Second-year PhD student and Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF) Janina Hufsky recently travelled to the University of Georgia (UGA), where she spent three weeks collaborating with leading researchers to strengthen her doctoral project and build valuable international research connections.
The visit, which took place between June and July 2025, saw Janina work closely with Professor Malissa Clark from UGA's Department of Psychology. As an internationally recognised expert in workaholism, Professor Clark provided guidance on Janina's research, which explores the day-to-day factors that drive people to feel compelled to work excessively.
Throughout the visit, Janina refined her research design and literature review through in-depth discussions and feedback, while also experiencing academic life at one of the United States' leading universities. As a Graduate Teaching Fellow, Janina is gaining higher education teaching experience as part of her studentship, making opportunities such as this an important part of her academic and professional development.
Reflecting on her American visit, Janina said: "I got to work closely with an expert on workaholism and hear her thoughts on my ideas for a research design and my literature review. The in-person visit was great as I was provided with an office in the psychology building and got to work from campus during the week and explore the wider Athens area in my free time. I got to experience life in a typical US college town for a while, which was really interesting."
Beyond the research, Janina embraced life in the vibrant college town of Athens, taking part in faculty events, celebrating Independence Day with colleagues and building lasting connections with staff and fellow PhD students. As part of those connections, Janina was made to feel especially welcome by Professor Clark and the wider faculty, who celebrated her birthday with a dinner and organised a faculty mixer, giving her the opportunity to further connect with UGA staff and PhD students.
Speaking about the long-term impact of the visit, Janina added: "Malissa was open to me seeking her advice later on in the hybrid phase, but also for developing the second empirical study of my project, or any other future collaboration."
Commenting on the success of the visit, Janina's supervisors, Dr Mariella Miraglia and Professor Jo Lyubovnikova, said: "The research visit at UGA offered Janina a unique opportunity to refine the design and theoretical foundation of her doctoral project through in-depth discussion and intellectual exchange with a leading expert in her field. Alongside strengthening the quality of her research, the visit enabled Janina to build an international network and gain valuable cultural and academic experience that will support her development as an independent researcher."
The collaboration has laid the foundations for a continued partnership with UGA, providing ongoing academic support as Janina progresses through her PhD and opening the door to future international research opportunities.