Olena Lennon

Olena Lennon, Ph.D., is a Practitioner In Residence at the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. She teaches courses in U.S. Foreign Policy, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution, specializing in Ukraine’s domestic/international politics, Eurasian security, and comparative politics. Her research spans post-Soviet transitions, Donbas conflicts, and decentralization reforms.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Higher Education (Political Science concentration), University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• M.A. in Educational Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Horlivka Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages
• B.A. in English, Horlivka Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages

Lennon’s publications since 2015 focus on Russian-Ukrainian conflicts, Eurasian geopolitics, and policy analysis. She has contributed to peer-reviewed journals (Eurasian Geography and Economics, Demokratizatsiya) and policy platforms (Focus Ukraine, PONARS Eurasia). Her work addresses landmine contamination, propaganda tactics, and strategic lessons from conflicts like Nagorno-Karabakh.

Scientific Awards:

• Fulbright Scholar (2004-2007)
• International Scholar of the Year (2008)
• Excellence in Teaching Award for Part-Time Faculty (2019)
• Title VIII Scholar (2019)

She frequently advises media outlets (CNN, WIRED, NPR) on Ukrainian affairs and serves as co-editor for the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute’s 'Eyes on Donbas' forum. Her teaching emphasizes real-world applications, including student trips to conflict zones and symposia on democracy and resilience.