Liberal Arts Major: International Politics
Minor: Arabic, Middle East Studies, Spanish, Latin American Studies
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Fall 2021
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
As a research assistant in Professor Warshel's lab, I conduct literature reviews studying children's agency during conflict and peace-building processes. I have been reading literature that examines the intersectionality of gender and age, looking at how young women are excluded from the peace-building process and how young men are excluded from resources as refugees and migrants because they are perceived and portrayed as violent.
How did this experience impact you academically?
This experience has helped me to develop strong academic writing and analytical skills. Additionally, the collaborative component of the lab has enhanced my communication skills as I have to share the research I have conducted with other lab members and vice versa. This allows us to then see in what ways our literature may intersect.
"The College of the Liberal Arts has provided me with endless help to support my experience, from enrichment funds to courses that have prepared me to work in an academic setting."
How will this experience impact your career goals?
In the future, I would like to work towards protecting the rights of refugees and immigrants globally. The research I have conducted with Professor Warshel has brought to my attention the experiences of some of the most invisible groups in conflict zones - like children, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. It has also highlighted the importance of community-based organizations in the peace-building process and the criticalness of ensuring all voices are participating in the peace-building process, including children who are often considered victims as opposed to active members of society cable of enacting change.
How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?
The College of the Liberal Arts has provided me with endless help to support my experience, from enrichment funds to courses that have prepared me to work in an academic setting. I have also been supported by my advisors and professors, who have encouraged me to pursue research.
How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?
The Paterno Fellows Program encourages and supports its students to participate in all sectors of the university, from coursework to extracurriculars, community service, and research and/or internship experiences. This support has pushed me to take advantage of the experiences available at the university, such as research. Additionally, the coursework I have completed for my honors thesis has prepared me with the necessary skills to work as a research assistant.