Political Science Faculty, Cesi Cruz, Chris Fariss, and Yanna Krupnikov, as well as, Undergraduate Alumni, Jooyoung Chung, and Kelly Phil, were featured in the fall '24 LSA Magazine titled, "24 Reasons to Feel Hopeful About the Future." Check out their accomplishments below!
Nurturing Infant Lifelines
When there is limited electricity in low-resource communities, how will new parents care for their infants? Political science alum Jooyoung Chung (bottom right picture) (A.B. ’24) helped co-found NeoNest Global, a health care nonprofit dedicated to providing non-electric bassinet incubators to communities that face high levels of infant mortality. By collaborating with hospitals and partnering with community organizations in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda, Chung and his colleagues aim to finish their prototype and begin clinical trials. A future physician, Chung now feels prepared to “overcome political barriers to address health inequities.”
Just So You Know
Women Also Know Stuff is a database that promotes the work of women in political science. Its current and former board members include LSA professors Cesi Cruz (top right picture) and Yanna Krupnikov (top middle picture), and Ph.D. alums Ashley Jardina and Gisela Sin. Need an expert to consult for an op-ed, an essay, or a speaking engagement? You now know where to go.
We Are the National Champs—in Debating!
Two 2024 LSA graduates—Kelly Phil (bottom left picture) (political science) and Bennett Dombcik (philosophy)—led U-M’s debate team to victory at the 2024 National Debate Tournament. Founded in 1903 and consistently ranked one of the best collegiate debate programs in the United States, the team sponsors scholarships for students who compete. When the news was announced, Phil described the moment as “the culmination of all my years in debate.” Dombcik experienced “not only an immense feeling of relief, knowing that the work we have done all year has paid off, but also of gratitude towards everyone who made winning the championship possible.” Both Phil and Dombcik see law school in their bright futures.
An Improvement in Human Rights
Years of depressing headlines can make us feel hopeless, but Chris Fariss (top left picture), professor of political science, has a different outlook. Recently honored as the best undergraduate instructor in his department, Fariss combines computational methods with the study of global human rights. His point of view, based on his research, is that global standards of human rights enforcement are increasing and that human rights are actually getting better over time.
