Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Literature Alanna Tierno, Ph.D., was selected to serve as a German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Research Ambassador for the 2022/2023 academic year. This academic year, the Research Ambassador program is honoring 10 individuals who have conducted a long-term research project in Germany at the doctoral level or above.
The 2022/23 research ambassadors participated in a two-day seminar earlier this month addressing the latest developments in German higher education and research and the many generous funding programs available to North American scientists and academics interested in conducting research in Germany or initiating collaborative projects with German colleagues. They have now returned to their respective campuses, where they will serve as liaisons for DAAD in the United States and Canada to promote research opportunities in Germany among their colleagues, peers and students.
DAAD research ambassadors help to inspire others to conduct research in Germany by working within their respective departments and serving as a resource to university offices (e.g., the international, fellowship and career development offices). They are also available to answer questions from students and peers from beyond their geographic areas via email. Dr. Tierno will not only promote research in Germany, but will also represent Shenandoah University on a professional level.
Tierno also currently serves as the international programs coordinator in the Center for International Programs at Shenandoah University.
The German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst – DAAD) is the German national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. The DAAD offers programs and funding for students, faculty, researchers and others in higher education providing financial support to over 120,000 individuals per year. DAAD also represents the German higher education system abroad, promoting Germany as an academic and research destination and establishing ties among institutions around the world.
DAAD New York, one of 15 international branch offices, was founded in 1971 to support academic exchange between the U.S., Canada and Germany. DAAD New York maintains three major missions: to act as a bridge between U.S., Canadian and German universities, higher education professionals and students by providing information and assistance; to administer fellowships and other programs for students and scholars in the U.S. and Canada; and to contribute to Germany’s public diplomacy by promoting Germany’s academic, scientific, and cultural achievements in the U.S. and Canada.
