American Voices Seminar

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University of Turku
A full auditorium listening to a panel discussion. Five U.S. Fulbrighters are smiling and laughing behind a desk with a moderator smiling at them left of them.

The seminar provides an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the American society and culture through the experiences of U.S. Fulbright grantees currently in Finland. The seminar is organized by the Fulbright Finland Foundation and the Department of English at the University of Turku.

The 31st American Voices Seminar was organized on October 11-12, 2024, at the University of Turku.

The seminar is open to the public and free of charge, and you are warmly welcome to attend either individual sessions or stay for the full two-day program.

You have an opportunity to visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation stand outside the seminar hall for information on studying in and on scholarship opportunities to the U.S.

Program

Friday, October 11, 2024

Tauno Nurmela Hall

14:00-14:15 Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku
  • Pekka Lintunen, Professor and Deputy Head of School of Languages and Translation Studies, Department of English, University of Turku
  • Terhi Mölsä, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Finland Foundation
     

14:15-15:10 Landing in “Flyover Country”: Identifying and Appreciating America Beyond the Northeast & Coastal California

  • Katelyn Moje, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Awardee
  • Lauren Rod, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Awardee
  • Julie Shortridge, Fulbright-University of Oulu Scholar
  • Joshua Wilson, Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies

Chair: Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku

15:10-15:15 Greetings from the Fulbright Finland Foundation

15:15-15:45 Refreshment Break

15:45-16:25 Regional Food Culture in the United States

  • Ava Asmus, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Awardee
  • Kate Elder, Fulbright-VTT Award in Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Anh Nguyen, Fulbright-Aalto University Graduate Awardee

Chair: Casie Hermansson, Professor, Pittsburg State University; 2013-14 Fulbright-University of Turku Scholar Award

16:25-16:40 Break

16:40-17:10 Black Friday and Cyber Monday

  • Eugénie Euskirchen, Seeking Solutions for Global Challenges Award
  • Amy Fowler, Fulbright-University of Turku Scholar 

Chair: Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku

17:10 Closing Words

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Tauno Nurmela Hall

10:15-10:55 “American Ways” of Living in the Eyes of New Americans

  • Daekwan Kim, Fulbright-University of Vaasa Scholar
  • Xiaomao Lin, Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Grant in Health and Environmental Sciences
  • Gang Wang, Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics

Chair: Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku

10:55-11:20 Refreshment Break

11:20-12:00 Trail Magic: Exploring Great American Hiking Challenges and Freedom to Roam in the U.S.

  • Paul Conroy, Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Awardee
  • Jenna Fazio, Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Awardee
  • Megan Thiede, Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Awardee

Chair: Casie Hermansson, Professor, Pittsburg State University; 2013-14 Fulbright-University of Turku Scholar Award

12:00-12:40 Super Bowl Sunday: America’s Favorite Holiday

  • Andrew Greene, Fulbright-University of Turku Graduate Awardee
  • Julianne Newmark Engberg, Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar
  • Natalie Schirmacher, Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Awardee

Chair: Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku

12:40-12:45 Closing Words
 

Read about the seminar: 

Previous American Voices programs

30th American Voices

The 30th American Voices seminar took place on October 6-7, 2023, at the University of Turku

29th American Voices

The 29th American Voices seminar took place on October 7-8, 2022, at the University of Turku

28th American Voices

The 28th American Voices seminar took place on October 8-9, 2021, at the University of Turku

27th American Voices

The 27th American Voices seminar took place on October 11-12, 2019, at the University of Turku

26th American Voices

The 26th American Voices Seminar took place on October 12-13, 2018, at the University of Turku.

25th American Voices

The 25th American Voices Seminar took place on October 6-7, 2017, at the University of Turku.

24th American Voices

The 24th American Voices Seminar took place on October 7-8, 2016, at the University of Turku.

23rd American Voices

The 23rd American Voices Seminar took place on on October 9-10, 2015, at the University of Turku.

22nd American Voices

The 22nd American Voices Seminar took place on on October 10-11, 2014, at the University of Turku.

21st American Voices

The 21st American Voices Seminar took place on on October 11-12, 2013, at the University of Turku.

20th American Voices

The 20th American Voices Seminar took place on on October 12-13, 2012, at the University of Turku.