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October 2006 elink home

Richard Murad
Class of ’08
Russian Studies


UH student Richard Murad (pictured here on the University Embankment in St. Petersburg) studies Russia from the inside as an NSEP scholar.

A chance to study the language and culture of Russia— “one of the last great empires”—held irresistible appeal for undergrad Richard Murad. Chosen for the prestigious National Security Education Program (NSEP) from more than 700 applicants, Murad began a yearlong program in August at St. Petersburg State University’s Smolny Institute. He’s the first University of Houston student ever chosen for the program, which provides American undergraduates opportunities to gain skills and experiences in crucial areas of the world. In exchange, NSEP scholars commit to one year of service in either the Departments of State, Homeland Security, or Defense, or in the intelligence community.

After a stint in the Marines, Murad returned to UH to complete his undergraduate degree in Russian Studies. Last spring, he accepted a three-month internship at the American Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine. Once he receives his bachelor’s degree in 2008, Murad hopes to work in the Department of State. “Service to one’s country is a noble thing,” he says. “Working for the State Department would allow me to serve my country in an even greater capacity. I’m intrigued with world travel and foreign affairs, and want both to play an integral part in my life and career.”