Burch Field Research Seminar on Domestic and International Affairs Student Bios, Spring 2016

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1 Burch Field Research Seminar on Domestic and International Affairs Student Bios, Spring 2016 Courtney Arena Atlantic Council Major(s): Peace, War, and Defense; History Minor: Arabic I would like to pursue government work in national security and also work on getting my masters in international affairs or security studies. As a Peace, War, and Defense major, I have taken many classes on security related topics and have found a passion for research and writing. I would love to work as an intelligence analyst and focus on terrorism or WMD proliferation. Overall I am very eager to start a career and further specialized study in my current area of interest. Courtney Beals Office of Representative David Price Major(s): Public Policy After graduating from UNC-CH, my plans are to find a productive and effective way to improve and impact the lives of others. I aim to achieve this goal by obtaining a law degree with a focus in the practice of public international, nonprofit law. My interests lie in the areas of economic inequality and human rights violations, particularly injustices committed against women and children. If I hope to improve the lives of others via legal actions one day, then I know my firsthand observations of policy creation from within the nation s capital will be invaluable to this endeavor. Catherine Blalock U.S. Department of Education: Office for Civil Rights Major(s): Political Science Minor: Public Policy After I graduate from UNC, my first objective is to join the Peace Corps. I have also considered applying for Teach for America. After serving in one of these organizations, I plan to go to law school and become a civil rights lawyer. My experiences during my sophomore year at Carolina during the shootings of three Muslim students in Chapel Hill and the extension of the Black Lives Matter movement onto our campus helped me realize that I want to dedicate my career to addressing issues of racial and ethnic discrimination in this country; I believe the best way I can do so is through law. That being said, my experience in India this past summer greatly helped inform my knowledge of racial conflict and human development issues in a different context. I know that utilizing all opportunities available to me to continue to travel and enter new settings while I am able to do so will only enrich my perspectives. 1

2 Kristopher (Kris) Brown Office of Representative David Price Major(s): Political Science; Philosophy I am either planning to attend law school or pursue a graduate degree in one of my majors (Political Science or Philosophy). My career goal is to work as a public servant and bring about some form of positive change to the constituency I serve. By observing and learning about the formation of specific US public policies, especially in fields where I already have strong notions about what should be done and what should not be done, I can begin to further my philosophical thinking by weighing and comparing the political and fiscal realities that I will undoubtedly be exposed to with my own ethical understandings. Jaqueline (Jackie) Ceron-Hernandez White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Major(s): Public Policy Minor: Hispanic Studies I d like to go to graduate school right after graduation or, alternatively, work for a year or two as a Carolina College Adviser and then go to graduate school. Ideally, I would like to complete a Master s in Public Administration or Master s in Public Policy in North Carolina. Once I complete my Master s, I would love to move to a city and look for jobs in the education or immigration policy field. Education is a topic that I m passionate about because I understand the importance of it. I will be exposed to the problems I m passionate about on a daily basis and on a personal level. The internship, the seminars, and being surrounded by my Carolina peers will motivate and continue to remind me why Public Policy is the route for me. Devon Genua Center for American Progress Major(s): Public Policy I'm interested in improving access to healthy food among low-income families as well as improving school nutrition programs. After graduation, I'd be interested in any entry level position at a policy research or advocacy organization. In addition, I'd also be interested in working for a hunger-relief nonprofit. My ideal career path would allow me to gain experience in policy research and analysis, policy advocacy and policy implementation. Through that skill set, I believe I'd be able to participate in meaningful long-term changes that address socioeconomic disparities in access to healthy, affordable food. 2

3 Ruoyu Ji National Security Archive Major(s): History; Political Science Minor: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics I wish to pursue a PhD degree in either History or Political Science and try to become a professor after that. I want to see how the theory of political science is really applied in government or government-related agencies. This program is equipped with a seminar on the domestic and international affairs and an internship opportunity, which will deepen my understanding of the political theory by the discussion with professors and other peers in class. It will provide me with practical skills considering the application of those theories learnt in class. Shantan Krovvidi Hamilton Place Strategies Major(s): Undeclared After graduation, I would like to move on to graduate school and study both public health and public policy. I hope to work at a policy think tank to gain experience in the various aspects of policy making, research, and analysis. I hope to gain a better understanding of public policy and the processes behind the formulation, adoption, implementation and evaluation of policies. I would like to work as an intern under the guidance of experts and learn how the parameters like age, gender and race etc., play a role in the policy making, how estimates are made about a policy impact before implementation, and how a policy is evaluated once implemented. Diane Li White House Internship Domestic Policy Council Major(s): Global Studies Minor: Public Policy My post-graduation plan is to either pursue a Public Health graduate degree or a law degree. I strongly feel that continuing my education is important because I have so much more to learn. I am majoring in Global Studies with a concentration in global health and environment. This major is multidisciplinary, and I think my public policy minor perfectly fits into the global health sphere, because almost everything can be looked at through a policy lens. Further, many of the policies, such as the Affordable Care Act and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are both examples of how policy and health intersect. Currently, I strongly believe that a career in public service, whether it is working for a non-profit or the government, is what aligns with my interests best. 3

4 Andrew (Andy) Logan American Forests Policy Internship Major(s): Public Policy Minor: Environmental Science and Studies Minor I would like to go to work for a year to gain real world experience then go to graduate school. The possibility of a local government-oriented job intrigues me. I would also like to expand my knowledge of the policy making process through this hands-on experience. The academic atmosphere of the program and the political/policy geared seminars will help me achieve this. The program puts me at the center of policy and politics of the US and will allow me to truly understand how federal government works and how policy decisions are made today. Geoffrey McGee Office of Representative Ruben Gallego - Arizona Major(s): Public Policy; Economics Minor: Hispanic Studies After graduation, I would like to work as a policy analyst in Washington, D.C. I would prefer to work as a congressional staffer, but I would also enjoy working at a think-tank or a nonprofit research center. Ideally, my previous experience from the Burch Seminar, along with other internships and experiences, would allow me to enter immediately into a full-time position. Academically, I would like to attend graduate school for an advanced degree, either in Public Policy or in Law, or in both through a joint degree program. My focus immediately after graduation, however, will be in establishing myself in Washington politics. Mary Oney Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training Major(s): Communications Studies; Peace, War, and Defense After I graduate I want to go to graduate school, or search for work related to my major disciplines. I would like to work in D.C., and eventually apply to work in the Foreign Services. My ultimate dream is to work as an Ambassador. I hope to gain an adequate understanding of international relations, as well as skills which will prepare me to work in a career-oriented facility. I want to be able to confidently talk about the current political state, and broaden my experiences. 4

5 Alexa Papadopoulos White House Internship Office of Presidential Correspondence Major(s): Journalism and Mass Communication; Public Policy I want to live and work in Washington, D.C. Right now, I am trying to discover whether I want to work on the government side of communications or as a political reporter. I would want to work as a press secretary to a senator, representative or even the president. I would also like to experience what it is like to work on a political campaign. I want to learn more about policy and how it impacts everyday life. I would like to experience government first hand and learn about how things gets done on Capitol Hill. I think it would also be incredibly beneficial to learn about all areas of public policy. Ege Partal The Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research (SETA) Major(s): Undeclared I am considering doing politics in Turkey in the long-term. My main focus in my education and future goals is the economic development of the Middle East. I believe in the power of private sector in helping countries develop, and after graduation I am planning to work in the consulting sector to have a better grasp of the inner workings of different industries. I also plan to pursue a post-graduate degree after a private sector experience and, potentially, simultaneously work for a non-governmental organization like World Bank to better engage my knowledge on private sector to a level of national economies. Samantha Richman Bloomberg Government Major(s): Political Science Class Status Spring 2016: Senior I hope to attain as much real-world experience as possible during my college years by exposing myself to many different types of environments and opportunities. Taking classes ranging from Economics to Art History to Astronomy has helped me lay a robust foundation of skills and approaches in multiple disciplines. Studying abroad twice and interning while abroad has helped me experience foreign cultures, develop a broad understanding of global issues, and cultivate a stronger sense of perspective through international study and travel. Spending my final semester in Washington D.C. will be a perfect way to culminate my university studies by continuing to explore career opportunities in the context of my major. 5

6 Stephanie Ryan Service Women s Action Network Major(s): Public Policy; Political Science As a Political Science and Public Policy double major, I am very interested in national security policy and foreign affairs. I hope to gain experience in these areas as an Information or Intelligence Officer in the Navy, continuing my family s long line of military service. After my naval career, my goal is to work for the Department of State or Defense in D.C. where I can apply my political science and public policy knowledge. I am also considering working in an embassy or on a security project or council. I am very passionate about taking care of our military veterans, and because of this, I would like to lobby for veterans financial and educational benefits in my free time. I am also interested in becoming part of a non-profit organization aimed at addressing inefficiencies in government policies pertaining to military personnel. Aakash Shah International Trade Administration: The Advocacy Center Major(s): Political Science After my undergraduate education at UNC Chapel Hill, I am planning on attending graduate school. My undergraduate major in political science will allow me to pursue a number of higher education opportunities including a Master in Public Policy, Public Administration, or Business Administration. As of now, my plan is to apply to a Master of Public Administration program and be a full time student. UNC Chapel Hill would be my ideal choice because of how highly ranked their program is in the country. I am interested in international relations and can see myself being a diplomat in the future. After I complete my master s, I may attend law school. I want to use my education to become a leader in the political community. Gabrielle (Gabby) Spinella Children s Defense Fund Major(s): Global Studies Minor: French After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2018, I plan to join the Peace Corps in order to experience different cultures firsthand. In the process, I will apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout my education to benefit areas around the world, particularly Africa. My Peace Corps experience combined with my Global Studies degree will provide me with a substantial background in international politics and relations. In the future, I hope to work charitable NGOs, such as the WWF or WHO. My global studies degree has a concentration in global health and environment, so my career will be focus on these interests. 6

7 Austin Story US-ASEAN Business Council Major(s): Business Administration Minor: Entrepreneurship Upon graduation, I plan to work in finance with a reputable investment banking firm, and in years pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavors. Having met with and learned from various business professionals I ve gained valuable insight and believe that I can successfully pursue a career in finance and business ownership. Studying economics thus far in my educational career has expanded my knowledge of how the world works and the significant influence policy has on local, state, national and foreign economies. I seek to further develop my understanding of the relationships between policy, economics, and business immediately through this off-campus study opportunity, and utilize my knowledge and experiences later as I pursue a career in finance. Annie Twisdale Office of Senator Richard Burr Major(s): Communication Studies Class Status Spring 2016: Senior After graduation in May of 2016, I plan to move to Washington, DC. I would like to work or intern in either international affairs or intelligence dealing with counterterrorism. After immersing myself into this particular field of work for a period of time, I would like to get my masters in Homeland Security. I eventually hope to use my knowledge and degrees to work on the social media side of counterterrorism. This could mean thwarting the posting of terrorist propaganda or analyzing the propaganda that has already influenced radicals from all over the world. Bailey Welsh Center for International Policy Major(s): Global Studies Minor: Spanish for the Professions After graduation I intend to take some time to gain some work experience. I want to continue my education with a masters in Foreign Service or International Relations. I have looked into programs at Georgetown, John Hopkins University and the University of Chicago. My overall career goal is to work as a Foreign Service officer. 7

8 Stewart Willard Incite Agency Major(s): Economics; Public Policy After graduation, I plan to enter either the policy research or advocacy fields in a government office, think-tank, or advocacy organization. In my time at UNC, I have developed a passion for effective public policy and I am very interested in directly helping to improve policy decisions in some form. Beyond that, I am very much undecided and I hope that the Burch Field Research Seminar helps me to narrow and/or clarify my long-term career goals. Anna Williams Incite Agency Major(s): Journalism and Mass Communication Class Status Spring 2016: Senior I would like to use my journalism background to propel me into policy work in some way. After graduation I plan to pursue work in policy for a few years before potentially going to law school. My career goals include working on and helping pass initiatives to raise environmental awareness within the U.S., to further education reform, and to combat poverty. I have already spent some time researching environmental issues within various undergraduate courses. I would like to practice what I've learned on a national scale and increase my knowledge on the subject through hands on experience. Edward (Eddie) Zhang U.S. Asia Institute Major(s): Global Studies; Political Science My post-graduation plan is to find employment at an international relations agency in either the private or public sector. This plan is the first step in my future career as a political analyst for a federal agency, such as the State Department. I would also like to work as a fellow for a Foreign Relations think-tank such as the Rand Corp. or the Brookings Institute. If I am unable to find employment, I will apply to an international relations graduate program at another university, or become a Peace Corps volunteer in order to teach in China. Regardless of the path I choose, an integral part of my post-graduation plan involves being knowledgeable in foreign policy and interacting with key foreign policy makers. As such, the Burch Research Seminar will allow me to gain key insight into the inner workings of America s foreign policy epicenter as well as provide me with an opportunity to meet and work with prominent foreign policy experts. 8