đ Hail! To the International Studies Graduates
Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS)
Virtual Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, April 29, 2021Â Â Â |Â Â Â 6-7:30pm ET
The live 2021 PICS Virtual Graduation Ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 6-7:30pm ET. Graduating PICS seniors should follow the instructions that were sent to their emails to RSVP to attend the 2021 PICS Virtual Graduation Ceremony.
Parents, friends, family, and guests will be able to view the live event on this page or through the PICS YouTube and/or Facebook.
Congratulations to the PICS Class of 2021!
PICS Graduation Speaker â Ambassador (ret.) Susan D. Page
PICS Student Speaker â Marley Duerst
PICS Director Address â Robert J. Franzese, Jr.
Recognition of PICS Honors â Anthony Marcum, PhD
Senior Stories
PICS seniors were invited to share more about their experience in the program. To read more about each of these International Studies seniors, click on the link on their name!
Jailene is from Chicago, IL and San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Russian. On campus, she is part of Delta Gamma Phi. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking a wide variety of classes and studying abroad. After graduation, she will be taking time off before going to law school.
Vedika is from Troy, MI, minoring in International Studies focusing on ISNC and majoring in Business Administration. On campus, she is part of the Lloyd Hall Scholars Program, Project WriteOn, Michigan Sahana, and works as a Ross teaching assistant. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. After graduation, she will be working in investment banking at HSBC.
Nicole is from Somers, NY focusing on PED. She is also majoring in Spanish and minoring in Science, Technology, and Society. On campus, she is part of Beta Alpha Rho Pre-Law and Public Service Fraternity and The Yleana Leadership Foundation. After graduation, she will be working as an Investment Analyst at Mercer in New York City.
Katherine is from Cincinnati, OH focusing on GEH. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad. On campus, she is the Print Photo Editor of SHEI Magazine. After graduation, she plans to teach English in Spain.
Nicholas is from New York City, NY focusing on PED, and minoring in Urban Studies. He is part of the Sailing Team, Kappa Alpha Pi, SHEI Magazine, and Semester in Detroit on campus. After graduation, he plans to work in real estate and urban planning in New York City.
Annika is from Pittsburgh, PA focusing on GEH and minoring in Biochemistry. On campus, she is part of AED, Michigan, Movement, Spanish Club, and Get Access Telehealth Initiative. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was going abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After graduation, she plans to work as a research assistant before going to medical school.
Jillian is from Grosse Ile, MI focusing on PED and minoring in Entrepreneurship. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking so many courses across different departments and colleges. After graduation, she hopes to combine her passions and focus on innovation and equity in education.
Marley is from Ann Arbor, MI, and focused on the CCI sub-plan. She was also double majoring in Spanish and minoring in Education for Empowerment. On campus, she was part of the Michigan Animal Respect Society, Victors FC, Ginsberg Center, and PALMA. She enjoyed studying abroad in Costa Rica and Spain which has influenced her decision to teach English in Spain through a government program after graduation.
Lauren is from Novi, MI and focused on ISNC while double majoring in Film, Television, and Media. On campus, she was part of WOLV-TV, Michigan Active Citizens Alternative Spring Break, Detroit Partnership, Lloyd Hall Scholars Program, and worked on many film productions. She is now working as a Producer for a TV show with the Michigan Learning Channel.
Cristina is from Mt. Pleasant, MI focusing on PED and minoring in Business. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Barcelona learning about the culture and sharpening her Spanish skills. After graduation, she plans to work in Washington, D.C. in an advocacy or policy organization.
Marie is from Grosse Pointe Park, MI focusing on the GEH sub-plan. She is double majoring in Sociology. On campus, she is part of Sigma Iota Rho, Delta Gamma Phi, AMPM, Rock Climbing Club, and the Italian Student Association. After graduation, she will be taking time off to explore career options and life outside of being a student before applying to law school.
Eleanor is from Saginaw, MI focusing on ISNC. On campus, she is part of MUNUM, K-Grams, and Michigan Medicine. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was INTLSTD 401 with Dr. Melanie Tanielian. After graduation, she will be attending the University of Connecticut School of Law to pursue a career in public interest law.
Kelsie is from Sterling Heights, MI and focused on the GEH sub-plan while double majoring in Spanish and minoring in Science, Technology, and Society. She enjoyed taking INTLSTD 301 on global health and creating her own public health intervention. She will be working as a Consumer Safety Officer in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Suma is from Princeton, NJ focusing on the CCI sub-plan. She is double majoring in Statistics and minoring in Business Administration. Her favorite part of PICS was being able to combine her interests in data analytics and comparative culture in an internship in Bali. After graduation, she will be working on Procter & Gamble's IT team and hopes to eventually work abroad.
Clarice is from Kalamazoo, MI, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and double majoring in Russian. She is part of the U-M Equestrian Team. Her fondest PICS memory is studying abroad in Saint Petersburg, Russia. After graduating, she will be working for the Department of Justice.
Thomas is from McKinney, TX, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan. He is part of the Naval ROTC, Michigan Fly Fishing Club, Backpacking Club, and Sigma Iota Rho on campus. His favorite part of the PICS experience was taking the INTLSD 401 seminar course with Professor Uehling. After graduation, he plans to accept a commission into the United States Navy where he will serve aboard a ship as a Surface Warfare Officer.
Rani is from Princeton, MA focusing on GEH and double majoring in Spanish. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador. After graduation, she is going to be a Care Manager for a community health center in New York City called Sun River Health.
Karuna is from Silver Spring, MD, majoring in Public Policy and minoring in International Studies. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was having the opportunity to work with a human trafficking clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. After graduation, she will participate as one of 154 Schwarzman Scholars studying Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Melanie is from Singapore focusing on the PED sub-plan. On campus, she is part of Korea Leadership Group, Singapore Students Association of Michigan, Bridges International, and Rotaract Michigan. After graduation, she will be pursuing a Master of International Business at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Julia is from Baltimore, MD focusing on the PED sub-plan and double majoring in Spanish. On campus she is part of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-law Fraternity and FATE Mentorship Program. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Madrid. After graduation, she plans to work with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia and then will be applying to law schools.
Alana is from Capac, MI focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Spanish. On campus, she is part of Good News Christian A Cappella and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. After graduation, she plans to work in paralegal and legal assistant positions with local immigration communities before going to law school.
Samantha is from Potomac, MD and focused on the GEH sub-plan while double majoring in French and Francophone Studies. On campus, she was part of Seven Mile and Kol Hakavod. In the future, she hopes to return to France to polish her language skills and explore the French workforce in a career in community health and health equity.
Samuel is from New York, NY focusing on ISNC and double majoring in History. On campus, he is part of Michigan Journal of International Affairs. His favorite part of his PICS experience was spending a summer in the GIEU program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After graduation, he plans to start a career in foreign policy.
Isabel is from Marshall, MI focusing on ISNC and double majoring in English. On campus, she is part of Freedom4Girls, Students for Reproductive Rights, and Justiceâs The Vagina Monologues. After graduation, she plans to work for an organization that addresses and combats gender inequality and women's health issues on a global scale.
Erin is from Elmhurst, IL focusing on the GEH sub-plan. She is part of U-M Women's Basketball, Michigan Pre-Law Society, Center for Campus Involvement, and Blood Drives United on campus. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school after taking a gap year to teach English in Thailand.
Arielle is from Rochester Hills, MI focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Political Science. On campus, she is part of Kappa Alpha Pi, UROP, Greek Life, and is a TA for the Ross School of Business. After graduation, she wants to make an impact on the world through digital optimization.
Where is the PICS Class of 2021 Headed?!
U-M International Studies seniors were invited to add a pin to a collaborative map to share where they will be heading after graduation. Explore the map to see where the PICS Class of 2021 is headed!
Graduating Seniors Share Their Fondest PICS Memories
Graduating U-M International Studies seniors were asked to share their fondest memories during their time in the Program in International and Comparative Studies. To read more about each of these International Studies seniors, click on the link on their name!
Natalie is from Fife Lake, MI focusing on the GEH sub-plan and minoring in Education for Empowerment. She is part of America Reads and Michigan in Washington. After graduation, she will be getting her Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan.
Selina is from the Bronx, NY focusing on ISNC with a minor in Afroamerican and African Studies. On campus, she is part of African Students Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Beta Eta Chapter, and Kessler Scholars. After graduation, she is applying to law schools.
Naomi is from Los Angeles, CA focusing on GEH and double majoring in Sociology. On campus, she is part of SAPAC. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was going to all of the speaker events during her time at the University of Michigan.
Anna is from East Lansing, MI focusing on PED and double majoring in Spanish. On campus, she is part of PALMA and Kappa Omega Alpha Pre-Law and Public Policy Fraternity. Her favorite part of her PICS experience is making friends with diverse backgrounds and interests. After graduation, she will attend the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program in Spain.
Kaitlyn Bell is from Saginaw, MI focusing on ISNC; she has two additional majors in Middle Eastern and North African Studies and Political Science. On campus, she is part of the Inter-Cooperative Council, Alpha Phi Omega, and the Arabic Club. After graduation, she plans to work in New York for a year before going to graduate school in the Middle East.
Grace is from Grand Rapids, MI focusing on PED and double majoring in Economics. On campus, she is part of Alpha Delta Pi, The Consilium Group for Policy Research, Peace Corps Prep, Department of Sociology Research Assistant, and a University Musical Society Student Employee. After graduation, she hopes to work in government affairs and work for an elected official in Michigan or Washington, D.C.
Benjamin is from Grand Rapids, MI focusing on ISNC. He has two additional majors in Political Science and Russian and is in Honors. On campus, he is part of UNICEF at U-M, Pi Sigma Alpha, Sigma Iota Rho, and Students Helping Honduras. After graduation, he plans to enroll in the MA program in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at Stanford University.
Miranda is from Ortonville, MI focusing on ISNC; she had two additional majors in German and Russian. On campus, she was part of the Adelia Cheever Club and Rotaract Club. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was making friends in her classes. She plans to attend business school after working abroad for a few years.
Joseph is from Troy, MI focusing on CCI and double majoring in Asian Studies. On campus they are part of the XI Chapter of the Zeta Psi International Fraternity. After graduation, they will be staying in Ann Arbor to look for career opportunities and/or positions in China as an English teacher.
Katharine is from Denver, CO focusing on PED and double majoring in Spanish. On campus, she is part of Delta Gamma Phi, Sigma Iota Rho, Detroit Partnership, and Office of Undergraduate Admissions Tour Guide. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking INTLSTD 401 with Professor Dincecco. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year before attending law school.
Madalasa is from Troy, MI focusing on PED and minoring in Entrepreneurship. On campus, she is part of The Michigan Daily, U-M Taekwondo club, and was an Instructional Assistant for SI 360. After graduation, she will be working as an Associate Consultant in Digital Operations in St. Louis, MO.
Gabriella is from West Bloomfield, MI focusing on ISNC; she has two minors in Chemistry and French. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was all of the classes she has taken that aligned perfectly with her interests. After graduation, she wants to practice international human rights law.
Semia is from Detroit, MI focusing on PED and minoring in Community Action and Social Change. On campus, she is part of Sister 2 Sister and 826 Michigan. She was fond of her International Studies class with Professor Uehling. After graduation, she wants to join the Peace Corps or work for a nonprofit before going to graduate school.
Scott Cohen is from Scarsdale, NY, focusing on the PED sub-plan and minoring in Spanish. Outside of classes, he participates in Wolverines for Israel, Ross Emerging Markets Club, and DKE Fraternity. His favorite part of the PICS experience was taking classes with Dr. Anthony Marcum.
Adam is from Huntington Woods, MI focusing on GEH and minoring in Entrepreneurship. On campus, he is part of the Student Life Advisory Board, Alpha Kappa Psi, Michigan Real Estate Club, and the Sports Business Association. His favorite part about his PICS experience was being able to create a major around his interests in urban planning and development.
Zoe is from Ontonagon, MI focusing on PED and minoring in Asian Languages and Cultures. On campus, she is a conversation Circle Facilitator with the English Language Institute. After graduation, she hopes to work internationally at a think-tank, international organization, or international company.
Camille Cummings is from Westwood, MA, focusing on ISNC, with two minors in Gender, Race, and Nation and Law, Justice, and Social Change. Her favorite part of the PICS experience was studying abroad at Sciences Po in Paris. She plans to attend law school in the Fall of 2022.
Katherine Davis is from Barnstable, MA focusing on GEH. She is also majoring in Biology, Health, and Society. She was fond of her INTLSTD 301 and 401 courses for allowing her to create relationships with faculty and push herself as a student. She will be working as a healthcare consultant for Kaufman Hall in Chicago and plans to get a Master of Healthcare Administration in the future.
Margo is from Farmington Hills, MI focusing on ISNC and also majoring in Political Science. She is part of Michigan Hillel, I-LEAD, and Alpha Phi Omega. She enjoyed studying abroad at Sciences Po in Paris. After graduation, she hopes to engage in peace-making work in the Middle East, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ella is from New York City, NY focusing on PED and double majoring in Organizational Studies. On campus, she is part of the Michigan Community Scholars Program, Program on Intergroup Relations, AIESEC, and Sigma Iota Rho. After graduation she plans to work in public or international policy to advance equality and justice at home and abroad.
Samantha is from Fraser, MI, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan. She is part of Aerial Arts on campus. As part of her PICS experience, she enjoyed looking at fascist artwork on a field trip for her Global Fascism course. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school.
Ava is from Romeo, MI focusing on CCI and double majoring in Womenâs and Gender Studies. On campus, she is part of UNICEF-UM, Best Buddies at UofM, ENGin, Family Learning Institute, and ELI Conversation Circles. After graduation, she is going to Columbia University to pursue her graduate degree in International Education Development.
Julia is from Lake Orion, MI focusing on PED. She has three other majors in German, Political Science, and Spanish. On campus, she is part of Women's Club Rugby (UMWRFC), Central Student Judiciary, Dean of Students Advisory Board. After graduation, she will likely be moving to Germany in the fall to pursue a Masterâs degree.
Christopher is from Troy, MI and focused on PED while double majoring in Economics. On campus, he was part of REACH Consulting Club, Asian Consortium for Economic Development (ACED), and University of Michigan Active Citizens Alternative Spring Break Program (MAC-ASB). He is planning to go to law school.
Sophia is from Saline, MI focusing on ISNC; she is double majoring in Organizational Studies and minoring in French. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Palestine-Israel and Senegal. After graduation, she will be working for Cisco Systems in San Francisco in the Corporate Social Responsibility department.
Gabriella is from Grosse Pointe, MI focusing on the ISNC sub-plan. She is double majoring in Communications and Media Studies and minoring in Business Administration. She was fond of her INTLSTD 301 and 401 courses, as well as, her study abroad experience. After graduating, she will be in a management consulting position in New York City.
Haley is from San Diego, CA focusing on PED and minoring in Spanish; she is also in Honors. On campus, she is part of Sigma Iota Rho, Kappa Delta Sorority, and Womenâs Rugby. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was INTLSTD 401 with Howard Tsai. After graduating, she is taking a gap year, potentially in Latin America, before going to law school.
Katarina is from Harrington Park, NJ focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Political Science. On campus, she is part of StartUM Entrepreneurship, Women in Law, and One Love. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, she will be attending law school to study international law.
Melanie is from Yonkers, NY focusing on ISNC and minoring in Linguistics. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking INTLSTD 401 with Dr. Marcum. After graduation, she plans to pursue a program development position at a non-profit in the Dominican Republic that provides transformative education to underserved communities of color before returning to the U.S. to attend law school.
Yingchao is from Queens, NY, focusing on the CCI sub-plan. She is also majoring in Asian Studies and has two minors in History and Costume Design. At Michigan, she is part of Arts at Michigan, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, and volunteers at Center for Success. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Austria.
Isabelle is from Grand Rapids, MI focusing on the GEH sub-plan and minoring in Gender and Health. On campus, she is part of Alpha Phi Omega, Phi Delta Phi, Team Aquador, Public Health Association. After graduation, she plans to attend Grand Valley State University as a candidate for a Master of Health Administration.
Zi Lang is from Hong Kong focusing on PED. He is double majoring in Economics and minoring in Applied Statistics. On campus, he is the President of the Hong Kong Student Association. His favorite part of the PICS experience was taking INTLSTD 401 (twice on different topics!). After graduation, he will be working full time on a Rotational Program at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Eneida is from Riverview, MI; Tirana, Albania; and Tripoli, Greece. She is focusing on ISNC and minoring in History of Law and Policy. On campus, she is part of Girl Up Michigan, MRAP, AASO, [RE]vive, and the Immigrant Justice Lab. After graduation, she plans on joining City Year Detroit as a 2021-2022 AmeriCorps member before attending graduate school.
Phoebe is from Ann Arbor, MI focusing on GEH. She is double majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and minoring in Business. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was traveling to Iceland as part of the PICS Arctic Internship Fellowship. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in global health with a development agency in Washington, D.C.
Alyssa is from Detroit, MI, focusing on the CCI sub-plan, and also majoring in Asian Studies. She is part of the Residential College at Michigan. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was meeting her closest friends through the program.
Arielle is from Highland Park, IL focusing on GEH and double majoring in Spanish. On campus, she is part of EnCore dance team and AEPhi sorority. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was learning from her classmates and making global connections. After graduation, she wants to help people and make the world a better place using her education.
Hannah is from Northville, MI focusing on ISNC. She is double majoring in Environment and minoring in Writing. On campus, she is part of MUNUM, Indigenous Africa, Flowdom Dance Team, International Center Student Council, and Freedom House Detroit. After graduation, she intends to go to law school after a gap year or two to pursue international and environmental law.
Elizabeth is from New York City, NY focusing on CCI and double majoring in Sociology. On campus, she is part of The Michigan Daily, Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, and the Prison Creative Arts Project. After graduation, she is interning with The Baltimore Sun and plans to pursue journalism in health and education coverage.
Julia is from Metuchen, NJ focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Political Science. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking the Globalized Ancient Worlds course with Professor Howard Tsai. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in world politics and return to graduate or law school in the near future.
Claudia is from New York City, NY focusing on ISNC with a minor in Performing Arts Management. On campus, she is part of Capital Consulting Group, Alpha Kappa Psi, and Delta Gamma. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking INTLSTD 401 with Dr. Uehling. After graduation, she will be working in corporate banking at BMO Capital Markets in Chicago.
Jason is from Jericho, NY focusing on PED. He is part of Go Blue Wear Pink on campus. His favorite part of the PICS experience was all of the different classes he was able to take. After graduation, he is working at Vault Health NY.
Kaila is from Clarkston, MI focusing on ISNC and minoring in Law, Justice, and Social Change. On campus, she is part of College Democrats, Girl Up, Eventing at U-M, and Michigan in Washington. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was attending the PICS Alumni Career Panel. After graduation, she will be attending MSU College of Law.
Noelle is from Rochester, MI focusing on GEH. She is double majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Community Action and Social Change. On campus, she is the lead content creator for the Health Law Institute. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Global Health from George Washington University.
Marina is from Long Beach, NY focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Sociology. On campus, she is part of the Global Scholars Program, Alpha Phi Omega, and Michigan Community Scholars Program. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Grenoble, France. After graduation, she will join the AmeriCorps then go to graduate school.
Amanda is from Sag Harbor, MI minoring in PED. She is majoring in Business Administration. On campus, she is part of In My Shoes Inc., Alpha Chi Omega - Theta Chapter, Spoon University, K-Grams, and a BBA peer coach. After graduation, she plans to pursue human rights law.
Michelle is from Sterling Heights, MI focusing on ISNC and double majoring in Political Science. On campus, she is part of Sigma Iota Rho. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Switzerland. After graduation, she hopes to gain work experience in human rights advocacy and immigration law before going to law school.
Celia is from Honolulu, HI focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and minoring in Art History. On campus, she is part of SAPAC and PCAP. Her favorite part of her PICS experience wass seeing Professor Tsaiâs virtual reality gallery. After graduation, she will be working in L.A. towards a career in television writing.
Leanne is from Albuquerque, NM focusing on CCI. She is double majoring in Asian Studies and minoring in Education for Empowerment. On campus, she is part of Michigan Journal of Asian Studies and U-M English Language Institute Conversation Circles. After graduation, she will be working with the Pennsylvania College Advising Corps to help increase the number of low-income, âfirst-generation college, and underrepresented high school students who enter and complete higher education.
Alexa is from Northville, MI focusing on ISNC. She is on the executive board of EnspiRED Runway on campus. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was making close friends in her classes. After graduation, she plans to spend a gap year researching before going to law school.
William is from Ypsilanti, MI, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and double majoring in Secondary Education in Comprehensive Social Studies. After graduation, he plans to become a high school social studies teacher to educate students on a broader understanding of international influences on the development of American and world history.
Jadah is from Chicago, IL focusing on CCI and double majoring in French. On campus, she is the Program Chair for the National Council of Negro Women. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was her advising appointments with Kelsey Banfield. After graduation, she hopes to teach English in France.
Seth is from Bethesda, MD focusing on ISNC; he has two additional majors in Comparative Literature and French. His favorite part of his PICS experience was studying abroad in Morocco. After graduation, he will teach high school English in Philadelphia through Teach For America (TFA) and pursue his Master in Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Rebeka is from Holland, MI and focused on the PED sub-plan while double majoring in Environment. On campus, she was part of the Michigan Running Club and the Residential College. Her favorite PICS class was Circulating Worlds. Since graduating in the fall, she has begun her Master of Urban and Regional Planning at U-M Taubman College.
Hannah is from Romulus, MI focusing on GEH and she is also in Honors. On campus, she is part of Sigma Iota Rho, Sigma Alpha Omega, and is a research assistant for the Center for Political Studies. After graduation, she will be tutoring at an elementary school in Providence, Rhode Island for a year before attending medical school in 2022.
Caroline is from Dexter, MI, focusing on the PED sub-plan, and double majoring in Spanish. She is part of SAPAC, Community Matters, PALMA, and Leading Women of Tomorrow on campus. After graduation, she plans to attend law school in Boston or New York to study international human rights law.
Ellie is from Plymouth, MI focusing on GEH. She has two additional majors in Earth and Environmental Studies and Environment, and is minoring in Mathematics. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad in Iceland through the Green Program and the PICS Arctic Internship Fellowship. After graduation, she hopes to work in sustainability.
Laura is from Ann Arbor, MI focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and is triple majoring with History and German. On campus, she is part of Campus Philharmonic. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was studying abroad. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.
Annalise is from Grand Rapids, MI focusing on the GEH sub-plan and is double majoring in Environment. She is part of Net Impact, Erb Undergraduate Fellowship, Gamma Phi Beta, and Order of Omega. Her favorite thing about her PICS experience was studying the effects of globalization in indigenous communities in Peru. She hopes to work abroad in social and environmental impact after graduation.
Alexis is from Manhasset, NY focusing on ISNC. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was changing her outlook on the world by learning about different cultures and studying abroad. After graduation, she hopes to live in New York City while working for the health care company Cigna.
Damaris is from Charleston, SC, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and has two minors in Education for Empowerment, and Law, Justice, and Social Change. After graduating, she will be joining the Teach For America corps in San Antonio, TX to teach bilingual elementary education and will work to increase educational equity for migrant communities.
Lauren is from Manhasset, NY focusing on the PED sub-plan. She has two minors in Entrepreneurship and Science, Technology and Society. She is part of AIESEC on campus. Lauren is grateful for her PICS advisor, Kelsey Banfield, who helped her throughout her college experience. After graduation, she will be an Associate Consultant at Aon in San Francisco, California.
Samantha is from Oakland, CA and focused on the ISNC sub-plan. She was a triple majoring with Political Science and Spanish. On campus, she was part of PALMA, Kappa Omega Alpha Pre-Law Fraternity, and The Michigan Daily. She plans to move to the east coast for a government consulting job and will head to graduate or law school in the future.
Lilian is from Jackson, MI focusing on the ISNC sub-plan. She is working as a Marketing and Media Assistant in U-M's Arts and Culture Department. She intends to continue working at U-M to pursue a career connecting students and the community by highlighting and celebrating diversity.
Katherine is from Grand Rapids, MI focusing on GEH. On campus, she is part of Phi Gamma Nu, a business development organization. After graduation, she will be working as a research assistant for Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.
Theodora is from Dexter, MI focusing on the PED sub-plan. On campus, she is part of The Michigan Daily, and the Budget Allocations Committee for the LSA Student Government. Her fondest PICS memory is getting accepted into a study abroad program, even though it was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Hannah is from Northville, MI focusing on ISNC and minoring in Sociology. On campus, she is part of Kappa Alpha Pi, Italianissmo, and SAPAC. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was taking classes with Professor Uehling. After graduation, she will be attending the University of Michigan School of Education for her Masterâs and Certification in Secondary Education.
Shengbo is from China, focusing on CCI and double majoring in Business Administration. Her favorite part of PICS was the seminars, professors, and classmates. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.
Jack is from Howell, MI focusing on PED. He has two additional majors in Economics and German, and is minoring in Philosophy. His favorite part of his PICS experience was meeting so many new people. After graduation, he hopes to go to law school.
Claire is from Minneapolis, MN focusing on the CCI sub-plan and is triple majoring with Spanish and Psychology. She also has two minors in Education for Empowerment and Mathematics. On campus, she is part of WeRead tutoring and Sigma Iota Rho. After graduation, she plans on teaching English in Spain, then getting a Masterâs to be a teacher or speech language pathologist.
Evelyn is from Byron Center, MI focusing on ISNC. She is double majoring in Political Science and also minoring in German. On campus, she is part of the Residential College, Campus Day, SAPAC, and Central Student Government. She plans to attend law school after graduation.
Georgia is from Columbus, OH, focusing on ISNC. She is interested in a variety of security and defense issues, specifically cybersecurity. After graduation she plans to work in national security, the intelligence community, and/or becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
Yunyang is from Beijing, China focusing on CCI and double majoring in Psychology. On campus, she is part of the Alliance Consulting Group, Undergraduate Psychology Society, Chinese Language Tutor, and the Society for Human Resource Management. After graduation, she will be attending the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom for her MPhil in Development Studies.
Isabella is from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico focusing on PED and double majoring in Economics. Her favorite part of her PICS experience was traveling to Peru with Professor Tsai and her classmates. After graduation, she plans to join Amazon in Seattle, WA as part of their Retail Undergraduate Program.
Madeleine is from Kalamazoo, MI focusing on PED. She is double majoring with Environment and minoring in Music. On campus, she is part of the Women's Glee Club, OptiMize, Environment Michigan, and Direct Inc. After graduation, she plans to study environmental law at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Seniors Highlighted in PICS Student Spotlights
These graduating seniors were each highlighted as an International Studies Student Spotlight and asked to share an influential experience they had that connected to their International Studies major or minor. To read more about each of these seniors, click on the link on their name!
Karuna is from Silver Spring, MD, majoring in Public Policy and minoring in International Studies. After graduation, she will participate as one of 154 Schwarzman Scholars studying Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Georgia is from Columbus, OH, focusing on ISNC. She is interested in a variety of security and defense issues, specifically cybersecurity. After graduation she plans to work in national security, the intelligence community, and/or becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
November 2020 - Alexandra Pejas
Alexandra is from Sterling Heights, MI, focusing on PED. She graduated in Fall 2020 with a BA in International Studies and Economics. In the future, she wants to work at the United Nations or European Union focusing on human rights and developmental economics in Eurasia.
October 2020 - Damaris Stroker
Damaris is from Charleston, SC, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and has two minors in Education for Empowerment, and Law, Justice, and Social Change. After graduating, she will be joining the Teach For America corps in San Antonio, TX to teach bilingual elementary education and will work to increase educational equity for migrant communities.
September 2020 - William Overland
William is from Ypsilanti, MI, focusing on the ISNC sub-plan and double majoring in Secondary Education in Comprehensive Social Studies. After graduation, he plans to become a high school social studies teacher to educate students on a broader understanding of international influences on the development of American and world history.
Recognition of PICS Fellowship Recipients
The following PICS seniors were awarded PICS funding for global study, research, or internship opportunities. Read their testimonials from their impactful experiences by clicking on the links below.
Emma Gijsbers - 2020 PICS Rose Silverman Fellow
Alexandra Pejas - 2020 PICS Rose Silverman Fellow
Karuna Nandkumar - 2019 PICS Rose Silverman Fellow and 2019 Human Trafficking or Social Justice Law Clinic Fellow
Adam Cohn - 2020 PICS Longwoods Fellow
Hannah Kuriakose - 2020 PICS Longwoods Fellow
Claire Lacey - 2020 PICS Longwoods Fellow
Patricia Lee - 2020 PICS Longwoods Fellow
Georgia Wood - 2020 PICS Longwoods Fellow
Phoebe Johnson - 2019 Arctic Internship Fellow and 2020 Fair Labor Association Fellow
Ellie Simon - 2019 Arctic Internship Fellow
Anna Barr - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sophia Filipe - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Senegal, Dakar
Gabriella Gigante - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Madrid, Spain
Kelsie Johnston - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Madrid, Spain
Suma Kanuri - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Barcelona, Spain
Hannah Noglows - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Prague, Czech Republic
Ellie Simon - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Aix-en-Provence, France
Annalise Steketee - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - San Jose, Costa Rica
Erin Strauss - WN20 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Vienna, Austria
Claire Weil - WN19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Quito, Ecuador
Andrea Laverty - WN19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Miranda Campe - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Hamburg, Germany
Clarice Lacey - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Saint Petersburg, Russia
Annalise Maria Steketee - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Cusco, Peru
Arielle Sturr - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Grenoble, France
Lauren Suga - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, China
Felicia Zhang - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Shanghai, China
Kaitlyn Bell - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Amman, Jordan
Emma Gijsbers - SU19 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Madrid, Spain
Phoebe Johnson - SU18 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Geneva, Switzerland
Alyssa Knight - SU18 PICS Study Abroad Grant Recipient - Japan
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