Five BridgeUSA 2024 alumni have successfully completed their Alumni Engagement grant projects, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Alumni joint projects demonstrate the transformative power of educational exchange programs in creating sustainable and impactful collaborations that benefit Ukrainian and American academic communities, and become a strategic investment in Ukrainian resilience and reconstruction. The featured initiatives demonstrate exceptional results in healthcare, technology, education, and scientific research, with measurable outcomes reaching over 1,800 participants. The grantees collaborated with multiple partners, including their U.S. hosting universities – University of Pittsburgh, Florida State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and University of Arkansas.
Project Highlights and Impact
Course of continuing medical education in mental health for primary care doctors
Grantee: Dr. Viktoriia Tkachenko, Bogomolets National Medical University/ University of Pittsburgh
The project aimed to enhance primary care providers’ knowledge and skills in mental health through a comprehensive CME course, encouraging evidence-based practices and international collaboration.
Impact Metrics:
- 1,464 total registered participants across three educational sessions;
- 85-100% satisfaction rates across all evaluation metrics;
- 90%+ successful completion rate on knowledge assessments.
Key Achievements:
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive 30-hour CME curriculum approved by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health on the following topics: mental disorders’ management in primary care – chronic stress, depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, violence, behavioral therapy, wellness, organization of the multidisciplinary team, burnout, etc;
- Established ongoing US-Ukraine partnership with University of Pittsburgh and University of Arizona faculty, as well as Helms Medical Institute;
- Published research article in Scopus-indexed journal “Family Medicine. European Practices”.
Bilingual Ukrainian – English Students Virtual Exchange
Grantee: Dr. Nataliia Safonova, Oles Honchar Dnipro National (DNU) University/ Florida State University 
The project aimed to pioneer a sustainable bilingual virtual exchange model that connects Ukrainian and American students, enhanced language learning, and supported lasting international academic collaboration.
Impact Metrics:
- 12 students directly involved (4 FSU, 8 DNU students);
- 100% completion rate across all collaborative groups;
- Translation Hackathon planned for Fall 2025 with 6 DNU and FSU faculty members.
Innovative Outcomes:
- Developed sustainable virtual exchange model for synthetic language instruction;
- Created structured Ukrainian language teaching materials for American students.
Bridge 7017
Grantee: Anastasiya Stefanyshyn, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University/ Worcester Polytechnic Institute 
The project aimed to equip healthcare professionals with practical career development skills and expand their international networks through hybrid training, expert-led sessions, and institutional partnerships.
Impressive Scale:
- 55 total participants across hybrid format;
- 20+ organizations represented;
- 3-day intensive program.
Notable Features:
- International speakers from partner Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Melbourne, Massachusetts General Hospital;
- Professional development focus: LinkedIn workshops, SWOT analysis, research methodology, career growth in medicine, research for young scientists;
Digital Footprint:
The Development of Collaboration on the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Improving Training and Monitoring the Behavior of Service Dogs
Grantee: Dr. Vasyl Koziy, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University/ University of Arkansas
The project aimed to develop and apply innovative AI-based methodologies to improve service dog training while reinforcing international academic collaboration and student-led research.
Research Impact:
- International collaboration spanning 5 countries (Ukraine, USA, Canada, Czech Republic, Romania);
- 300 students, 50 faculty members and 5 service dogs involved in the project;
- Student-led initiative: Creation of DogScience Hub research group.
Academic Outcomes:
- Advanced AI modeling partnership with University of Arkansas;
- Research visits to partner University of Life Sciences (Prague) and conference with University of Saskatchewan;
- Innovative methodology combining AI, animal behavior, and practical training applications.
Post-Quantum Cybersecurity Research
Grantee: Dr. Yevgen Kotukh, Dnipro University of Technology/ Worcester Polytechnic Institute
The project aimed to develop new authentication methods for 5G networks in the post-quantum era through international research collaboration and conference participation.
Research Productivity:
- 3 Scopus-indexed publications completed;
- Collaboration with partner Worcester Polytechnic Institute faculty;
- Published research on “New Key Encapsulation Method for authentication in 5G network in the Post-quantum era”.
Publication Links: