BA in International Studies, Political Science, Anthropology ‘27
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Affiliations: Michigan Journal of International Affairs, WCBN-FM, UM Taekwondo, Rabat Social Studies Institute Research Intern 2026, Anthropology Department Intern, Language Resource Center, Political Science Department Research Assistant, Grand Rapids Public Schools Volunteer
"This past summer, I had the opportunity to be a research intern at the Rabat Social Studies Institute in Morocco. This experience laid the foundation for my postgraduate studies, building off my PICS education. After going through the publication process and writing my own policy analysis briefs, I gained a more thorough understanding of how research can yield actual change outside of academia, and I understand the importance of ethical and accessible research in a way I could not have beforehand. Living and working in Morocco was amazing, and the political scientists I worked with and under exposed me to a truly non-Western way of engaging with political thought. This internship also allowed me to delve fully into my research interests in occupation and border politics. This has prepared me well for my PICS honors thesis about the Western Saharan independence movement from Morocco. My thesis is now better informed by a closer understanding of the realities of African politics, hybrid regimes, and postcolonial academia. I returned to the University of Michigan with a deeper understanding of the purpose of research and passion for my future studies.
Future Plans: I am currently in the process of applying for master’s programs. Afterward, plan to work abroad for an NGO or think tank related to border conflicts, stateless nations, or independence movements. Eventually, I plan to pursue a PhD and become a professor in comparative politics to research and write about the derecognition of lesser-researched contested states. At some point, I’d really like to write about America’s contested territories and suppressed national independence movements, particularly Hawai’i."
