany in Autumn 2018.  She will be working with the Institute for Applied Research on Childhood, Youth, and the Family (IFK) at the University of Potsdam, visiting research centers, and networking with higher education programs in the natural resources field.  In the mid-1990’s, Kristi conducted her dissertation research on rural youth in the state of Brandenburg, which was part of the former East Germany.  Her work with IFK will focus on a 20-year follow up study to understand changes in rural communities and life opportunities for youth over time.    

Thirty Ohio State students and faculty are the recipients of the 2017-2018 Academic Enrichment Grants, enabling them to conduct research over the next year in a variety of international locations. The grant competition, with separate tracks for undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty, is supported by the Office of International Affairs, the Office of Research and the Office of Undergraduate Education. Read more about the grant and awardees.