The Charger Blog

Visiting Scholar Bridges Borders in Healthcare

The University of New Haven welcomed Dr. Kateryna Lokes, a Ukrainian oral surgeon and visiting scholar, for a six-week fellowship through the BridgeUSA program. Her visit brought new perspectives on healthcare, resilience, and academic collaboration to the University community.

January 15, 2025

By Caitlin Truesdale, Office of Marketing and Communications

Visiting scholar Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D. With students from School of Public Health presentation
Visiting scholar Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D. With students from School of Public Health presentation

The University of New Haven recently welcomed Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D., a visiting scholar and oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Ukraine, for a six-week fellowship that enriched the academic and cultural fabric of the campus.

As a fellow through BridgeUSA, a national program dedicated to increasing mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries, Dr. Lokes engaged with faculty, students, and community members. She shared her expertise and experiences from her work at Poltava State Medical University, where she leads the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

“This fellowship was an incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues here in the U.S. and share insights from our healthcare system, which has adapted in extraordinary ways under the circumstances,” she explained. “At the same time, I’ve learned so much about the American approach to dentistry and public health.”

Her time on campus included guest lectures, conferences, and cultural exchanges, all of which enriched both her and the University community. “Every experience was an opportunity to learn and to share,” she said. “It was a truly collaborative environment.”

Visiting scholar Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D. teaches class at the University of New Haven
Visiting scholar Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D. teaches class at the University of New Haven
‘Programs such as BridgeUSA allow us to engage with global perspectives’

During her stay, Dr. Lokes shared insights about the impact of the war on Ukraine’s healthcare system. At a University-hosted event, she detailed the resilience and ingenuity required to provide care amid daily drops in electricity and in damaged infrastructure. “Our medical professionals have had to innovate in ways we never imagined,” she said.

Dr. Lokes’s unique perspective offered lessons for students and faculty. Bradley Woodworth, Ph.D., a professor of history, noted the impact of Dr. Lokes’s visit on his class. “She spoke about the role of women during World War I, tying it to contemporary struggles in Ukraine,” he said. “It was a powerful way to connect history with current events.”

Her time at the University also underscored the importance of international collaboration in academia. “Programs such as BridgeUSA allow us to engage with global perspectives,” said Olena Lennon, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of national security. “Dr. Lokes’s visit exemplifies how these exchanges can deepen our understanding and foster empathy.”

Dr. Lokes shared this sentiment, emphasizing that the exchange was mutually beneficial. “I hope to take what I’ve learned here back to Ukraine,” she said. “And I hope the connections we’ve built will continue to grow.”

Visiting scholar Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D. (top right) celebrating Thanksgiving
Visiting scholar Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D. (top right) celebrating Thanksgiving
‘Our students gained a deeper understanding of global public health’

Dr. Lokes’s impact extended beyond academic settings. “The cultural exchange was transformative,” said Karl E. Minges, Ph.D., associate dean for research for the School of Health Sciences. “Our students gained a deeper understanding of global public health, and Dr. Lokes experienced firsthand the warmth and inclusivity of our community.”

Beyond campus, Dr. Lokes participated in national and regional conferences, delivered a guest lecture at the Yale School of Nursing, and explored American culture. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I met so many wonderful people. I hope we can continue to communicate and collaborate because it’s so important for my country.”

For the University, her visit is a chance for fostering meaningful academic relationships and cultivating a hub for global dialogue. “Dr. Lokes’s time here was a reflection of our commitment to creating a community that values diversity and global engagement,” said Dr. Minges. “Her visit reinforced our belief that bringing together different perspectives enhances our ability to address complex challenges.”

By hosting scholars such as Dr. Lokes, the University supports global academic advancement and cultivates a campus environment that thrives on shared learning and mutual respect. As Dr. Lokes put it, “The connections we build through programs like this bring us closer to understanding and supporting each other in ways that matter most.”