Reception of ASEF Junior Fellows 2025 at the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad hosted a reception for this year’s ASEF Junior fellows, who are currently engaged in research work or professional training at Slovenian research institutions and companies. The participants were welcomed by State Secretary Vesna Humar. ASEF mentors, who play a vital role in delivering the program, were also in attendance.

This year, 10 young individuals from the United States and Argentina are visiting Slovenia through the fellowship program. Eight of them were present at the reception: Maria Futey, Caroline Cupar, Elizabeth Stupica, Magdalena Eciolaza, Miranda Kreinbrink, Genevieve Gregorich, Matthew Klepec, and Vincent Vombergar. In a few short words, the fellows introduced their Slovenian roots, their fields of work, and the main purpose of their visit to Slovenia. They also shared how they maintain a connection with Slovenia despite living outside its borders.

The grandparents of ASEF Junior fellows once emigrated from Slovenia but ensured that their descendants preserved a love for the homeland and its culture. Most fellows actively participate in Slovenian cultural organizations in their hometowns, attend events, and take Slovenian language classes. During their stay in Slovenia, they are especially excited to experience Slovenian culture firsthand.

In addition to the aforementioned fellows, three ASEF mentors also attended the reception and briefly shared insights about their work and their mentorship of this year’s ASEF cohort. The mentors present were Renata Zemida, Director of Center Rog; Prof. Dr. Robert Jeraj, Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ljubljana; and Maja Marija Potočnik, BSc in Physiotherapy, who works at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana in the Department of Perioperative Respiratory Medicine.