Meet Our Graduate Assistants

Kristina Bondarenko
MA in Education, Higher Education Leadership

Kristina Bondarenko is an international student from Russia who is in her second year in the Higher Education Leadership program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Southern Federal University in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Prior to attending Villanova, she worked in education in China for four years. Bondarenko focuses her research on the role of support systems of international students in higher education settings.

“The world of higher education is where meaningful changes take place, and I am incredibly happy to be a part of a program at the heart of which lies equity, social justice and a commitment to constant improvements within education to enhance the experiences of all students,” Bondarenko says.

As a graduate assistant, her primary responsibilities include handling administrative tasks and documentation, supporting students in their application process, conducting research projects, participating in information sessions, leading campus tours, and providing front desk assistance. Additionally, this summer, she had the opportunity to collaborate with both the Office of Graduate Studies and the Grad Center to produce a series of onboarding videos for prospective students, along with tutorial videos designed for international students to ease their transition to a new academic and cultural environment. 

“I deeply value Villanova’s commitment to student success and the robust support system within the university. Whenever people ask me, 'Why Villanova?' I say incredible faculty and a sincere commitment to genuine student support,” says Bondarenko. “I felt supported from the very first moment I started my application and joined the info sessions. Every prospective and current student is valued. Additionally, for me, Villanova is the place where dreams come true. It is a place where hard work pays off, and you can become a better version of yourself through constant growth.”

Nastia Chulkova
MA in Theatre

Nastia Chulkova is an international student from Russia in her first year in the graduate Theatre program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Advertising and Public Relations and worked in marketing and management for a few years. She pursued two professional certificates, one in Psychology and one in Theatre, and for the past five years, she has worked in theatre education. She has also lived in Portugal, Spain and China.

“Having my true passion, theatre, remain just a hobby wasn’t enough,” Chulkova says. “That’s why I decided to fully commit the field and to deepening my knowledge of theatre through the Villanova MA program.”

As a graduate assistant, Chulkova handles admission documentation, assists with administrative tasks, and helps organize events for graduate students. Her favorite responsibility is conducting campus tours for prospective students.

“I get to show them all my favorite spots on campus, share the amazing opportunities Villanova offers and hopefully help them fall in love with the university at first sight, just like I did,” she says.

Chulkova chose Villanova for her graduate studies because of the Theatre program’s blend of theoretical and practical courses.

“The program provides a holistic approach to theatre, allowing us to explore different roles – actors, directors, playwrights, educators, dramaturgs and more. Not many programs offer such a comprehensive view of the field,” she says. “I was also drawn to the welcoming and highly professional faculty. That same supportive environment carries over into the classroom, where everyone’s opinion is valued.”

Luvonda Fuller
MS in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Luvonda Fuller is a Philadelphia native in her second year in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program. She is a graduate assistant in the Villanova Department of Education and Counseling, supporting counseling professors with their lesson plans and research projects, as well as mentoring first-year Clinical Mental Health Counseling students. Fuller serves as Event Chair for Villanova’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international academic and professional counseling honor society.

In the CLAS Office of Graduate Studies, Fuller serves as the Dean’s Ambassador, a volunteer position to which she was appointed after working for the office this past summer. In this role, she works to strengthen the graduate community and ensure that students have the necessary resources and support to succeed. Fuller supports the Dean with events such as the Graduate Belonging and Inclusion Welcome Picnic.

“While working for the Graduate Studies office, I found a sense of community and belonging,” Fuller says. “As a result, I wanted to volunteer to help in any way I could, which led to Dean Woodard naming me to this prestigious position.”

After graduation, Fuller plans to pursue a PhD in clinical counseling and become a culturally competent therapist and educator.

“I embody my Christian beliefs and values in everything I do and am striving to become the best therapist I can be and help as many people as possible,” she says.