Political Science senior Amytess F. M. Girgis recently became the 29th student from the University of Michigan to receive the Rhodes Scholarship, the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship program. Her current research (advised by Christian Davenport) focuses on the emergence of U.S. mutual aid groups in the wake of COVID-19 and their relationship to state neglect and repression.
Amytess works as a union organizer for U-M's adjunct faculty union, LEO (Lecturers’ Employee Organization - AFT-MI 6244). She has also worked extensively in political communications for a number of candidates and causes. At Oxford, Amytess will continue her studies in political science, social movements, and the resilience of communities on the margins.
“My primary reaction is shock, I still haven’t fully internalized that this is really happening,” Girgis said. “My second reaction is feeling the responsibility of what it means to carry this title and to head to Oxford with all of the opportunities it affords and what it looks like to take that opportunity on behalf of those who never get a chance.”
Read more about Amytess and the honor at The Michigan Daily.
