Our Team

Andrzej Demczuk

Scholar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and organizer! A graduate of the University of Seattle (WA, USA) in international relations and the Maria Curie Sklodowska University with a Ph.D. in political science. An associate professor at the Institute of International Relations at UMCS and affiliate faculty at George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government (Washington DC, USA) schar.gmu.edu/profiles/ademczuk. Director of the American Center for Education and Business American Corner UMCS. A leading figure at tato.net / tato.net/en, and the owner of a network of local restaurants plackarnia.pl, also a co-founder of various initiatives. Privately, he is an enthusiast of cooking, reading, writing, dogs, strolls, and travel. His areas of expertise include political leadership, international security, and the United States. You might run into him during a stroll or jog in Lublin's Sławinek!

Agnieszka Kaliniak

Agnieszka is a Lublin native. She attended the University of Marie Curie-Sklodowska in Lublin, where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 2003. Agnieszka then continued her legal education in United States, where she received her advanced degree, an LL.M. from the University of Miami School of Law in International Comparative Law (2006). She has worked for two Florida law firms, serving as a legal consultant and litigation paralegal. Agnieszka is a member of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity.

Renata Gogol

Renata is a graduate of Master's in Graphics with a specialization in printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at UMCS in 2019. Seamlessly transitioning into a dynamic role as a promotion coordinator within her alma mater, she demonstrated exceptional skills in orchestrating a plethora of cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions, over two years. Renata actively managed the faculty's social media and website, showcasing a multifaceted approach to arts advocacy, with particular expertise in effective media promotion.

Currently, in her third year of a Ph.D. in Fine Arts and Art Conservation, Renata is supervised by Prof. Dr. Hab. Krzysztof Szymanowicz. Concurrently, she has embarked on her inaugural year of studies in international relations, pursuing a bachelor's degree in the field. Renata's dedication to both the artistic and academic spheres reflects her commitment to a well-rounded education.

Renata's artistic endeavors have not only garnered recognition within Poland but also internationally, as she has actively participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing her talent and contributing to the global artistic dialogue. Her diverse background and accomplishments make her a valuable asset to the academic and artistic communities she engages with.

Brian Chaggu

Brian Chaggu is an enthusiastic Ph.D. scholar at the Doctoral School of Social Science, Maria Curie Skłodowska University, supervised by dr. hab. Katarzyna Marzęda Młynarska. Holding a Master of Arts in International Relations, Brian has made substantial contributions to academia and culture. As one of the coordinators for "Fridays with Women in International Relations," he orchestrated impactful webinars on themes like "Women and Journalism," "Women, Peace, and Security," and "Women in Global Politics," showcasing a commitment to fostering discussions on the pivotal roles of women in these fields.

In the Africa Transition Series, Brian played a pivotal role as the Coordinator of the Student Organizing Committee for Africa Week. Spearheading a comprehensive program, he organized diverse activities and chaired a student panel discussion on "Youth at the Center of African Integration and Development." Brian actively engaged with panelists, fostering connections, and coordinated events focused on "Youth Empowerment in the New Global Order," highlighting his leadership skills and dedication to youth development.

Beyond academia, Brian contributed significantly to "The Vibes of UMCS," sharing international students' experiences through episodes. Additionally, he played a key role in the "UMCS Hakuna Matata" program, fostering multicultural integration and creating a vibrant platform for students to connect, learn about diverse cultures, and build meaningful friendships. Brian Chaggu's multifaceted involvement underscores his passion for academia, cultural exchange, and creating inclusive spaces within the academic community, showcasing him as a valuable asset to both his university and the broader academic and cultural landscape.

Chris Ballengee

Dr. Christopher L. Ballengee is an ethnomusicologist with a research focus on music of the Caribbean and South Asia. He currently teaches in the Department of American Literature and Culture at John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin and works independently as an academic editor and English conversation partner. He is the director of the feature-length documentary film Sweet Tassa: Music of the Indian Caribbean Diaspora (2019), editor of the volume Music, Sound, and Documentary Film in the Global South (2022), and co-editor of the Global Perspectives on Music and Sound in Visual Media series at Lexington Books. Dr. Ballengee holds a Ph.D. in music history and literature from the University of Florida and a masters in ethnomusicology from Bowling Green State University.