Read about this month’s International Studies Student Spotlight. Students were asked to share an influential experience they had that connected to their International Studies major or minor.
December 2025 - Ruhi Kulkarni
BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); intended minor, School of Information ‘28
Hometown: Monroe Township, New Jersey
Affiliations: Competitor on the Mock Trial Team, Central Student Government founder and director of Technology Policy, U-of-M Undergraduate representative to the Information Technology Council, Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity Alumni Chair, Leaders in Ethical AI Development Officer, Former Bridge to Asia Fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research.
“This summer, I will have the opportunity to bring together my academic interests in economic development, technology, and national security in an immersive way. As a fellow with the Summer in South Asia program, I will work with eSamudaay in Bangalore, India, supporting initiatives that promote economic development through the digital inclusion of local businesses. Engaging directly with small entrepreneurs navigating the transition to digital marketplaces will allow me to better understand how technology can both bridge and widen global inequalities."
