2024 Human Development Conference

Jessica Ashman, Conference Co-chair

Jessica is a senior at the University of Notre Dame, studying Anthropology and Global Affairs with a concentration in International Development and a minor in Latino Studies. Jessica is passionate about topics having to do with sociocultural identity and its intersections with human development. She strongly believes in the power of social science research to generate informed solutions to complex problems. Jessica’s independent fieldwork took place in the Dominican Republic where she examined concepts of colorism, anti-Haitianism, national identity, and education. Over a two month period, she worked with two development NGOs to conduct interviews with Dominican and Haitian young adults. Currently, she works with Dr. Luis Felipe R. Murillo who conducts research on open technologies in Afro-descendent Brazilian populations. After graduation, Jessica plans to pursue her PhD in Socio-cultural Anthropology so she can continue her lifelong exploration of transnational blackness and the barriers to social inclusion. In her freetime, Jessica likes to sing, spend time with friends, and learn about other cultures.

Grace Clinton, Conference Co-chair

Grace is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Pre-Professional Studies, Global Affairs, and Anthropology with a concentration in International Development Studies. Her passion and work surround the furtherance of female health and rights on a global scale. For the past three years she has done research with Dr. Joyce Adams on postpartum maternal health in various parts of Ghana.  Her independent research projects work on issues of teen pregnancy rural districts of Botswana. Grace also works for the Harvard School of Global Surgery and Social Change to help with research and development of international maternal surgical care access and legislation. After graduating in 2024, she plans on attending graduate school for Medical Anthropology with a focus on female and maternal health rights for displaced persons throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In her free time, Grace likes to run, cook, and travel often. She has been a part of the Human Development Conference team since her first-year on campus and is very excited to be a co-chair this year!

Manvit Adusumilli, Abstracts

Manvit is a senior at Notre Dame from Darien, IL. He is studying Neuroscience & Behavior and Global Affairs with a minor in Poverty Studies. This past summer, Manvit spent eight weeks conducting independent research on community health workers and mental health with Partners in Health in Chiapas, Mexico. At school, Manvit enjoys volunteering with local organizations in South Bend and learning about global health and social justice. In the future, Manvit hopes to pursue medical school. He is excited to be a member of the HDC Committee this year to learn about the amazing research conducted by students around the world.

Elizabeth Coleman, Abstracts

Elizabeth is a first year student from Annapolis, Maryland studying Global Affairs and living in Lewis Hall. She is a member of Notre Dame’s Committee on the Constitution and the Student Policy Network. She is passionate about languages, female empowerment, and human rights and hopes to go to law school in the future.

Jack Drey, Abstracts

Jack is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Biological Sciences with minors in International Development Studies and Classical Studies Greek and Roman Civilization. Jack is passionate about global health and education and how they can contribute to international development. He currently works with Professor Mark Golitko studying long-term human response to environmental change in northern Papua New Guinea, and in the Blagg Lab, which is part of the Warren Center for Drug Discovery at the University of Notre Dame. Jack’s independent research project took place in Kisumu, Kenya, where he worked with the Rusalia Resource Foundation to study barriers and drivers of girls’ academic success in rural Kenya, and how mentorship can provide effective support to these students. After graduating in 2024, Jack plans to take a gap year before attending medical school. In his freetime, Jack loves to play tennis, read, and travel.

Tavin Martin, Abstracts

Tavin is a junior from Evansville, Indiana studying global affairs, Latino studies, and ESS. Martin is currently working as a research assistant for Professor Jaimie Bleck in the political science department to study how youth community discussion groups in urban areas can encourage civic engagement and political participation. At the moment, Martin is assisting Professor Bleck by aiding in the process of completing a book that investigates the importance and future of "Grinw", local discussion groups for young men, in Malian society as a means to strengthen civil society and youth roles within it. After the book is finalized, Martin plans to assist Professor Bleck by aiding in a collaborative research project with UC Berkely that is investigating the use of language and activism in four African countries (Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia, and Mali) that have experienced a series of or sustained government instability.

Tia Mittle, Abstracts

Tia is a sophomore from Mumbai, India, majoring in Global Affairs and Political Science, and minoring in International Development Studies at the University of Notre Dame. As a Kellogg International Scholar, Tia is conducting research with Professor Susan Ostermann on the colonial legacies of Hale’s doctrine (focused on marital rape) in India and the US. On campus, Tia serves as a God and the Good Life Fellow, the President of FeministND, the Diversity Commissioner and Service Commissioner for Lewis Hall, and was a Diplomacy Scholar at the Nanovic Institute for European Studies last Spring. Tia will be spending her Spring ’24 semester in Washington DC, interning and studying in the capital. In her free time, she likes to travel, go on lake walks, visit cafés, and spend time with her friends & family. Tia is interested in learning about global development and is excited to align her passion with the HDC this year!

Emma Ryan, Abstracts

Emma is a Senior studying Political Science and Global Affairs from the St. Louis metro area. She is passionate about advocacy work and co-lead a student effort to pass legislation to help immigrants in Indiana. She enjoys travel, having studied abroad in Chile and India and returning to Chile to teach in a youth organization. She is interested in interdisciplinary topics like education and human development, and it currently writing her senior thesis on transformational education involving psychology, social sciences and education. She plans to explore these topics further after graduation before graduate school.

Veronica Bofah, Logistics

Veronica is a first-year at the University of Notre Dame, studying Global Affairs and Spanish. She has always been interested in all matters of social justice, however, she is particularly passionate about grassroots organizing and its effects on solving global issues. Given her experience with social justice organizing, Veronica is eager to learn more through the Human Development Conference, and help bring this wonderful event to life!

Leticia Cardoso Quieroz, Logistics

Leticia is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Business Analytics and Global Affairs. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, she proudly identifies as a first-generation college student. Leticia's passion lies in the exploration of the intersection between technology and quality of life on a large scale. Driven by her dedication to understanding the critical role of global business in reducing poverty and inequality, Leticia actively participates in the South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (SBEAP). In this capacity, she engages in social consulting for local entrepreneurs in South Bend, contributing to positive change within the community. Additionally, Leticia is an International Business Scholar, where she engages with a select group of students to explore the ethical and professional dimensions of pursuing business as a force for good on an international scale. Outside of her academic pursuits, Leticia enjoys her free time by traveling, playing dominoes, and hanging out with friends.

Kristin J. Park, Logistics

I am a first-year University of Notre Dame student studying Global Affairs. I plan to go to law school after my undergraduate studies and find fields in political science and international relations interesting. I am passionate about seeking justice for victims of any form of injustice – as this comes to me as very personal – and I believe this explains my past experiences in trying to understand the justice system in roles ranging from being a scholars’ network ambassador to serving as a volunteer teaching assistant for those with outstanding academic abilities despite their financial challenges. I characterize myself as a futuristic harmonizer, a goal-oriented relator, and a responsible developer.

Fabrice Uwihirwe, Logistics

Fabrice is a senior studying Economics and Global Affairs. He is part of the Kellogg International Scholars Program and is currently conducting research with Professor Cordova on effective interventions looking to reduce violence against women. Uwihirwe traveled back to his home country of Rwanda this past summer on a Kellogg/Kroc Undergraduate Research Grant to conduct research on the role parents and teachers play in the retention of students. Education is one of the most important drivers of upward mobility, and Uwihirwe’s project examined effective strategies in keeping students in school so they can reap the long-term benefits of an education. He is particularly interested in research and advocacy on education, housing, and food security for people of color, particularly Black people. 

Julianna Forry, Liaisons

Julianna is a sophomore from Santa Barbara, California studying Medical Anthropology and International Development Studies. She is currently a part of the Eck Institute Undergraduate Research Team investigating maternal mortality outcomes in the South Bend community, and is also assisting Professor Joyce Adams with her implementation of the Pop Up Pregnancy Village in St Joseph County. Julianna serves as GHU Coordinator and Advocacy Coordinator on the GlobeMed Board at Notre Dame, which focuses on education about global health crises and outreach with local partners- like the AIDS Assist organization in South Bend. Julianna is passionate about maternal and child healthcare policy, as well as infectious disease biology. Outside of academics, Julianna enjoys playing tennis, indoor cycling, hanging out with friends, dinners with family, and watching documentaries. 

Molly Griffith, Liaisons

Molly is a sophomore from Columbus, Ohio studying Economics and Political Science with a minor in Constitutional Studies. She is a Kellogg International Scholar and assists Professor Susanne Wengle with her research investigating how the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has affected the Ukrainian agricultural sector and the global food system more broadly. On-campus, Molly is also involved with the Notre Dame Journal of Political Science and EuroSecND. She is looking forward to working with the HDC team in planning an engaging and informative conference this spring!

Adriana Abinader

Adriana is a senior from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic studying Psychology and Global Affairs with a concentration in International Development. She grew up witnessing the pervasive challenges of sexism in the Dominican Republic, including how it contributed to issues such as teen pregnancy and heightened levels of violence against women in the country. This led her to choose her research topic on gender-based violence and conduct her project in Mexico City. Adriana has previously worked as a research assistant at the Pulte Institute for SHARE (Supporting Holistic & Actionable Research in Education) and for CARA (Central American Research Alliance) assisting on the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program. She is passionate about public policy, education, and women’s empowerment.

Alessandra Rosa Policarpo

Alessandra is a first-generation college student from Brazil, and is currently pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science and a minor in Latin American Studies at Macalester College. With a passion for decolonization, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and gender equality, she is driven to make a positive impact in the world.

Amelia Opsahl

Amelia is a current Junior at Claremont Mckenna College (CMC). Here, she is majoring in Foreign Languages, which is a program that develops fluency in French, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is also pursuing a minor in Computer Science. In line with her major, she has studied abroad three times in the past two years, and has either studied abroad or worked in France, Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil. Her research comes from her time in Buenos Aires, where she studied Public Health with the School for International Training (SIT). Outside of her classes, she is on the Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams, serves as a leader in various student organizations, and works as a tour guide for CMC. She loves spending time outdoors and, of course, traveling, and is honored to be presenting at this year’s Human Development Conference.

Anna Mittag

Anna is a senior studying Chemical Engineering and Poverty Studies with research interests in sustainability, human rights, and environmental justice. Over the past three years, Mittag has worked with Professor Ellis Adjei Adams of the Keough School of Global Affairs through the Kellogg International Scholars Program. Here, she has assisted on a number of projects regarding environmental impacts in the global south, most recently co-authoring a manuscript on farmer-herder conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, Mittag has participated in lab research regarding water sanitation and filtration, utilizing her chemical engineering education to support her passion for the environment. After graduating in May, Mittag will be working as a sustainability analyst in a sustainability consulting rotational program.

Ashleigh Cotter

Bartell Prize winner
Ashleigh is a senior from New Jersey studying Neuroscience & Behavior. She is interested in health equity and medical anthropology. Cotter received a Kellogg/Kroc Undergraduate Research Grant to complete her International Development Studies capstone project this past summer in Monterrey, Mexico. She interviewed migrant women, healthcare professionals, and social workers about the current maternal healthcare needs and experiences of migrant women. Cotter plans to present her findings at academic conferences and work with stakeholders in Monterrey to address the most pressing needs of migrant women.

Audrey Feldman

Audrey is a senior Economics and Global Affairs major at the University of Notre Dame. Her research focuses on human capital development, and she has experience in international education, domestic safety net policy, and nonprofit impact evaluations. She is currently working as a research assistant for Dr. TJ D’Agostino on a collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County. This project will pilot a randomized controlled trial of a wraparound home visiting service to decrease gun violence and chronic absenteeism. Her independent senior thesis, which she will be presenting at HDC 2023, explores safety net take-up among refugees in the US. Audrey draws inspiration for her work from her hands-on volunteer experiences at a refugee resettlement organization in Syracuse, NY and a mentorship and tutoring program at the local juvenile detention center in South Bend. She is thrilled to present at this conference, and plans on pursuing a research-oriented career that will serve those who have been traditionally excluded from opportunity in this country.

Azuna Sawada

Bupe Lughano Kabaghe

Lughano is a passionate leader committed to African development, governance, gender equality and youth empowerment. Kabaghe is a fourth-year Hesburgh Yusko merit scholar at the University of Notre Dame from Kitwe Zambia. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Global Affairs with a concentration in International Development studies. Kabaghe is an alumnus of the African Leadership Academy(ALA) class of 2020. Kabaghe is the founder of Abana Afrika Foundation a youth-led NGO that empowers Zambian youth in Kitwe through mentorship in personal and professional development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Lughano and her team have mentored 300 young Zambians in Kitwe through workshops, bootcamps, and community outreach programs in collaboration with government representatives and community organizations.Kabaghe has worked on various research and community development projects that empower girls and promote female and youth political participation in Zambia and abroad. Kabaghe at age 19 worked as the youngest intern at the National Assembly Parliament of Zambia in 2019 and has worked with different organizations in Africa and abroad. such as the 25 May Movement to advance the movement for decolKabaghe is an International scholar at the Kellogg Institute for International Development Studies where she researches Women's Political representation in the Zambian government. Kabaghe worked as a parliamentary aide in the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster where she worked on policy briefing and political communication. After her studies, she aims to pursue a public service career and join active politics with the aim of running for presidential office.

Cora Beeson

Cora is a fourth year at Pacific Lutheran University studying Political Science and Global Studies, with a concentration in Development and Social Justice. During spring semester of 2023, she completed SIT’s Indonesia program, and interned at an interfaith women’s shelter while also carrying out a research project about sexual assault, domestic violence, and abortion within the city of Yogyakarta. This work continues to be important to her and she hopes that this experience can lead her to a future of advocating for the empowerment of marginalized communities. Currently for January 2024, she is studying in Trinidad and Tobago, and interning for the Community Social Services Unit, a section of the Tobago House of Assembly. Cora also has worked as Social Justice director for 2 years within PLU’s student government, and is passionate about language learning. She is able to speak Chinese, and is developing a proficiency in Indonesian and Spanish.

Daisy Alcantar

Daisy is a Senior at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN. She is majoring in sociology and minoring in political science. Daisy studied abroad in Valparaiso, Chile with SIT during her Junior year. She has a strong interest in social justice, immigration politics, and community development.

Damien Chang

Damien is an undergraduate at Harvard studying Government. He is interested in international relations, particularly how ideas shape community-building and political reform in other countries.

Daniel Mooney

Daniel is a current Sophomore from Red Bank, New Jersey pursuing a double major in international economics and global affairs with a supplementary focus in German language and literature. As a scholar in the Kellogg International Scholars Program, Mooney is assisting Professor Patrizio Piraino in exploring broad determinants of economic disadvantage in developing countries and microeconomic approaches to education and mental health resource development in low to middle-income countries. Mooney's contribution to Professor Piraino's work involves an in-depth investigation into the current state of mental health within low-income, informal settlements in South Africa. Through a microeconomic lens, Mooney is evaluating the most relevant psychological needs throughout the Global South as well as potential methods for psychological intervention within the region.

Esther Ekeh

Esther is a senior Psychology major at Gettysburg College. She intends to pursue a career in clinical psychology working with young children. Last Spring, Esther successfully conducted an independent research project in Amman Jordan looking at the different therapy modalities provided to young traumatized refugee children. Beyond presenting her research at the Human Development Conference, she hopes to continue to work with this population to find more effective ways to improve social functionality.

Fabrice Uwihirwe

Fabrice is a senior from Rwanda majoring in Economics and Global Affairs with a minor in Poverty Studies. Uwihirwe traveled back to Rwanda this past summer on a Kellogg/Kroc Undergraduate Research Grant to conduct research on the role parents and teachers play in the retention of students. Education is one of the most important drivers of upward mobility, and Uwihirwe’s project examined effective strategies in keeping students in school so they can reap the long-term benefits of an education. Uwihirwe is interested in studying and combating injustices faced by the African diaspora and other marginalized groups both domestically and internationally.

Finn Maechem

Finn is an undergraduate at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He is a double major in Linguistics and Religious Studies. Both of these disciplines informed the research questions and focus of his studies in East and Central Java, and he hopes to continue this work after graduating as a Fellow of Fulbright recipient.

Giancarlo Cappelli Wang

I'm a senior majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in International Development Studies. Through the Kellogg Institute, I researched the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the effectiveness of innovative literacy policies in northeastern and midwestern Brazil. With the help of faculty advisor Marcio Bahia, my focus is on investigating how the COVID-19 pandemic has created further challenges toward student access to basic public education in underserved communities in Brazil. My research was conducted in municipalities which have shown exceptional resilience and creativity in their public education policies, examining practices which could inform successful policies in other regions in Brazil.Over the past summer, I interviewed teachers, school administrators, and policymakers across three municipalities and two states in order to understand how education professionals have worked towards improving the quality and accessibility of education in their communities.

Grace Clinton

Grace is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Pre-Professional Studies, Global Affairs, and Anthropology with a concentration in International Development Studies. Her passion and work surround the furtherance of female health and rights on a global scale. For the past three years she has done research with Dr. Joyce Adams on postpartum maternal health in various parts of Ghana.  Her independent research projects work on issues of teen pregnancy in rural districts of Botswana. Grace also works for the Harvard School of Global Surgery and Social Change to help with research and development of international maternal surgical care access and legislation. After graduating in 2024, she plans on attending graduate school for Medical Anthropology with a focus on female and maternal health rights for displaced persons throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In her free time, Grace likes to run, cook, and travel often. She has been a part of the Human Development Conference team since her first-year on campus and is very excited to be a co-chair this year!

Hallee Limes

As a current senior at Ohio Wesleyan, Hallee studies Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy.As an avid explorer of global cultures, channels her passion into a purposeful career in anthropology. With an unwavering commitment to understanding the intricacies of diverse societies, she delves into the essence of humanity through her studies. Her academic journey led her to Samoa, where she focused on unraveling the nuances of identity and culture in early childhood—an experience that further fueled her curiosity. Hallee's dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding reflects not only in her academic pursuits but also in her belief that embracing diversity is essential for a more interconnected world

Isabel Powell

Isabel is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Georgetown University studying Biology of Global Health and Justice & Peace Studies. Through her pursuit of sustainable health equity, particularly for refugee or mobile populations, Isabel traveled to Dharamshala, India as part of the SIT India: Public Health, Gender, and Community Action program. There, she investigated the synergistic impact of stigma, migrant community identity, and genetics on patient mental health and healthcare seeking behavior. In addition to her professional pursuits, Isabel spends her time tutoring with A Better Chance, cooking, and exploring the world.

Jack Drey

Jack is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Biological Sciences with minors in International Development Studies and Classical Studies Greek and Roman Civilization. Jack is passionate about global health and education and how they can contribute to international development. He currently works with Professor Mark Golitko studying long-term human response to environmental change in northern Papua New Guinea, and in the Blagg Lab, which is part of the Warren Center for Drug Discovery at the University of Notre Dame. Jack’s independent research project took place in Kisumu, Kenya, where he worked with the Rusalia Resource Foundation to study barriers and drivers of girls’ academic success in rural Kenya, and how mentorship can provide effective support to these students. After graduating in 2024, Jack plans to take a gap year before attending medical school. In his freetime, Jack loves to play tennis, read, and travel.

Jessica Ashman

Jessica is a senior at the University of Notre Dame, studying Anthropology and Global Affairs with a concentration in International Development and a minor in Latino Studies. Jessica is passionate about topics having to do with sociocultural identity and its intersections with human development. She strongly believes in the power of social science research to generate informed solutions to complex problems. Jessica’s independent fieldwork took place in the Dominican Republic where she examined concepts of colorism, anti-Haitianism, national identity, and education. Over a two month period, she worked with two development NGOs to conduct interviews with Dominican and Haitian young adults. Currently, she works with Dr. Luis Felipe R. Murillo who conducts research on open technologies in Afro-descendent Brazilian populations. After graduation, Jessica plans to pursue her PhD in Socio-cultural Anthropology so she can continue her lifelong exploration of transnational blackness and the barriers to social inclusion. In her freetime, Jessica likes to sing, spend time with friends, and learn about other cultures.

Jillian Brunner

Jillian is a senior at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a Supplemental Major in Spanish and a Minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine. Jillian is interested in global health and healthcare disparities, especially in Latin American countries. The main demographic she wants to learn about is adolescent pregnant women and their children. During the summer of 2022, Jillian received a grant to participate in an Experiencing the World Fellowship through the Kellogg Institute. Jillian spent 4 weeks in La Paz, Bolivia with physicians and patients to learn about the epidemic of adolescent pregnancy and its effect on child development in a resource limited setting. After graduating in May of 2024, she plans to attend medical school to serve this demographic.

Keerthana Krishnan

Keerthana is from San Jose, California and is a senior at Tulane University. She is studying Public Health and Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. Her future goals include getting an MPH, a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and becoming a practicing Clinical Psychologist. Her presentation at the conference was done during a semester abroad and demonstrates her interest in researching and solving barriers to mental health care.

Kerry Conneely

Kerry is a senior studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in International Development Studies. She is passionate about the intersection between climate change, infrastructure, and human development. In the summer of 2023, Conneely conducted field research, using the undergraduate Kellogg/Kroc grant, in coastal communities in Ghana, focusing on the intersection of these interests. Under the advisory of Dr. Ellis Adams, Conneely led interviews with community members and leaders about flooding, sanitation, and wellbeing. On campus, Kerry is the project manager of Notre Dame Students Empowering through Engineering Development (NDSEED), a student-run organization that funds, designs, and constructs pedestrian footbridges in geographically isolated communities in Latin America. This opportunity has allowed her to further combine her interests in engineering and international development. She is also involved in the club swim team and the Society of Women Engineers.

Lauren Carter

Lauren is a student at the University of Richmond completing a double undergraduate major in Psychology and Anthropology. With a burgeoning interest in the cultural dynamics and psychological aspects of high-altitude communities, Lauren's academic journey recently led her to spend a semester abroad in Nepal, specifically in the Himalaya region of Mustang. Her current research, born from this experience, explores the intersection of traditional practices like yak herding with contemporary socio-economic and environmental challenges. As a researcher, Lauren has worked on the Belonging Project, an interdisciplinary initiative funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, focusing on fostering inclusion in STEM at the University of Richmond. Additionally, her experience as a research fellow involved an in-depth analysis of women's social networks and conflicts among the Tsimane people of Bolivia.

Lena Kennell

Lena is a Political Science major at Wellesley college in her senior year. She is passionate about collaborative problem-solving and the importance of intersectional research that accurately represents the diversity of affected populations .Her work is guided by her fundamental belief that in order to understand and accept each other, you must first see each other. Her research on gendered discrimination and erasure of Samoan queer individuals began when she studied with SIT (School of International Training) in Apia, Samoa. She presented this research at the Wellesley Ruhlman conference. She plans to continue working with the Samoan queer community to better address gendered dimensions of discrimination. In her free time, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, making ceramics, and spending time outside.

Lena Shadow

Lena is a fourth-year sociology student at the University of Notre Dame with minors in international development studies and data science. Her passion lies in promoting women's empowerment as a strategy for economic and social development with a geographical focus on sub-Saharan Africa. On campus, Lena is employed with the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures and served as the co-lead for multiple global development policy projects through ND's Student Policy Network. She hopes to continue her work through an eventual career in development program monitoring and evaluation.

Laiqa Walli

Laiqa aspires to sustainably influence East African development with more informed and culturally appropriate policies. Laiqa grew up in Tanzania and went to a boarding school in Kenya. She is a fourth-year Yale undergraduate, majoring in Global Affairs and African Studies, alongside a Statistics & Data Science certificate. Laiqa aspires to reshape politics using data analytics to address government structuring, resource allocation, and education policy. Her commitment stems from a desire to combat modern colonialism and corruption, ensuring equitable development. In 2019, she delivered a TedTalk, "Developing Africa Not Westernizing it," advocating for local research and adapted policies to decolonize and empower Africa. Laiqa is a fellow for the MacMillian Center ‘Through the Eyes of She Initiative’ that focuses on gender equity in Africa. She is also the Deputy Director for Yale Africa Innovation Symposium, a space created for youth to create actionable solutions across African industries.

Lillie Kang

Bartell Prize winner
Lillie is a 4th year student at Washington University in St. Louis with a major in International Studies: Development and a minor in Global Health. Her research interests include capacity building, rural health access, systems thinking, and transformative health justice. Currently, Lillie works as a development project manager at Welcome to Chinatown, a nonprofit operating in NYC Chinatown small business support and cultural preservation. Past job experiences include refugee resettlement services, educational justice in urban spaces, and immigration policy research assistantship. In spring 2023, Lillie had the opportunity to study in Nepal, through the lens of development, gender and social change in the Himalaya. After graduation, Lillie plans to attend Brown School of Social Work at WashU in St. Louis to pursue a Masters in Public Health, specializing in global health. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing flute competitively, singing karaoke, and watching food documentaries.

Lucy Wesson

Originally from Colorado, Lucy Wesson is a senior at the University of Oregon Clark's Honors College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a concentration in Peace Studies and triple minors in Spanish, Linguistics, and Textile Arts. She has lived, studied, and conducted research in both Croatia and Rwanda for over three months. Lucy is passionate about understanding women’s experiences during conflict and development. Her research focuses on various participatory and creative solutions that encourage women’s empowerment and liberation. In her early professional career, she has worked in the nonprofit sector as a legislative intern, conducting policy research and advocating for students' rights. Additionally, she serves as a development coordinator, promoting sustainable tools for women’s development and climate security in Senegal.

Manvit Adusumilli

Manvit is a senior at Notre Dame studying Neuroscience & Behavior and Global Affairs. He has participated in summer opportunities in service and health through the Center for Social Concerns, in addition to volunteering and conducting research throughout the school year. This past summer, Manvit conducted independent research with Partners in Health in rural Mexico through the Kellogg Institute. In the future, Manvit hopes to become a physician and continue working on projects related to community and public health.

Oluwatoni Akintola

Oluwatoni is a Sophomore at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Computer Science & Economics. He is currently working on a project that examines whether a management intervention targeting school leaders can offer a cost-efficient method of improving public service delivery in schools in Uganda. Outside of research, Akintola enjoys reading, writing poetry, and watching films.

Peter Cohen

Peter is a senior at Washington University in St. Louis studying Educational Studies, Psychology, and Creative Writing.

Robert Fitzpatrick

Robert is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Sociology with minors in International Development Studies and Latino Studies. Over a period of 11 weeks, he conducted independent field research in Costa Rica. He set out to examine how Afro-descendant and Indigenous Costa Ricans benefit from sustainable agriculture using interviews, ethnographic observation, and archival review. Robert has also spent time working under Dr. Kraig Beyerlein and studying under Dr. Rory McVeigh in the Sociology department. He has worked on environmentally-focused projects in Latin America and the U.S. During college he learned to speak Spanish fluently and has begun learning Haitian Creole and Italian. After graduation Robert will serve communities through the Peace Corps before returning for graduate school to study Global Affairs. He believes that research is key to building environmental and racial justice, especially by uplifting marginalized voices.

Sally Fales

Sally is a Washington University senior double majoring in Educational Studies and Sociology, with a minor in African and African American Studies. She conducted research in the semi-rural township of Cato Manor in Durban, South Africa, in the spring of 2023. Her academic and research interests include historical and present-day access to educational resources and opportunities, literacy acquisition and benefits, and transformative teaching methods in K-12 urban school classrooms. Sally has entered schools and nonprofits in Newark, Memphis, and St. Louis to learn the challenges and successes in underserved communities while teaching literacy-based curricula. She is thrilled to continue her education this fall, pursuing a Master's in Education and teaching certification at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.

Samantha Murphy

Samantha is a senior at Occidental College majoring in Sociology and double minoring in Critical Theory & Social Justice and Media Arts & Culture. During the fall of 2022, she completed a study abroad program with the School for International Training focused on Culture, Social Change, and Development. Here, she completed a one-month independent study project on Ho Chi Minh City’s sex industry. Since then, she received funding to conduct research on implicit biases in American Public Media’s Marketplace radio show, which she is currently working on as her senior comprehensive research project. She hopes to continue conducting research both domestically and internationally

Samantha Wheelis

Samantha, a senior film major and environmental studies minor at Temple University, is a dedicated documentary filmmaker with a passion for translating impactful research into visual narratives. Her goal is to make research more easily accessible by displaying it in different mediums. One of her main interests is understanding the intersectionality of people and the environment and how we can foster a sustainable future for the world. Samantha studied abroad with SIT in Samoa, exploring the importance of fishing in Samoan culture and its connection to environmental health. This led her to discover her passion for not only filmmaking but environmental based research as well. In the future, she wants to further study environmental sustainability and justice, and continue making compelling documentaries on current issues.

Sezin Sakmar

Sezin is a fourth-year undergraduate student at The George Washington University studying Anthropology and Public Health. While studying abroad in India during the Spring 2023 semester, she had the privilege of conducting an independent qualitative study with the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) – an internationally recognised organization seeking to utilize healthcare as a means to break the cycle of poverty. Here, she shadowed various healthcare providers working to implement family planning initiatives in rural Maharashtra through empowerment-driven community paramedicine efforts. Sezin intends to return to India upon graduation, continuing to learn from the stellar Village Health Workers, Mobile Health Team, and physicians at CRHP so that she may embody their values and mindset as an OB-GYN after attending medical school. In her free time, Sezin can be found volunteering as an EMT on GWU’s student-run collegiate EMS agency, spending time with loved ones, and doing tarot readings!

Simone Watson

Simone is a Graduating Senior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a double major in Spanish and International Studies with a concentration in Cultural Studies. In 2023, she completed two large research projects, an ethnographic independent study project during her semester abroad in Chile as well as a cultural/media analysis project for her institution. Her preferred area of research is Cultural Studies with a particular focus on the intersection between Postcolonial/Decolonial Theory and Race Theory. She particularly enjoys the study of popular culture and media production through these academic lenses. Simone plans to continue to produce work that prioritizes the analysis of our ever-changing media landscape in both English and Spanish after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree.