UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Alexandra Persiko, director for global partnerships in Penn State Global, was recently awarded the DAAD Alumni Association Mid-Career Professional Award. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) recognizes exceptional contributions to advancing international exchange between Germany and the United States. Persiko received this recognition for her diligent efforts to develop Penn State’s partnerships with two universities in Germany: Freiburg and Leibniz University of Hannover. Both partnerships include a wide range of collaborations and include students, faculty, and staff across a broad range of disciplines and offices.
A lasting partnership for global impact
Penn State has a longstanding relationship with the University of Freiburg, which has been an institutional partner for over a decade. Specifically, between 2017-21, there were considerable joint matching funds that supported 12 projects across disciplines ranging from mathematics to agriculture, engineering, and virtual engagement. Penn State and Freiburg also collaborate on the Convergence Center for Living Multifunctional Material Systems, which has advanced cutting-edge interdisciplinary research between the universities.
Persiko and the global partnerships team have also forged a strong collaboration with Leibniz University, which supports research, education, staff programming and an ongoing Erasmus+ grant in coordination with the Penn State College of Engineering and Penn State Global. The grant supports student and faculty travel focused on sustainable product development — a theme that resonates strongly with both institutions. The partnership history between the two universities extends to vibration dynamics, energy harvesting, production engineering and smart materials, and has steadily expanded into multi-faceted activities. From engineering and law to sports science, education, German studies, mathematics and sustainability, the collaboration now spans a wide range of academic fields.
“I can’t deny that I have not only been proud of our accomplishments, but that I have personally thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful connections and growth with the University of Freiburg and Leibniz University of Hannover,” Persiko said. “I am very honored to have been recognized for this award by the DAAD Alumni Association and its Excellence Award Committee, which only came about as the result of a strong and engaged team in our partnerships unit. To receive an award for something you cherish is a wonderful boon.”
Along with Persiko, fellow awardees included Joann Halpern, New York University, and Karin Schutjer, University of Oklahoma, who received the DAAD Alumni Association USA Award for Excellence in International Exchange, a senior career-level award, during the 23rd Annual Sound Understanding Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.