The BridgeUSA Ukraine Program for Resilience and Reconstruction proudly presents 2025 finalists — exceptional Ukrainian scholars and professionals dedicated to innovation, international cooperation, and the post-war recovery of Ukraine. Each participant has been selected for their outstanding academic background, leadership in their field, and commitment to using U.S. experiences for the benefit of Ukrainian society. The competition was especially high this year with 368 applications submitted, which makes 1,4% acceptance rate. Applications were submitted by candidates from over 200 higher education institutions across 23 regions of Ukraine.
Kostyantyn Mezentsev
Position: Head of Department of Economic and Social Geography, Professor, PhD
Ukrainian Universities: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Host University: Florida State University
Field: Urban Planning | Post-war Reconstruction & Urban Resilience
Prof. Mezentsev is a national expert in urban resilience whose mission is to design future-focused curricula for Ukrainian cities’ post-war reconstruction. His new course, Planning for Urban Resilience, is set to bridge Ukrainian academic programs with practice-based U.S. approaches. With affiliations at two major Ukrainian universities, his influence spans across institutions. He brings rich experience in international collaborations and aims to create a sustainable research hub upon return.
Publications:
- Displaced public spaces in Ukrainian cities
- Courtyards and squares of power in Ukrainian cities
- War and the city: Lessons from urbicide in Ukraine
Olha Kravchenko 
Position: Associate Professor, PhD in Ecology
University: National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Host University: University at Buffalo
Field: Agricultural Technology | Environmental Toxicology
Dr. Kravchenko is an emerging leader in environmental toxicology, researching nanofertilizer migration in agroecosystems. Her work is vital in reimagining Ukraine’s war-damaged agricultural sector. She plans to create a course on Nanotoxicology in Agriculture and promote U.S.-Ukraine research collaboration. With proven partnerships under the Horizon 2022 project, Olha is well-positioned to turn theory into impactful, international environmental work.
Publications:
Oleksandr Kovrov 
Position: Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences
University: Dnipro University of Technology
Host University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Field: Agricultural Technology | Environmental Engineering & Land Reclamation
Prof. Kovrov is a strategic thinker working on reclaiming war-damaged land through innovative technologies like phytoremediation. His goal is to develop policy tools and academic modules focused on environmental engineering. Oleksandr’s future plans include joint lecture development with U.S. experts and creating practical guidelines for NGOs and government agencies on environmental recovery.
Publications:
Sofiia Doskich 
Position: Associate Professor, PhD in Geodesy
University: Lviv Polytechnic National University
Host University: Florida State University
Field: Engineering | Earth Monitoring, Hydropower
Dr. Doskich is a standout expert in geoconsulting and earth monitoring. Her research on hydroelectric facility stability is already used by Ukrhydroenergo. During the Program, she aims to build university partnerships and co-create cross-national curricula and research. She is committed to advancing her bachelor’s program and enhancing geotechnical safety with U.S. colleagues.
Publications:
Oleksii Boduliev 
Position: Dr., PhD candidate in Anesthesiology
University: Poltava State Medical University
Host University: University of New Haven
Field: Pedagogy | Military Anesthesiology & Trauma Care
Dr. Boduliev is a frontline medic and educator with service in both academic and military settings. A lieutenant in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, he provides trauma care in war zones and teaches critical care. His goal is to adopt U.S. innovations in military anesthesiology and simulation-based trauma training. Oleksii plans to launch collaborative training programs and establish joint U.S.-Ukraine research in military medicine.
Publications: