Undergraduate Fellows Program

Alyssa Bird
I’m currently a senior majoring in Asian languages and cultures with a focus in South Korea. Throughout my studies, I’ve developed a strong passion for language learning and the power of words, as well as a deep interest in fostering cross-cultural understanding through language. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at Yonsei University on the Summer in Korea Scholarship. As a half-Korean student, visiting Korea had long been a personal goal of mine, and being able to do so inspired me to join the Nam Center when I returned. Since then, I’ve met so many amazing people! On campus, I am part of the editorial team for the women’s magazine Her Campus, and I’ve also participated in the KLP Language Exchange with students from Seoul National University. In addition, I volunteer at the Michigan Language Center as a conversation partner, where I help non-native English speakers practice their language skills and learn more about American culture. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing Wordle. 

Leah Phillips
I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. I was initially drawn to Korean studies through learning about the Hallyu wave through music and have continued my interest by being an Outreach Fellow for one year, and two years as a Research Fellow in the Nam Center for Korean Studies Undergraduate Fellows Program. The first paper I wrote pertained to exploring the ‘K’ in K-beauty, and the second paper explored the role of South Korea as a vaccine manufacturer during the COVID-19 pandemic. My semester abroad in 2024 through the YISS summer program at Yonsei University allowed me to learn more in-depth about the Hallyu wave while putting to use the two years of Korean language courses and taking part in cultural exchange by meeting a wide array of people. I have volunteered at the hospital for three years, as well as been in two different labs during my time in undergrad. The first is part of the Orthopedic Research Department, and the second is in the Caswell Diabetes Institute. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting as well as taking advantage of the nature that surrounds us by hiking and watercoloring.

Kathleen Fleming
I'm a freshman majoring in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology on the pre-medical track with a minor in religion. I am interested in helping support both the spread of knowledge and access to resources centered around Korean language and culture at U-M and around the Ann Arbor community, and I am particularly invested in helping to curate more local opportunities for engagement with the less widespread aspects of Korean culture. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, listening to and making music, gaming, and art. 

Madison Beeckman
I'm a fourth year student double majoring in creative writing (where I'm writing a book about cowboys?!) and Asian languages and cultures with a concentration on Korean. When I have free time I like to play video games, read, or try some trendy crafts. The reason I joined the Nam Center is because I wanted to be a part of a community that would teach me more about Korea, but the Nam Center is so much more than that! I've met a lot of amazing people and have eaten a lot of delicious food! 

Spencer Lynn
I'm a junior from Saline, MI pursuing a dual degree in business and political science. I've always been fascinated by politics in Asia, and was a Nam Center Research Fellow during the 2025-2026 school year. On campus beyond the Nam Center, I'm involved with Propel Impact Consulting, BBA Council, TedXUofM, Michigan Foreign Policy Council, the Michigan Journal of Economics, among other organizations. This past school year, I conducted startup research for the United States Department of War's Defense Innovation Unit. I hope to obtain a JD/MBA after graduation, and outside of schoolwork, enjoy reading, hiking, poetry, finding new coffee shops, and soccer.