Maria Futey is a rising senior at the University at Buffalo, where she is majoring in exercise science with a concentration in applied physiology. She is passionate about patient education, preventative medicine, and clinical exercise physiology. Currently, she is enhancing her knowledge in these areas through an internship at a cardiac rehabilitation center with University Hospitals, and her career goal is to become a Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Maria grew up in St. Vitus Parish, where she attended Slovenian school every weekend and spent her summers at Slovenska Pristava. Her grandparents, Mimi and Vinko, are the reason her Slovenian heritage is so important to her; they inspired her to embrace her cultural identity and deepen her connection to her Slovenian roots.

While in Slovenia, Maria looks forward to professional growth and expanding her horizons in patient care through a global perspective, while also immersing herself in Slovenian culture. Alongside her studies, she plays on her university’s volleyball team, enjoys hiking, and loves spending time with friends and family. She is excited to explore the different regions of Slovenia’s beautiful landscape, reconnect with family, and form lifelong friendships with other ASEF Fellows.