When Chie Sakakibara first traveled to an I帽upiaq community in Arctic Alaska as a graduate student, an elder gave her advice that would define her career.

鈥淣ever disappear,鈥� she told her.

For generations, researchers had come to Indigenous lands, documented stories and environmental knowledge, and left鈥攐ften without returning results or sustaining relationships. Community members asked Sakakibara to do something different: to document climate change from their perspective and to show that they were not simply victims of environmental disruption, but creative and resilient people adapting to change.

鈥淚 was honored, and I stayed,鈥� Sakakibara says. 鈥淧lacing yourself in a community means reciprocating and emphasizing their priorities, not just your own interests.鈥�

More than two decades later, she is still returning.

Now an associate professor of geography and the environment in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Sakakibara has built her scholarship around long-term collaboration and Indigenous research sovereignty鈥攖he idea that communities themselves should guide how their knowledge is used, represented and shared. Another focus of her work: the interconnected survival of people, animals and environments in a rapidly changing Arctic.

鈥淐hie鈥檚 work is a model of what engaged scholarship looks like at Maxwell,鈥� says Shana Kushner Gadarian, associate dean for research and professor of political science. 鈥淏y centering Indigenous voices and building lasting partnerships across the globe, she demonstrates that rigorous research and genuine community responsibility are not competing values鈥攖hey are inseparable ones.鈥�

Connecting Communities

Sakakibara鈥檚 current initiative, 鈥淚ndigenous Northern Landscapes: Visual Repatriation and Climate Knowledge Exchange,鈥� connects the I帽upiaq people of Arctic Alaska with the Ainu community of northern Japan to explore environmental memory, cultural preservation and climate adaptation.

Both communities have endured land dispossession and the suppression of traditional language and faith. Both have retained and revitalized Indigenous ways of being鈥攖he I帽upiat through their relationship with the bowhead whale, sea ice and tundra; the Ainu through kinship with the brown bear, salmon, rivers and forests of Hokkaido.

鈥淭heir voices are only getting stronger through connecting and building relationships with other Indigenous communities and their allies within and beyond academia,鈥� says Sakakibara, a research affiliate for the East Asia Program in Maxwell’s Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs and a member of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program and Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Her project employs repeat photography alongside community-led ethnography, fieldwork, oral history, archival research and collaborative museum curation. It emphasizes Indigenous knowledge and collaboration and juxtaposes early 20th-century and contemporary images, revealing sea ice loss, coastal erosion and shifting subsistence patterns due to environmental transformation.

Working with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the National Snow and Ice Data Center, the project collaboratively produces environmental knowledge by interpreting these historical photographs with the Indigenous descendants of the communities where they originated.

Future work will involve storymapping, participatory digital storytelling and traveling museum curation bridging 性视界, Arctic Alaska and Japan.

Challenging the Myth

A persistent misconception frames Indigenous cultures as unchanging and separate from the modern world. Sakakibara sees that stereotype as an obstacle to effective climate policy.

鈥淲hen policymakers or scientists assume that Indigenous peoples are merely relics of the past, they fail to recognize that communities like the I帽upiat and Ainu actively observe, interpret and respond to environmental change,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat blocks opportunities to incorporate Indigenous expertise into climate solutions.鈥�

I帽upiat hunters continuously adjust whaling routes in response to sea ice change. Ainu communities combine historical ecological knowledge with contemporary observations to protect salmon runs. These are dynamic systems of environmental monitoring refined over generations, not static traditions.

Rather than separating Western science from Indigenous knowledge systems, Sakakibara argues the two must be in conversation, especially as policymakers confront accelerating climate disruption. Climate change, she notes, is not solely a scientific challenge but a cultural and political one.

鈥淐limate disruption is among the most consequential challenges of our time, with implications that span policy, governance, culture and human well-being,鈥� says Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke. 鈥淥ur students benefit from the wide-ranging expertise and experiences that Professor Sakakibara and colleagues provide.鈥�

Students as Research Partners

Sakakibara brings her knowledge back to 性视界鈥攊nto classrooms, workshops and partnerships that give students direct exposure to the communities and questions at the center of her work.

In July 2024, Sakakibara partnered with public history experts from

StoryCollab to facilitate a on campus with Ainu collaborators. That same year, Sakakibara brought two Haudenosaunee undergraduate students to Japan to participate in workshops with Ainu community members, contributing to mapping projects and oral history initiatives conducted across English, Japanese and Ainu.

One of those students, Katsitsatekanoniahkwa Destiny Lazore 鈥�26, is a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and a 2025 Udall Scholar in Tribal Public Policy. Hearing the stories of 聽Ainu community members resonated in a personal way.

鈥淚t reminded me of what my own ancestors experienced, the struggle to protect culture, revitalize language and reclaim sovereignty,鈥� says Lazore. 鈥淭here was something powerful in recognizing that shared desire: the simple but profound wish to safeguard your people, your traditions and your future for the next generations to come.鈥�

Rooted in Relationships

Sakakibara鈥檚 聽project has cultivated partnerships with major institutions including the Penn Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Yale Peabody Museum, the National Museum of Ethnology in Japan and the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies at Hokkaido University.

鈥淭he core goals鈥攃entering Indigenous knowledge, documenting environmental change and supporting cultural sovereignty鈥攔emain active and impactful,鈥� Sakakibara says, adding that the elder鈥檚 advice鈥攏ever disappear鈥攔emains central to her approach. 鈥淩esearch is about relationships. And relationships require responsibility.鈥�

Story by Catherine Scott

On Monday, 50 members of the Hendricks Chapel Choir , carrying with them years of rehearsal, a deep repertoire of music and a mission that stretches well beyond the concert hall. For most of them, it will be their first international tour with the choir. For all of them, it will be something they will carry for the rest of their lives.

The trip is part of a goal set by , director of the choir and professor and assistant director of choral activities in the Setnor School of Music in the . In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Calvar set a goal to bring the ensemble to every inhabited continent by the time Hendricks Chapel celebrates its centennial in 2030. The choir has performed in China (2005); Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (2009); Poland and Germany, including Auschwitz (2013); Mexico (2018); and London and Lockerbie and Edinburgh, Scotland (2023).

South Africa represents the fifth such continent, with Oceania still on the horizon. The destination was chosen in no small part thanks to a longstanding connection. Former Vice President and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol completed a Ph.D. at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa with connections in South African musical and academic circles. Two years ago, Calvar traveled there to deliver a guest lecture, laying the groundwork for what would become a collaborative itinerary.

“Musically, I feel like the ensemble is as ready as it’s ever been,” Calvar says. “The choir is next level.”

International audiences, he says, want to hear American choirs perform American music, so that forms the backbone of the program. But woven throughout are selections that speak to a broader worldliness: pieces chosen to demonstrate the choir’s versatility, its appreciation of global traditions and its genuine desire to connect. Three South African pieces are on the program, including one of the country’s de facto national anthems.

A Diverse Range of Performance Partners

The choir will perform alongside a diverse range of South African ensembles鈥攈igh school, university and community choirs鈥攁nd performances are scheduled in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Drakensberg, Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town.

鈥淚t doesn’t get any more diverse,鈥� says Calvar. 鈥淪outh Africa is a place where they’ve found ways of celebrating their own diversity and finding ways to unify and connect, and I think that it’s so very critically important that we show them our own brand of that.鈥�

Life Lessons

For the students making the journey, the significance of the trip is both personal and expansive. Caiyan Bass 鈥�26 is the choir鈥檚 president and one of two choir members who also toured with the ensemble in the UK in 2023. Being open to the unexpected, she says, is not just a musical lesson, it’s a life one.

“You never know what kind of relationship may come from music,” she says. “I find that in performance spaces, people connect effortlessly.”

The trip coincides with her first two weeks as a 性视界 University graduate, making it a threshold experience in every sense. After the trip, she will head to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and she already sees the connection. Working with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, she says, will require exactly the kind of empathy and openness that international travel cultivates.

For other students on the trip, like Mathena Rush 鈥�27, an environmental health major at the , the South Africa experience carries a different but equally powerful resonance.

Rush is heading into a career in environmental remediation, specifically focused on brownfield development. “Having these international experiences allows me to understand the struggles different communities go through and learn what needs to be done to fix them,” Rush says.

Rush also speaks about what the choir itself has meant to her beyond the tour. As an ESF student, she arrived at 性视界 without the built-in liberal arts community that many of her peers enjoy. Choir became her outlet, her anchor and one of the defining experiences of her college years.

Calvar, when asked to reflect on what these tours mean to students, points to the exit interviews conducted with seniors each year. “The Hendricks Chapel Choir international tour is always on the top of the list,” he says. It is consistently named among the significant moments of students’ time at 性视界.

Students interested in studying abroad in spring 2027 can begin applying on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET.

With over 60 program options and locations around the globe, from major cities to hidden gems, there’s a 性视界 Abroad experience waiting just around the corner. 性视界 Abroad centers in Florence, London, Madrid, Santiago (Chile) and Strasbourg (France) are each designed to provide an authentic and immersive study abroad experience. Select World Partner programs are available across Africa, Asia, Australia and more.

View all .

New Program Features Debuting in Spring 2027

Iconic Travel Destination Added to Santiago Center Program Itinerary

Beginning in spring 2027, the Santiago Center program is adding an exciting component to its included travel itinerary: students will take a group trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, to explore the expansive Inca terrace system.

As a master class in agricultural innovation, students will dive into the history of this ancient land while studying soil conservation, water irrigation systems and more. In addition, all courses in the spring are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish beginner and intermediate Spanish language classes. This spring program is ideal for students who have basic Spanish-language skills and are interested in .

Looking to fulfill core course requirements? The course Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone, taught by center director Mauricio Paredes, will now count as IDEA credit. This course studies the military coup of 1973 and its time period and evaluates its significance and contributions to the configuration of social, political and economic aspects of Chile today.

In addition, all students studying in Santiago in spring 2027 will receive a $2,000 location grant automatically applied to program costs. There is no additional application required.

Learn more about .

性视界 Abroad Global Ambassador Isabella Gardea poses in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Special Program Launching for Environment, Health聽 and Policy Enthusiasts

The Santiago Center will also offer a new program focusing on health, sustainability and the environment in Latin America. will include new focusing on local health practices Latin America.

Chile ranks among the region鈥檚 leaders in environmental legislation, public health reform and urban sustainability. Students on this program will explore the intersection of these issues through special courses and field trips, including visits to Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Buenos Aires and more.

Exclusive Communications Internship in Strasbourg, France

In collaboration with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Strasbourg Center has partnered with local publication station ARTE to create a new paid, nearly full-time, on-site internship program.

, a leading European media and cultural platform headquartered in Strasbourg just minutes from the 性视界 center, will host two prestigious internship opportunities in the Digital News and Global Offers divisions exclusively for 性视界 students. This credit-bearing internship program will allow students to intern, produce media and take related courses at the Strasbourg Center.

A limited number of opportunities are available, and all internship students will receive a monthly stipend and a $1,000 scholarship. The application deadline for the ARTE Internship program is Sept. 1; students can reach out to Brad Gorham or visit the to learn more.

Preparing to Study Abroad

The spring 2027 application cycle opens on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET and closes on Oct. 1 for most programs; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the exception of special programs and World Partner programs. The application deadline for World Partner programs is July 1. For specific deadlines, students should refer to each program鈥檚 individual application page.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as many programs have limited capacity. Due to these constraints, securing a spot at specific Centers in the spring, and at World Partner programs, cannot be guaranteed. As part of the application, students will be asked to select a second and third choice program should their first choice program reach capacity.

For more information, students can with an international program advisor or make a general advising appointment to explore their options. 性视界 Abroad will continue to offer virtual advising appointments throughout the summer on a limited basis.聽Visit the to view all application details and requirements.

Millions of soccer players across the globe compete on surfaces that are anything but the manicured, perfectly marked grounds of televised competitions.

Student researcher ’26 understood that across West Africa and in many other countries, soccer (known throughout much of the world as football) is played on compacted sand, gravel lots, dirt patches and worn urban grounds. The industrial and interaction design major in the (VPA) also recognized that most commercially available soccer boots fall far short of the needs of players who compete on those rough, improvised, uneven surfaces. He recognized that those playing conditions demand different performance qualities than the footwear mainstream athletic shoe manufacturers offer.

“My goal is to study these overlooked playing environments and design footwear that better supports performance, comfort, durability and accessibility for the people who use it,” Barrie says. “Ultimately, I want to show how footwear design can become more inclusive, locally responsive and socially meaningful when it is rooted in the needs of a community.”

Research 鈥極n the Ground鈥�

With his research project, “Boot of Dreams: Designing Soccer Footwear for Informal Play in West Africa,” Barrie has been doing just that. His work is guided by , a professor of practice in VPA’s , whom Barrie calls “a role model whose guidance extends well beyond the classroom, shaping how I think about design, responsibility and purpose.”

Barrie is also working with , professor and director of the School of Design, who helped him secure travel funding in addition to his research stipend from the (SOURCE). Those funds enabled him to travel to Guinea for firsthand research with soccer players there.

鈥淭hat was an opportunity that helped me move beyond assumptions about what players need and gain an actual understanding of their experiences,” Barrie says.

As someone who has lived in both Guinea and the United States and traveled widely around the world, Barrie brings a true global perspective to his work. It鈥檚 a viewpoint that informs his understanding of how different communities approach sport and design and deepens his insight into underrepresented players and their environments.

Careful Listening

Barrie says his research in Guinea had a major impact on the design of his soccer cleat. 聽In addition to learning that many players use footwear that is incompatible for their playing conditions, he also recognized that many rely on just one pair for a long period of time. When that pair wears out too quickly, 聽it affects more than just comfort or performance; it can cause players to miss practices and games and lose consistency in development, he says.

“That insight shifted my thinking,” Barrie says. “Instead of approaching the project like a traditional cleat made mainly for formal field conditions, I began thinking about a shoe designed specifically for the realities of informal West African play鈥� prioritizing durability, comfort and longer wear while also considering traction and support for the kinds of surfaces these players actually use.”

Design for Real Needs

For Barrie, this project 聽allowed him to explore how thoughtful, research-driven design can respond to real-world needs rather than simply following market trends. It also helped lead him to a career in footwear and product design that addresses community challenges and creates solutions. 聽An internship at last year became a 鈥渇oot in the door鈥� for a new career there; after graduation, he begins a role as a Designer II, Promo Color, Materials & Graphics Design聽staff member for Nike鈥檚 Jordan brand.

“‘The Boot of Dreams’ is about creating a shoe for players who continue to defy the odds and dream through the game,鈥� he says. “The right footwear can help young players stay on the pitch longer, practice more consistently and keep pursuing what they love.”

Steam rose from bowls of homemade soup as students settled into their seats in the . A presentation on winter traditions in Turkey sparked conversation, drawing murmurs of recognition and a few nostalgic smiles.

When the slideshow ended, attendees gathered in small groups for a matching game connecting landmarks, customs and historical moments. Those more familiar with the traditions offered hints while others brought fresh curiosity to each pairing.

For an hour, 性视界 felt a little closer to Istanbul.

The gathering was part of the Maxwell School’s Culture and Conversation Tables, a series hosted by the Moynihan Institute that brings students and community members together to explore languages and cultures from around the world.

Held about once a month, each table takes a slightly different approach, from language-intensive practice sessions to film screenings and themed cultural presentations. All serve a shared purpose: building community while advancing Maxwell鈥檚 mission of exposing students to a wide range of perspectives and preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.

Moynihan is home to Maxwell’s seven regional centers, focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and South Asia. Located on the third floor of Eggers Hall, the institute supports teaching, research and programming that prepares students to engage with the world’s most pressing challenges. The Culture and Conversation Tables are a natural extension of that work.

鈥淭he tables are one of the most accessible ways we connect students to the world beyond the classroom,鈥� says , director of Moynihan and professor of political science. 鈥淲hether someone is preparing for fieldwork abroad, practicing a language they’re studying or simply curious about a part of the world they haven鈥檛 encountered before, these gatherings offer something genuinely valuable.鈥�

Much of the tables鈥� day-to-day coordination falls to George Tsaoussis Carter, event specialist, and , regional programs manager for Asia. 鈥淲hat stands out most is the enthusiasm students bring to these tables, both the ones who help organize them and the ones who show up to learn,鈥� says Baxter. 鈥淭hey leave with more than vocabulary or cultural trivia. They gain a broader sense of the world and a genuine connection to people from very different backgrounds.鈥�

Baxter is also impressed by the care and commitment of table hosts, which, on the Asia side, include faculty such as , and Tomoko Walker from the , as well as graduate students and, on occasion, highly motivated undergraduates.

Originally known as Language Tables, the program was renamed to reflect its broader emphasis on culture, conversation and connection, according to , associate director of the Moynihan Institute.

Over the years, the institute has hosted tables in more than 20 languages, many supported by U.S. Department of Education grants aimed at strengthening international and language education. Currently, 16 tables are offered, spanning languages from Arabic and Hindi-Urdu to Chinese, French and Tamil. For most of the tables, the institute partners with faculty and instructors in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics in the College of Arts and Sciences

The tables have at times reflected the urgency of world events. For instance, visiting scholar Tetiana Hranchak hosted a Ukrainian table that drew strong attendance from students across the University, some directly impacted by the war with Russia. Hranchak, who fled her home in Kyiv after the invasion, joined the Maxwell community through the Scholars at Risk program, which supports academics displaced by conflict and persecution.

The tables also give international students a place to hear their native language and share traditions from home. Open to all 性视界 University students, not just those in Maxwell programs, the tables invite anyone across campus to engage with new regions, customs and perspectives.

Story by Mikyala Melo

Editor’s note: This is the first in a five-part series spotlighting ‘s global centers.

Fish and chips. Red double-deckers. A rooftop garden with Thames views. Nash Newton ’27 went to London for a semester abroad and came back with something far harder to fit in a suitcase: a completely new perspective on the world.

Newton, a resident of Portland, Oregon, is a policy studies major in the | with a focus on citizenship and community engagement. He studied abroad for the fall 2025 semester through 性视界 Abroad, and now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

Newton took classes in marketing, politics and environmental sustainability efforts, among others. Through trips, he performed field studies and explored historic locations throughout the city of London and various parts of the UK such as Liverpool, Cornwall, Lockerbie, Scotland, and Cardiff, Wales.

性视界 London organized a trip to Lockerbie, the site of the Pan Am 103 bombing in 1988 in which 270 people, including 35 students studying through 性视界鈥檚 Division of International Programs Abroad were lost. He heard personal stories from residents and met this year鈥檚 10 Lockerbie Fellows. The trip also included a visit to Glasgow, where participants attended a play titled 鈥淪mall Acts of Love,鈥� inspired by the stories surrounding the tragedy and the experiences faced by those after the event.

鈥淪tudying abroad at 性视界 truly shifts your perspective,鈥� Newton says. 鈥淓mbrace both the challenges and positive experiences, as they will create lasting memories and stories鈥攚hether you鈥檙e exploring solo or traveling with a group, attending classes or navigating an unfamiliar location.鈥�

Here are his recommendations, in his own words, of five things to do to get the most out of your London study abroad experience.

Explore a Museum

“Visiting the V&A East Storehouse Museum was a remarkable experience, as it showcases between 250,000 and 500,000 art pieces spread over three levels. This museum stands out for its unique presentation of many recognizable artworks. Many museums offer character and rare pieces, Additionally, visiting museums is usually free and provides a valuable opportunity to learn about history in an engaging way.

“I also visited the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Banksy Limitless Museum, showcasing the artist’s works and their significance in making points about political issues that were present at the time. There’s a course called Who鈥檚 Collecting Who that teaches students about object collection, often including weekly museum visits around the city. The London Transport Museum stood out as my favorite. I loved its layout, showcasing the evolution of transport from early vehicles to modern buses, taxis and Tube trains.”

Explore a New City or Town

“Exploring Chester and cities like Liverpool; Brighton; Cardiff, Wales; and Dublin, Ireland, revealed rich history to me. Traveling by train near London offered new opportunities to test my independence and step out of my comfort zone. Charming towns scattered throughout England are just a quick train ride away, each with its own unique character waiting to be discovered. Traveling by train makes the experience more inviting and can connect you to many more places than ever before.

“Participating in field study trips for courses like Sustainability on Trial (GEO 304) and Green Britain (GEO 300) was a transformative experience for me. Those opportunities deepened my understanding of sustainable resources and their potential to reduce carbon footprints. As a policy major, I am uncertain about my career direction after graduation, but I am eager to explore opportunities in this field to see whether they align with my interests. I traveled to Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland and Norway and visited urban planning offices and parliament buildings in Stockholm, Sweden and Ivalo, Finland, among others.”

Find Hidden Spots in London

“The Garden at 120 rooftop offers greenery and views of the River Thames, providing a unique perspective on London. Many rooftop spaces are free, allowing residents and visitors to see the city from different angles. Hidden parks throughout the city offer calm escapes for lunch breaks and people-watching, often just a short walk from central streets like Oxford Circus. I recommend exploring neighborhoods outside central London, such as Shoreditch, Hampstead Heath, Hackney and Greenwich, where locals shop, eat and live.”

Enjoy New Cuisine and Engage in a New Culture

“Explore various markets in the city, including Spitalfields Market in East London, which features two sections: one for clothing, jewelry and local artists, and another food section with numerous vendors offering bakery items and foods representing many different cultures. During my time in London, I indulged in Japanese, Chinese, Ethiopian, Indian and British cuisine, including the traditional full English breakfast.

“On Nov. 5 and throughout the whole week, the main cultural event that happened was a holiday in England called Bonfire night (Guy Fawkes Day). The holiday commemorates a failed mission in 1605 to blow up Parliament. Throughout the week there are fireworks and bonfires in small towns around England and Scotland. There are festivals and fireworks in different parks throughout London.

“性视界 London offers students cultural opportunities including attending West End shows as well as a Premier League match (West Ham vs. Burnley) and a rugby match. They also organized events like ABBA Voyage, an immersive concert featuring digital versions of the ABBA band. One class allowed us to visit city farms and gardens, such as Kentish Town Farm, which has various animals.”

Take a Unique Course

“Taking courses abroad offers new insights. Green Britain included field studies, as we examined how Earth-life system processes shaped Britain鈥檚 environmental resources and the impact of political devolution on human interactions with these resources. The course involved ecological investigations of arable land, fossil fuels and marine habitats, as well as policy analysis. It also fostered connections with classmates and the professor, providing a richer experience than traditional lectures. Such trips uniquely address unspoken questions and deepen understanding through direct engagement with the environment.

“The 性视界 London Center campus is centrally located for commuting. The student well-being staff provided valuable recommendations, particularly during fall breaks. They organized two weekend trips for fall 2025, one to Dublin and another to Paris. I chose Dublin, where we visited the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Howth Bay, fostering connections with fellow students and staff. Though locations change each semester, they remain rewarding to visit as a group.”

Check Out More of Newton’s Photos Below

came to 性视界 University as a with an urgent purpose: to learn all she could about helping veterans return to civilian life and bring that knowledge home to war-torn Ukraine.

Pohorielova is an聽associate professor and head of the Department of Pedagogy, Foreign Philology and Translation at in , near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine War. Her journey to 性视界 began after she heard a high-level Ukrainian official observe that is about to become a city of veterans.

The comment was a turning point. Pohorielova realized that, when the war ends, hundreds of thousands of veterans will need support transitioning to civilian life: finding jobs, housing and educational pathways and, hopefully, a society aware of and responsive to their unique psychological needs. Yet Pohorielova also knew her country was far from ready to provide that help. “I felt like I didn’t know anything about veterans. I had no clue. And I felt like other establishments weren’t ready for the influx of veterans, either,” she says.

The next day, she learned about the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program and applied. To her surprise, she became just the second person from her university to receive a Fulbright in 30 years.

Right Place, Right Time

The Fulbright program matches host institutions with a scholar’s research goals, making 性视界 University, with its emphasis on veterans, a natural fit. Pohorielova鈥檚 visit is being hosted through the (CHB), drawing on the expertise and engagement of the (IVMF), the (OVMA), the (SOE), and colleagues at the . Among those who facilitated Pohorielova鈥檚 residency was IVMF founder and University Chancellor-elect .

鈥淸This] is one of the best places in the U.S. to observe veteran re-entry services. Practices here have been validated. We need to learn, borrow, start them and adjust American practices to existing Ukrainian realities,鈥� Pohorielova says.

Since her arrival, Pohorielova has attended monthly CHB seminars, worked closely with faculty sponsors , professor of psychology and CHB director; and , SOE faculty director of online programs and strategic initiatives, associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work and CHB associate director. She also engaged with faculty, staff, doctoral students and researchers across campus.

“Their contribution to my research is incredible,” she says of her sponsors. The broader campus culture has been welcoming, too. “Every person I meet here is trying to support me and give me the information I need.鈥�

Facilitating the Transition

Ukrainian soldiers face the same reintegration challenges as American veterans: psychological health risks, substance use, financial instability and difficulty transitioning back to civilian life.聽But for Ukrainian veterans who are returning to communities still under threat, with shattered economies and disrupted families, those risks may be even more acute, Pohorielova says.

Reintegrating also involves other obstacles, including funding, cultural resistance and a general distrust of mental health services, which is a legacy of Soviet-era political repression. Ukraine鈥檚 military culture, which prizes toughness and stigmatizes psychological struggles as weakness, presents another hurdle, Pohorielova says.

Pohorielova believes Ukrainian educational institutions can help facilitate veterans鈥� transition from military service to civilian life. At the same time, they can leverage veterans鈥� leadership, experience and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that can make them active contributors to postwar recovery efforts in Ukraine.

鈥淚nvesting in veterans鈥� wellbeing, education and vocational pathways supports not only individual reintegration but also broader social and economic stability,” she says.

Insights from Pohorielova鈥檚 research at 性视界 form the basis of her recovery action plan, “Veteran Reintegration Ecosystem for Ukrainian Universities.” The scalable, locally grounded program can be implemented within existing institutions, she believes. The plan鈥檚 three pillars are institutional capacity and coordination; behavioral health and wellbeing; and workforce and economic integration.

Components include:

• Clear coordination and referral pathways to help veterans navigate academic and support services
• Faculty and staff training to strengthen the university鈥檚 ability to support veteran students
• Behavioral health awareness and referral pathways
• Flexible online and hybrid learning options
• Short-course retraining, microcredentials and entrepreneurship pathways aligned with workforce needs
• Structured employer and community partnerships to support job placement, entrepreneurship and business development

Pohorielova and her 13-year-old daughter, who came with her to the U.S. and attends school locally, have been here since February and will return to Ukraine this summer. By then, Pohorielova will be ready to present her fully developed framework to her university鈥檚 leadership as a ready-to-go strategy, and she hopes to see its immediate adoption.

Success would fulfill her dream of helping her country, her university and her community, and ensure that veterans will have proven systems in place to support their return.

鈥淔ollowing a dream is a good thing,鈥� she says. 鈥淥nce you succeed, you will get to a new level. That’s what happened to me. I didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy to be here.”

The role of entrepreneurship driving economic development in Kenya. Education systems and the propaganda machines behind them in Eastern European socialist states. The preservation of Polish castles and their use for telling the country鈥檚 history.

Those are just three of the independent research projects seven 性视界 students pursued internationally last year as Tyler Center Fellows, supported by a聽$20,000 grant to and the (SOURCE) by the .

For the students who participated, it was a life-changing experience.

鈥淭his fellowship changed who I am,鈥� says Mason Burley 鈥�27, a double major in adolescent education and history in the School of Education and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The University has once again received an award from the Tyler Center for 2026 and is currently accepting applications for fall 2026 fellowships based in Santiago and Strasbourg. Below, three students who received the fellowship in 2025 share their experiences.

鈥楻esearch Something You Love鈥�

Burley, whose research project was focused on the education systems during the era of socialist republics in Poland, Romania and Moldova, says the Tyler Center Fellowship was his first substantial experience with research.

鈥淚 am fascinated by Joseph Stalin and his cult of personality and, more specifically, how his sheer influence on the region consumed every single aspect of life,鈥� Burley says. 鈥淔rom school, jobs, social life, government and interpersonal connections. Stalin was lurking in all of these, and it has been a goal of mine to see its effects firsthand.鈥�

The Tyler Center grant and research opportunity opened the gates for him to study the topic in-depth and in-person.

鈥淚t is my academic goal to be a well-rounded educator who is exceptionally knowledgeable in my content area,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 felt that this type of deep immersive, experiential type of research would benefit not only me academically but my students in my future classroom.鈥�

The experience made Burley fall in love with research and “experiencing” history, and has since inspired two additional research projects.

He says visiting Poland, Romania and Moldova, speaking with people and learning their stories was an experience he’d repeat in a “heartbeat.”

鈥淒o whatever your heart says,鈥� Burley says. 鈥淕o to a new place and touch the earth. Eat food from a street cart. Put everything that you鈥檝e ever learned away for a second and just experience life as it passes by. Be you, unapologetically. Then come back to campus and show everyone just how cool it is that you got to research something you love.鈥�

鈥楤e Creative鈥�

For Ella Roerden 鈥�27, the fellowship also allowed the pursuit of a passion project.

A student in the Maxwell School studying anthropology and international relations, Roerden visited five medieval castles around Poland with the goal of analyzing and comparing how they鈥檝e been preserved and restored, as well as how they鈥檙e being used as museums in the present day.

鈥淭he narratives all differ, and they each tell a different part of the story of Poland,鈥� says Roerden. 鈥淚 was drawn to castles because of my childhood love of fairytales, all of the magic, dragons and princesses. When I learned that Poland had over 500 castles, I knew I had to find a way to visit some and incorporate them into my studies.鈥�

Like Burley, she says the experience opened her eyes to research, which previously she thought had to be “formulaic and physical.” Gaining the experience of pursuing a topic in the humanities has her looking forward to an international relations capstone.

鈥淚f you’re already going to be in a different country, take advantage of the opportunities and resources there that we don’t have here in 性视界 (like medieval castles) and be creative!鈥� Roerden says.

鈥楶ut in All Your Effort鈥�

Mary Begley 鈥�26, a Whitman School finance and entrepreneurship major graduating in December, traveled to Kenya in May 2025 with a professor and fellow students, supported by her grant.

鈥淚 had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and experience how businesses operate within an emerging economy,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ecause of this opportunity, I decided to conduct independent research where I spoke one-on-one with small business owners to learn about their experiences running a business in Kenya.鈥�

The best part, she says, was speaking with entrepreneurs and learning about their work, their passions and the challenges they face as business owners.

She encourages other students to consider the Tyler grants.

鈥淧ut in all your effort,鈥� she says. 鈥淔or me, I was very new to research and had no idea how to conduct it at first. But having the right people around you and consistently asking questions or seeking feedback really helped me throughout the process.鈥�

How to Apply

Fall 2026 Tyler Fellows鈥攕upported by awards up to $3,000鈥攚ill design projects in Santiago or Strasbourg with guidance from a home campus faculty mentor, as well as 性视界 Abroad and SOURCE staff. Students must first be accepted into one of those programs.

As part of the fellowship, they will take a 鈥淩esearch in Community鈥� seminar and participate in cohort activities with Tyler Fellows from other institutions.

鈥淭he Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellowship not only provides essential funding to support students鈥� international undergraduate research activities but also facilitates a community of scholars engaging with cross-cultural research both here at 性视界 University and in the larger, multi-institution Tyler Center program,鈥� says Kate Hanson, director of SOURCE. 鈥淪tudents navigate the complexities of research with another culture alongside fellow students and mentors in a program that facilitates discussion and reflection.鈥�

Interested students should first email ugresearch@syr.edu to express their interest in the Tyler Fellows Program and then prepare a project proposal and apply through .聽Applications are due by April 2 or July 9.

An information session for interested students will be held Thursday, March 19, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the sixth floor of 100 Sims Drive.

SOURCE can also help students develop research ideas, find faculty mentors and prepare application materials. Contact the SOURCE team at ugresearch@syr.edu or 315.443.2091.

In a world increasingly shaped by both connection and division, a diverse group of students is embarking on a distinctive journey of leadership and learning. The Global Interfaith Leadership Project (GILP), housed at Hendricks Chapel, represents a pioneering approach to preparing tomorrow’s leaders by combining religious and spiritual formation with practical civic engagement.

The program’s inaugural cohort, selected from across the University’s schools and colleges, brings together undergraduate and graduate students from varied faith traditions and backgrounds. From a Somali Banti student working to address food insecurity, to a chemical engineer coordinating interfaith dialogue, to a public administration student with White House experience, these scholars represent the rich tapestry of perspectives that GILP seeks to cultivate.

A Distinctive Approach to Leadership

What sets GILP apart is its “Roots, Reach and Results” framework鈥攁 holistic approach that moves beyond traditional interfaith dialogue. The program deepens students’ own religious or spiritual foundations (Roots), expands understanding and collaboration across traditions (Reach) and works to create tangible positive change in communities (Results).

“This project addresses a crucial need we’re seeing among students today,” explains Imam Amir Duri膰, GILP project director and assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. “Students are seeking meaningful opportunities to make a positive and profound impact. At the same time, we’ve witnessed a 150% increase in student participation in religious and spiritual programs at Hendricks Chapel over the past eight years. GILP brings these two trends together in a way that prepares leaders who can heal divides, imagine new possibilities and empower others in service to the common good.”

Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Commitment

The 2026 cohort members come from nine schools and colleges across the University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, spanning architecture, engineering, public policy and environmental science. Their varied academic pursuits reflect the program’s commitment to interfaith leadership across all disciplines.

Among the cohort is Abdirahman Abdi, a senior majoring in African American Studies from the South Side of 性视界. Drawing on his lived experience as a refugee, he co-founded the Sadaqa Foundation to address food insecurity in Kenya’s Dagahaley Refugee Camp鈥攅xemplifying the program’s emphasis on translating spiritual values into concrete community action.

Ronit Hizgiaev, a sophomore in the Maxwell School studying international relations and law, society and policy, brings her experience as multifaith chair for 性视界 Hillel. She has been instrumental in the Salaam Shalom program, where students learn Hebrew and Arabic to find common ground through language. “Ensuring everyone’s voices are heard and accounted for is a crucial value I hold,” she says.

Mian Hamid, a graduate student in the iSchool, serves as Hendricks Chapel’s interfaith engagement coordinator and convener of the Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders. His role bridges the program’s academic learning with hands-on leadership development, rooted in both empathy and shared action for the common good.

Graduate student Gianna Juarez, pursuing a master of public administration in the Maxwell School, previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration and at United Way Worldwide. Her background in strategic implementation adds depth to discussions about translating interfaith values into policy and practice.

Beyond Dialogue: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

Scholars participate in weekly interactive sessions, civic projects and visits to local and regional faith communities. The program culminates in an international study journey and participation in the Interfaith America Leadership Summit.

The planned trip to Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina will offer particularly powerful learning opportunities. Students will examine Holocaust memory in Germany and the aftermath of the Bosnian War and Srebrenica Genocide. In Sarajevo鈥攐ften called the “European Jerusalem”鈥攖hey will explore centuries of interfaith coexistence at the crossroads of East and West, examining how religious and moral frameworks shape both the best and worst outcomes of human history.

A Tapestry of Faith and Purpose

The cohort spans a wide spectrum of religious and spiritual identities. Sandy Smith, studying forest ecosystem science at SUNY-ESF, brings a spirituality rooted in nature. “Nature teaches us that diversity is our greatest strength,” she notes, “and I believe that through interfaith collaboration, we will bring humanity to its greatest potential.”

Each of the 16 scholars is also developing a civic engagement project aimed at creating lasting change in the 性视界 community and beyond鈥攁ll grounded in the Roots, Reach and Results framework.

The GILP is a timely response to the challenges of our interconnected yet divided world. These scholars aren’t just learning about interfaith leadership鈥攖hey are living it, demonstrating that differences can be sources of strength and that a shared commitment to the common good can overcome division.

For more information about GILP at Hendricks Chapel, visit the .

The Lender Center for Social Justice is now accepting applications for the 2026-28 Lender Faculty Fellowship. The two-year research fellowship, now in its eighth year, supports faculty work on the causes of and solutions to complex contemporary social justice issues.

Application Deadline Is April 10

• The fellowships are open to full-time 性视界 University faculty.
• Applications are due by Friday, April 10, at 5 p.m.
• Details about the and required materials are available on the .
• Questions can be directed to聽lendercenter@syr.edu.

What Support Does the Fellowship Provide?

• A stipend of $15,000 covering the faculty member鈥檚 work for two summers.
• An additional $5,000 per year allocated to support research initiatives ($10,000 total).
• Another $5,000 dedicated to cover costs of hosting a public symposium at the conclusion of the fellowship, when faculty and student fellows present their work.

Who Are Recent Faculty Fellows and Their Research Topics?

Recent fellows studied these issues:

• , associate professor of mathematics and mathematics education in the and , looked at how data literacy skills can be developed and how data can provide insights into community quality-of-life issues.
• , assistant professor of public health in the , examined economic policies that shaped housing and employment opportunities in 性视界 and the importance of community input and engagement in social issues
• , assistant professor of magazine, news and digital journalism in the , studied post-9/11 news media coverage and how it impacted specific communities.
• , professor of anthropology and Ford-Maxwell Professor of South Asian Studies in the聽Maxwell School, led a team that studied how AI systems can transform the concepts of autonomy, accountability, human rights and justice.
• , associate dean for strategic initiatives and research and Georgia Miller Associate Professor in the School of Design at the , assessed how building design impacted accessibility and use of a new women鈥檚 wellness center.
• , associate professor of geography and the environment in the Maxwell School, who , particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Good Results, Engaging Research

“Over the past eight years, Lender faculty fellows and their student teams have taken innovative approaches to exploring a wide spectrum of social justice issues,” says , Lender Center director. “We are grateful for their good work and the up-to-date knowledge they have produced, and we are pleased that they have regarded their projects as engaging and transformative research opportunities.”

Students at the 性视界 Strasbourg Center recently met with the European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho, who shared insights into her professional path and experiences as an ombudswoman. The event was part of the center鈥檚 European politics speaker series held throughout the month of February.

In addition to the ombudsman, a recent session was held at the European Parliament with European Member of Parliament Dario Nardella (Italy), who was also the Commencement speaker at 性视界 in 2024.

As the European Union Ombudswoman, Anjinho is responsible for investigating cases of maladministration within institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union. These issues involve matters related to transparency, delays in access to documents or the management of funds. She described herself as a public servant, bridging European citizens and EU policy-making bodies through building trust and legitimacy.

Cultivating relationships and driving inspiration

性视界 University鈥檚 presence in Strasbourg, France, since 1974 means that it benefits from official relationships with local institutions, including the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, opening unique doors for students.

Through the diplomatic network of Center Director John Goodman and 性视界 professor Alun Drake, it was clear that the ombudswoman would be a dynamic speaker and great role model for 性视界 students. Anjinho presented to over 60 students at the Strasbourg villa, focusing on topics relating to courses Mapping Strasbourg, a core course on Strasbourg and life abroad, and The Global Workplace, concentrating on internships, careers and pre-professional development.

During her presentation, the ombudsman emphasized the importance of ensuring that European citizens feel heard by public institutions. She explained that trust in these institutions depends on people believing their concerns are taken seriously and that there is an independent body advocating for fairness and transparency. Drawing on her experience as a public servant, she highlighted her understanding of the challenges citizens face when engaging with institutions.

This perspective, she noted, helps make the ombudsman鈥檚 office more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that all individuals feel represented and supported.

鈥淲hat I found particularly interesting was her perspective on democratic deficit鈥攈ow many citizens feel departed from the institutions and decision-making processes that govern them. It put into words some of what I have been sensing in the political landscape over the past few years,鈥� says Neha Chhablani ’27, a student in attendance studying political science and environment, sustainability and policy.

Chhablani says seeing roles like Anjinho’s focused on rebuilding public trust in government makes her feel “hopeful about the future.”

Anjinho also shared her personal journey to becoming an ombudswoman. Previously, she worked in academia, government and served as Portugal鈥檚 deputy ombudsperson and secretary of state for justice, ultimately running for and being elected European ombudsman.

She reflected on the obstacles she faced as a woman in public service and diplomacy and spoke about having moments of doubt or feeling unrecognized for her hard work. Despite these challenges, her dedication and sense of purpose carried her to the role she holds today.

Anjinho encouraged students to keep pursuing their goals, even amid struggle or rapid changes in the political landscape.

鈥淎s a student with an interest in diplomacy, I found her speech to be very inspiring, and I know the other students in the room found her just as moving,鈥� says international relations student Mariana Luz ’27. 鈥淚 left her speech feeling a sense of relief and have a new perspective on what’s to come in the future!鈥�

性视界 Teresa Anjinho聽

Anjinho was sworn in as the European ombudsman in February 2025 and acts as the bridge that connects the European citizens to the bodies that make policy for Europe.

From 2022 to 2025, she was a member of the supervisory committee of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Prior to that, she was a member for the deputy ombudsman of Portugal (2017-2022), secretary of state for justice in the Portuguese government (2015) and member of Parliament in Portugal (2011-2015).

Anjinho is a lawyer, an independent human rights expert and a scholar who specializes in public international law, gender and equality. She has been teaching at the NOVA School of Law and at the Lus Gentium Conimbrigae Institute of the University of Coimbra. She has also published a number of scientific papers.

A new Lockerbie Fellows program, established through a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between 性视界 University and the in Lockerbie, Scotland, will bring 10 Lockerbie students to campus each year to participate in Remembrance Week.

The program is designed to foster continued academic and cultural collaboration and exchange between the two institutions, whose longstanding relationship began in the aftermath of the 1988 over Lockerbie. The tragedy claimed the lives of 35 性视界 University students who were returning home after a semester abroad.

鈥淭his partnership reflects our enduring commitment to honoring the memory of those we lost while cultivating a meaningful, living connection between our two communities,鈥� says , vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer at 性视界 University. 鈥淲elcoming Lockerbie students to campus each year ensures that the bonds forged in the wake of tragedy continue to inspire acts of service, scholarship and shared humanity.鈥�

The Lockerbie Fellows program will begin in Fall 2026. Accompanied by two of their teachers, the fellows will visit campus in October and take part in Remembrance Week activities commemorating Pan Am 103 victims and promoting acts of service. During their visit, fellows will also have multiple opportunities to engage with University students and faculty.

Fellows will be selected by Lockerbie Academy administrators, ensuring that participants demonstrate academic excellence and a deep understanding of the Pan Am 103 tragedy and its significance to the 性视界 and Lockerbie communities.

When Jean-Laurent Lareyre was paired with a 性视界 student for an engineering class assignment in 2023, he had no idea where that connection would lead.

The project at Institut National des Sciences Appliqu茅es (INSA) in Strasbourg, France, sparked something unexpected: a passion for helping American students navigate life abroad.

Since that initial pairing, Lareyre鈥攚ho goes by JoJo鈥攈as become an invaluable guide and friend to more than sixty (ECS) students studying in France.

What began as tutoring in physics and electrical engineering classes has evolved into something far richer. Lareyre now helps students explore Strasbourg and the surrounding Alsace region, introducing them to hidden gems and local experiences they might otherwise miss.

鈥淭hey are curious and want to experience life in Strasbourg,鈥� says Lareyre. 鈥淚 love when they invite me along. I want them to discover every part of student life at INSA and in Strasbourg.鈥�

Lareyre鈥檚 own international background makes him a natural cultural bridge. Originally from Mauritius in East Africa, he also lived in China as a child and now speaks Chinese, French-Creole, German and English fluently.

鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 important to communicate with everyone,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all engineers. We have the same skills, so we relate to each other well.鈥�

His adventures with 性视界 students and staff have included mountain hiking trips. He understands their desire to make the most of studying abroad鈥攊t mirrors his own journey.

鈥淚 wanted to go abroad. I didn鈥檛 see myself always staying in the same country,鈥� Lareyre says. 鈥淢y parents traveled a lot, and I want to be like them.鈥�

鈥淛oJo has been a tutor, mentor and friend to years of 性视界 and ECS students studying abroad. He has been a wonderful role model鈥攁 high-achieving engineering student with an international perspective and a warm, engaging and fun personality. We鈥檝e adopted him as fully聽 性视界,鈥� says John Goodman, the director of the .

Now balancing graduate studies at INSA with an engineering position at a pharmaceutical company in Strasbourg, Lareyre isn鈥檛 certain where his career will take him next. But he hopes the connections he鈥檚 made will come full circle.

鈥淚t would be so much fun to reconnect with students I met in Strasbourg when I鈥檓 in the United States,鈥� he says. 鈥淢aybe someday they鈥檒l be my guides.鈥�

The College of Law will host “The Americans with Disabilities Act and Universal Design: Global Legacy and Potential in Higher Ed” on Friday, April 10, in Dineen Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

. Event details and poster exhibition proposal instructions (deadline: March 1) are .

性视界 the Symposium

The symposium examines how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)’s foundational principles have transcended U.S. borders to influence international disability rights frameworks, accessibility standards and inclusive design practices across diverse cultural and legal landscapes.

Disability rights activist , who holds a degree from Georgetown University, be the keynote speaker and will discuss her experiences with accommodation and accessibility while pursuing her degree.

Panel Topics

Panel 1: Practical and Conceptual Tensions in Accessibility and Accommodation
The panel examines whether universal design truly advances equity or risks masking persistent inequalities. Panelists will navigate the intersection of disability rights, academic freedom and pedagogical innovation, asking whether current frameworks adequately serve students with disabilities or perpetuate exclusion.

Panel 2: Higher Ed Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence and Accommodation in Comparative Focus
The panel takes a global comparative approach to how different legal frameworks, economic contexts and technological infrastructures shape accessibility. The panelists will explore whether the shift from the ADA’s civil rights paradigm to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) human rights framework has transformed access to higher education worldwide.

Panel 3: Implementation and Institutional Buy-In: Futures and Transformative Potential
This panel confronts the gap between aspirational commitments to accessibility and the lived realities of disabled students, faculty and staff. The panelists will examine why universities struggle to implement universal design principles and what transformative change requires.

Poster Exhibition

The symposium includes a poster exhibition. The proposal deadline is March 1, and specifications are available on the .

“This is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students across campus and the world to discuss, analyze, compare and share strategies relating to accessibility and universal design across diverse learning environments,” says Cora True-Frost, G’01, L’01, professor of law, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence and symposium organizer. “A central goal is engaging university communities globally about both the promise and challenges of opening higher education more proactively to people with disabilities.”

The symposium is sponsored by the Burton Blatt Institute, Center for Disability Resources, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Disability Law and Policy Program, Impunity Watch News, Journal of Global Rights and Organizations, Journal of International Law and Commerce and the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Program.

Six more students are taking their interest in social justice to the Southern Hemisphere as in a unique study abroad opportunity that furthers their research skills and broadens their knowledge of an important period in Chilean history.

The students, based at the 性视界 Abroad center in Santiago, are continuing work initiated by two previous student fellows last fall. They are exploring the human rights violations of the Pinochet dictatorship in that country and contributing to work that is underway at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in documenting the stories of victims and creating biographical profiles in their memory. During Pinochet鈥檚 17-year reign, more than 3,000 people died or disappeared, 200,000 suffered exile and over 30,000 were tortured.

The fellows are working with Mauricio Paredes, director of the Santiago center, 聽a scholar on Chilean internment camps, nationalism and U.S. involvement in Chilean politics, and are learning skills with the museum鈥檚 archivist and collections manager. The fellows are:

• Madiou Bah ’27, economics () and broadcast and digital journalism (); the media’s role in generating support for the regime.
• Jherlyn Brady ’27, communication and rhetorical studies (); the dictatorship’s impact on education and how institutional reforms, including both explicit and hidden curriculums, were used to implement social control.
• Grant Montonye ’28, international relations (Maxwell School); how the country’s legal system and constitution were used to install and validate authoritarianism.
• Sophia Ortiz-Heaney ’27, economics and international relations (Maxwell School); the dictatorship’s impact on the labor force and unions; forced relocation cases; the neoliberal narrative of individual success.
• Mason Rosenbaum ’27, international relations (Maxwell School); state repression and power and the perception of citizens as threats to the government, with historical comparisons to the current government and police.
• Laila Terrell ’27, international relations (Maxwell School); gender-based violence against conservative and far-right women from a historical perspective, and how gender may be seen as a threat to authoritarian control.

The second group of global fellows broadens the project鈥檚 scope while providing unique research opportunities specifically aligned to students鈥� interests in an abroad setting, says Kendall Phillips, director of the Lender Center for Social Justice. 鈥淭here is such a deep and complex legacy to the dictatorship [period] in Chile that we wanted to engage a wide interdisciplinary perspective.鈥�

The fellows will present their research findings at a symposium held at the museum on Tuesday, May 5, in concert with a planned discussion led by 性视界 University Artist In Residence . Weems will discuss her work around monuments and 鈥淐ontested Sites of Memory鈥� in relation to the projects of the Lender Global Fellows.

Fall Fellows’ Experiences

Ayanna (AJ) Hyatte G ’25 and Ohemaa Asibuo ’27, who were Lender Global Student Fellows in Santiago last fall, 聽say their experiences in Santiago and working at the museum provided sobering but valuable knowledge that has informed their views of social justice and impacted their plans for international relations careers. They studied with Paredes and worked with Museum of Memory archivist Rodolfo Ibarra and collections manager Maria Luisa Ortiz.

Hyatte analyzed the museum鈥檚 database for victims not involved in the left-wing politics that typically made people targets of the dictatorship. Those individuals “exemplified how the loss of the rule of law affects everyone,鈥� Hyatte says. 鈥淢ost of our host families and professors had their own firsthand or familial experiences with [the dictatorship] and provided testimonials and that definitely changed how I engaged with the subject … [and] permanently changed how I view historical events.” Hyatte completed a master鈥檚 degree in international relations and is pursuing public policy career options and doctoral programs.

Asibuo, a junior dual major in international relations and Spanish, scoured victim databases to identify how various social groups were affected and categorized them by their ages, jobs and how they died.

“It was pretty heavy to deal with, especially when I came to people who were [my age] or even younger. I motivated myself by remembering that the goal was to spread the victims’ names, not let them be forgotten, and to use commemorative education to prevent these types of things from occurring again. Now, I hope to continue to advocate for using past historical events as warnings to help us navigate how we approach our futures,” she says.

Paredes says the impact of the students鈥� work is clear. 鈥淲ithout a doubt, this research will help Chilean society understand how the loss of democracy and the rule of law affect everyone equally, regardless of political preferences,” he says.