As a biologist, I hold a Master's Degree in Educational Sciences from the Hellenic Open University (EAP) and a Doctoral Degree in Molecular Biology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). I have acquired extensive knowledge and skills in information and communication technologies, confirmed by holding ECDL certificates and Level B IT skills, which I actively apply in educational practice. My professional journey includes serving as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the University of Athens, where I gained significant experience in research and educational activity. I have worked for twelve years at the private gymnasium-lyceum Educational Renaissance in East Attica, and for the past two years, I have been serving in public education. Teaching is my passion, and this is reflected in my continuous pursuit of professional development and information regarding scientific developments and new teaching approaches. I am an active member of the educational community, as a trainer at the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP) in the field of differentiated teaching and contribute to the biology question bank. I also participate in writing biology textbooks for high school and organize prototype experimental laboratories and biology clubs at my school. I am a question contributor to the local EOES competition, assistant coordinator, and biology essay grader at the grading center of East Attica. In addition, I engage in research activities in both the laboratory and educational sectors. Through these experiences, I recognize the importance of continuous learning and innovation in teaching. I aspire to encourage my students to explore the scientific world with passion, cultivating an environment of academic excellence. I believe that my participation in the SUSI program will assist me in comprehending the American approach to education and enable me to transfer knowledge, ideas, and innovations to the Greek educational system.

Gianna Gkioni has studied English language and literature at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and she holds a master’s degree in Theatre Directing from Royal Holloway, University of London. She is currently conducting Ph.D. research on German documentary theatre and its application in education at the University of Peloponnese, Department of Fine Arts. She is a very enthusiastic drama teacher, working at American Community Schools of Athens since 2021. In the past, she has worked as a drama lecturer at Unicert College, University of Staffordshire, and as a teaching assistant at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pedagogics. In addition, she has worked at various educational institutions in Athens such as Ellinogermaniki Agogi and Byron College. Finally, she is a very active theatre practitioner, and her latest works in professional theatre include: translating and directing the play Vox Populi at Theatre 104 (2023-24), the play Children of the Sun by Maxim Gorki at Theatre 104 (2022-23), Things I know to be true by Andrew Bovell at Alkmini Theatre (2019-2020), and The Gronholm Method by Jordi Galceran at Fabrica Artspace (2018).

She is hoping that the Fulbright Study of the U.S. institutes program, will offer her the opportunity to experience firsthand the history, traditions and culture that have given life to works of art and literature in the U.S. Visiting the U.S.A. and being initiated to the American culture through its institutions will help her obtain a deeper understanding of the works of theatre and literature that she has been staging and teaching throughout her life.