Why FSU?

I find the Media and Communication Program at FSU to be greatly advanced in terms of resources, research practices, and training opportunities. A well-ranked and respected institution, FSU offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful integrative research areas I am particularly interested in, such as media psychology, analysis of content, and effects of new media, interpersonal communication, intergroup interactions, to name a few. I am specifically fascinated by the highly perceptive and insightful positive media psychology studies that explore the beneficial sides of media use, including creating greater connectedness with others, fostering empathy, and motivating different prosocial actions.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

A graduate degree would be a major asset on my way to pursuing an academic career upon my return to Bulgaria. Acquiring profound knowledge and valuable international experience within the communication and media psychology field will give me the confidence to embark on the much-anticipated journey of research and teaching, contributing to both the communication research and media education fields in Bulgaria.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Upon completing my graduate and postgraduate studies, I intend to introduce a new course in media psychology to my home university, St. Kliment Ohridski. I truly hope I will thus be able to promote greater understanding among the Bulgarian audience, as well as among the policymakers, of the psychology of digital media use and of the impact emerging technologies have on the attitudes, social interactions, behavior, and psychological well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. I sincerely hope I will be able to enrich my country’s perspective by incorporating the good example and the knowledge and skills acquired at Florida State University into educating a young generation of aspiring media psychologists, communication specialists, leaders, and educators who will seek to maximize trust, well-being, and compassion in the digital age that will ultimately have a global impact.

Career aspirations

I aim at increasing the awareness about the impact hyperconnectivity--the rising digital interconnectedness of people and things--has on human emotions and behavior, on our psychological well-being, and particularly on our social and adjustment skills. Moreover, I believe that communicating this scientific knowledge to the larger public can bring significant social change--the ultimate goal of the positive media literacy movement I look up to.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Be persistent and focused. Be open-minded. Be prepared to experience the most rewarding time of your life.

Accomplishments during your graduate career

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Master’s in General Psychology (summa cum laude)

Tell us about your Fulbright experience

I met such amazing people at the school of comm, my professors have all been so supportive and welcoming. Actually, it was one of them that was particularly fascinated with my work and invited me to join the PhD program. The transfer went so smoothly, and all the FSU faculty and staff and the Fulbright people were incredibly helpful and supportive. I can undoubtedly state that the Fulbright scholarship changed my life - it provided me with the tremendous opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in the US and most of all, it helped me restore my belief in myself and my purpose. I'll be forever grateful for this amazing opportunity and for being part of the great project of building bridges of cultural understanding and mutual learning.