Raheel Wins National Russian Scholar Laureate Award

This spring, Global Scholar Armina Raheel (’23 cohort) won a prestigious Post Secondary Russian Scholar Laureate Award (PSRSLA), which recognizes outstanding juniors and seniors across the nation in the study of Russian language and culture.

Universities can only nominate one student for the PSRSLA each year, and Raheel’s vast accomplishments made her the KU candidate. As one of the premiere programs in the country, KU students have received the award for the last 13 consecutive years. 

“Armina’s engagement with the world around her sparks exploration of new ideas related to Russian art, writers, poets, and notable figures. Armina is open-minded and nonjudgmental, demonstrating empathy and a deep understanding of others' perspectives and emotions,” wrote Professor Irina Six, KU Russian program coordinator, in her nomination of the Leawood native.

Raheel started taking Russian her first semester at KU. The Human Biology major was drawn to the complex grammar and geopolitical importance of the language. She enjoys the discussion aspects of the smaller language classes along with learning the history, culture, and literature of the world’s largest nation. Her love of Russian learning led her to add Slavic Languages & Literatures as a second major.  

“Choosing to study Russian as a foreign language has taught me that it is possible to pursue multiple passions simultaneously and that I do not need to sacrifice my love for the humanities for a future career in public health,” Raheel said.  “In fact, I find that my Russian major creates a space for me to further develop my research interests, cultural awareness, and communication skills. All of which are becoming increasingly useful in STEM to foster a more holistic approach to global health issues.”

In Six’s advanced Russian language classes, students are required to deliver numerous presentations in Russian on topics of their choice. Six said that Raheel’s Russian language skills were not only flawless, but her choice of topics was also captivating. Raheel explored diverse subjects such as the Soviet campaign to eliminate illiteracy, the role of the Caucasus in Russian history and literature, and the Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva.

“Looking into the underlying reasons behind historical and cultural events, Armina is constantly asking smart and deep questions” Six wrote.  “She is a person of exceptional curiosity. Her willingness to embrace new experiences makes her a delightful and adventurous companion in class.”

For her Global Scholars research project, Raheel is examining the historic Circassian genocide, which was the deadliest ethnic cleansing campaign of the 19th century, and how the current diaspora seeks to preserve a sense of national identity and culture.

“My interest in this topic arose after a discussion in our Global Scholars seminar about whether a nation can exist without a physical state. As currently about 90% of Circassians live outside their ancestral homeland, I was interested in researching the methods used by both current and prior generations of Circassians to preserve a sense of nationhood,” Raheel said.  “In my research, I found that the recultivation of their identity is chiefly performed through the creation of an imaginary homeland that persists through commemorative ceremonies, oral tradition, and music. The diaspora’s dedication to exist despite aggressive assimilation policies in their new home countries, which have sought to eliminate their language and cultural identifiers, is a testament to the strength of their transnational bond. It is also a reminder of the indispensable value of cultural traditions and our responsibility to protect their practice.”

Raheel, a published researcher, is helping develop new methods of chemical analysis in the KU institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry and completed an internship with Quest Diagnostics this summer. She works as a KU Peer Tutor and volunteers through UPchieve, which offers free tutoring for students of lower socioeconomic background. She also plays flute in the KU Band.