Stefan Lacny

Stefan Lacny is a Lecturer (Teaching) in Russian Culture, Language, and Translation at University College London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES). He holds a PhD in Slavonic Studies from the University of Cambridge (2019–2024), an MPhil in European, Latin American, and Comparative Literatures and Cultures (2016–2017), and a BA in Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Russian, 2012–2016), all from the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on Soviet cinema’s depictions of Poles and Ukrainians (1925–1941), Stalin-era national identities in non-Russian Soviet republics, and the cultural significance of borders in the USSR.

Education:

• PhD in Slavonic Studies, University of Cambridge (2019–2024)
• MPhil in European, Latin American, and Comparative Literatures and Cultures, University of Cambridge (2016–2017)
• BA in Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Russian), University of Cambridge (2012–2016)
• Visiting Student, University of Warsaw, Poland (2022–2023)

Research Interests: Dr. Lacny examines how cinema and cultural narratives shaped Soviet national identities, particularly in contested border regions. His work bridges cultural history and film studies, with a focus on the interplay between political power and artistic expression in the USSR. He also explores the role of cinematic representation in legitimizing Soviet territorial claims during the Stalin era.

Professional Experience:

• Lecturer (Teaching), UCL SSEES (September 2024–present)
• Guest Lecturer, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

Languages: Fluent in Russian, French, Polish (peer-review capable), Ukrainian, and Spanish (Castilian).