Lauren Bain    

Lauren Bain is originally from Arlington, MA and is double majoring in Psychology and CLEG. She is passionate about social justice, harm reduction, and supporting small communities to effect big change. She plans to return home after graduation to spend time with her mom and substitute teach at her elementary school before applying to earn her Master in Social Work.

 

Sanvi Bangalore            

This summer, I will begin reporting for Insurance Insider in New York City. I have experience covering a wide breadth of business, political, lifestyle, and investigative topics through both written and multimedia formats. While being an honors student at American University pursuing degrees in business and journalism, I completed competitive internships with leading networks such as The Wall Street Journal, CBS News and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, one of CNN's top-rated primetime shows.

 

Cristian Benavidez     

Cristian Benavidez is from San Antonio, TX, and will graduate from the School of Public Affairs this spring as a Legal Studies and CLEG Major. He will then pursue a Master's in Public Policy from American University through the combined program and work at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.

 

Gabrielle Bertrand      

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies: Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, & Government (CLEG) / Minor: African American and African Diaspora Studies        

Gabrielle Bertrand is a fifth-year Honors student with a major in CLEG (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, & Government) and a minor in African American & African Diaspora Studies who will be receiving her diploma this Spring 2025. Gabrielle has been part of the AU Honors Program since her freshman year and would like to express her gratitude to the program for supporting her academic research journey, despite its setbacks. Her Capstone project is greatly informed and inspired by her Fall 2024 internship with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in the U.S. Department of Labor. Gabrielle is a proud member of AU’s Disabled Student Union (DSU), started by former AU Honors students Izzy Scholes-Young and Caroline Arnette. Outside of her classes, Gabrielle is passionate about the performing arts, and has danced with the AU in Motion student dance group for five semesters, in addition to participating in various student-led theatre productions over the years. She looks forward to heading back home to Dublin, Ohio for the summer.

 

Anjali Biswal   

Justice and Law (criminal justice)    

Anjali Biswal is a senior at American University, where she is pursuing a B.A. in Criminal Justice. She will graduate May 2025 and commission as an officer into the U.S. Army Reserve. Next semester, she will pursue a Master’s in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy at American University.

 

International Studies / JLC    

I am a graduating senior at the School of International Service, originally from Hungary. I'm earning a degree in International Relations with a concentration in Foreign Policy and National Security, with a minor in Justice, Law, and Criminology. As part of AU’s BA/MA program, I am currently completing a master’s degree in U.S. Foreign Policy. Alongside my academic work, I serve as a Pathways Intern at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of African Affairs, supporting the bureau’s management and policy operations.

 

Madeline Borruso        

History major, Education Studies minor      

Madeline Borruso is an AU Honors senior, majoring in History and minoring in Education Studies. She is from Fairfield, Connecticut. Madeline is passionate about public history as a means for social justice, which she plans to explore through a career in the museum field. This spring, she has been pursuing this passion by interning at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in the Center for Restorative History. She has loved her experience in the Honors program and is so grateful for the opportunities it has provided!

 

Vivian Burnham             

Biology                

I’m Vivian Burnham, a junior Biology major concentrating in marine microbiology. My research focuses on how microbial communities interact with marine algae to influence coral resilience. Outside the lab, I serve as President of the Honors Student Advisory Committee,where I advocate for students and promote community enrichment. I also manage budgeting and event logistics as Treasurer of the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Council. In my spare time, I work as a tutor in chemistry and biology. Next semester, I’m excited to study abroad in Denmark at DIS Copenhagen, where I’ll be enrolled in the Medical Biotechnology and Drug Development program and begin exploring graduate school opportunities. This summer, I hope to work in a dermatology clinic to start bridging my passion for science with my interest in skincare.

 

Anna Clark       

Biology                

Anna is graduating with a BS in Biology this May. She is a part of both the AU Honors program and the Honors in Biology program. She has completed a year long capstone with the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the Invertebrate Zoology department. Post graduation, Anna plans to continue working in DC before moving onto a PhD in London!

 

Taraji Ellington                

Majors: Environmental Science and Political Science        

My name is Taraji Ellington, and I am an honors student at American University majoring in Environmental Science and Political Science. In the fall, I will be attending George Washington University Law School, where I plan to pursue a concentration in environmental law. My academic and professional journey has been guided by a deep desire to use the law as a tool for advancing equity and sustainability. I am particularly passionate about environmental justice and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind in conversations about climate and policy. As a speaker of Swahili and French, I also hope to use my language skills and legal education to support African affairs in the U.S. and abroad. Whether through environmental advocacy, policy work, or international law, I aim to be a bridge between communities and institutions, working toward a more just, sustainable future across borders.

 

Harris Gagnon                

Applied Mathematics Major and Economics Minor               

Harris is a graduating Senior studying Applied Mathematics and Economics. He is originally from North Carolina and has found a passion for math since starting at American University. Harris enjoys playing guitar, learning how to play genres of all kinds. He also enjoys music theory which is partly the inspiration for his capstone project. His favorite musician is Eddie Cochran.

 

Abigail Gee      

International Studies minoring in Public Health      

Abigail Gee (she/her) is a senior at American University majoring in International Studies with a minor in Public Health. Her studies concentrate in environmentalism and global health specifically with a focus on legal frameworks and policies. Being apart of the AU and School of International Service honors programs have allowed her to expand her research on colonial roots of labor exploitation and gender/caste-based discrimination under the textile industry. Currently, Abigail has just finished up her internship at the U.S. House of Representatives and plans to pursue a career in international environmental law following graduation in May 2025.

                                   

Sarina Govindaiah      

Sarina Govindaiah is a senior International Studies major with minors Transcultural Studies and Business and Entertainment. She is a member of AU Honors Program and the SIS Honors Program. Her research primarily focuses on the South Asian region and media studies and the way IR and the arts intersect. She is attending law school at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California to pursue entertainment and social advocacy law.

                                   

Greetings! My name is Michayla Harris-Tate (she/her)! My studies at AU have deepened my interest and advocacy in education and resource equity, disability justice, holistic social support for vulnerable communities. I am passionate about serving my community, and I am committed to uplifting systemically oppressed communities and empowering young people to exercise their agency.

 

Kai Hawkins    

Journalism Major, Arab World Studies Minor             

Kai is an American University student studying Journalism and the Arab World. His research has touched on Orientalism, Arab Americans in Trump's administration, and how online hate permeates digital cultures, among other topics.

 

Ashley Jones  

Political Science          

Ashley Jones is a Political Science student jointly pursuing her bachelor's degree and her Master's of Public Administration through AU's combined BA/MPA program. After graduating from her undergraduate program this spring, she will start her new job as a Policy Analyst at Michael Best Strategies while she completes her MPA.

 

Alexa Julian     

CLEG and Creative Writing   

Alexa loves to read, write, and watch reality television. She is interested in exploring how language and identity shape the way societies and individuals interact, whether through research, creative nonfiction writing, or a Survivor binge. As graduation approaches, she is desperately hoping that her application to Big Brother gets accepted.

 

Chloe Kenny   

International Relations (Major); Economics (Minor); Spanish (Minor)      

Chloe is graduating from American University with a B.A. in International Relations and minors in Economics and Spanish. A member of both the American University Honors Program and the School of International Service Honors Program, Chloe has researched autocratization in Nicaragua for the past four years, culminating with her Senior Honors Thesis. While a student, Chloe has completed seven internships with various law and lobbying firms alongside part-time work in the service industry. After graduation, Chloe hopes to return to the lobbying industry as a policy specialist before going to law school.

 

Melanie Klein (she/her) is an emerging data scientist passionate about leveraging data for positive social impact and promoting responsible data governance. She has gained valuable experience through internships in the executive and legislative branches, academia, and the nonprofit sector. As a 2025 graduate of American University and a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow, Melanie’s studies focus on the intersection of data, technology, and policy.

 

Kathryn LaLonde          

Major in International Studies, Minor in Spanish    

Kathryn is a senior at American University, originally from Takoma Park, Maryland. She majored in International Studies and minored in Spanish. During her time at AU, she worked as a student ambassador for three years in the Office of Enrollment, studied abroad at the AU Madrid Center in Madrid, Spain, and has spent much of her time in the School of International Service focusing on migration. She currently works for the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights and plans to attend law school in her future.

 

Isabella Love Macchia              

International Studies/Japanese         

In addition to majoring in international studies, I have also taken Japanese classes during my tenure at AU, and studied abroad in Japan during the fall 2023 semester. Before graduation, I am also obtaining my TESOL certification (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) through AU's program in the hopes of deepening my understanding of the connection between language and power.

 

Tim McGill        

International Studies, Arabic Studies             

Tim McGill is a senior undergraduate student at American University's School of International Service. He majors in International Studies with a thematic concentration on U.S. foreign policy and national security, and a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa. He is also a member of the American University Honors Program and the School of International Service Honors Program.

 

Zara Morris      

Political Science          

Zara Morris is a graduating senior with a major in political science. During her time at AU, Zara's work has included policy research for gun violence prevention, studying abroad in Germany, and an internship on Capitol Hill.

 

Makena Muindi              

International Studies                 

Makena Muindi is a graduating senior in the School of International Service, where she concentrates on the Global Economy and Global Inequality and Development. She has also earned a minor in French, which she utilized during her junior year at Sciences Po Paris. At AU, she has been engaged both in and outside of the classroom, as an SIS peer advisor, a member and executive member of the AU Model UN team, an e-board member of the African Students Association, and a member of the AU Club Tennis Team. She has also explored professional experiences on Capitol Hill, at the Federal Reserve, and with Chemonics International. As she graduates, Makena hopes to engage with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly pertaining to private sector strengthening, sustainable livelihood creation, and exploring the role of digital innovation.

 

Edie Myhre       

Neuroscience, Leadership and Ethical Development         

I’m currently pursuing a degree in neuroscience with a certificate in leadership and ethical development. My passion for mental health drives much of my work inside and outside the classroom—I volunteer with a mental health nonprofit, support a local therapy group, and stay actively involved in service through my church. I also serve as a Resident Assistant and have worked at my university’s gym for the past four years, combining my love for athletics with a commitment to wellness. An avid runner and advocate for holistic care, I’m excited to continue this work as I begin a master’s program in clinical social work after graduation, with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist.

 

Omika Malhotra            

Psychology/Biology   

My name is Omika Malhotra, and I am a senior at American University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. I hope to one day attend medical school and work in the pediatric field.

 

Alexia Partouche          

Journalism Major, Double Minor in Literature and Women & Gender Studies     

Alexia Partouche is a senior from Houston studying journalism, literature and gender studies. She has previously covered health and election-related misinformation with AFP Fact-Check. She believes journalism is a public service and plans to pursue a career in local accountability reporting after graduation.

Daniel Punales               

Environmental Science (BS) and Political Science (BA)     

Daniel Punales is a Senior at AU pursuing a dual degree in Environmental Science and Political Science. Originally from Miami, Florida, his admiration for the outdoors started a mere 25 minutes from the city center and into the heart of the Everglades. Situated at the intersection of scientific inquiry and institutional knowledge, Daniel's work seeks to bridge the gap between technical expertise and societal impact, seeking to leverage the impact of research on society. After his time at American University, Daniel aspires to integrate environmental science and public policy - working towards a more resilient world.

Fabianna Rincón          

Journalism, Political Science               

Fabianna Rincon is a senior at American University majoring in Journalism and Political Science. A first-generation American from a family of Venezuelan journalists, she combines her deep roots in communications with a strong interest in politics, shaped by her lived experience in an immigrant household. At AU, she has worked in the School of Communication Dean’s Office and on the communications team for The American Forum, where she supports programming that explores the intersection of politics, media, and democracy. Her professional experience includes working on the digital desk at NBC10 Boston and in political communications with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and is a proud alumna of scholarship opportunities within The LAGRANT Foundation and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She is looking forward to graduating and continuing her career in multimedia and bilingual journalism.

                                   

Samantha Short           

Anthropology and Dance       

Samantha Short (she/her) is a senior Anthropology and Dance double major within American University’s Honors Program. She works to adjoin these two disciplines, offering interdisciplinary choreographic works that have been shown at ACDA’s 2025 Mid-Atlantic Conference and accepted to the 2025 Dance Studies Association Conference. As a professional dancer, she has notably performed at The REACH Kennedy Center during a creative residency for Ronya-Lee Anderson, and at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s 2023 Encore show in a duet work by Gabriel Mata.

Tommy Soodak              

Double major in economics and legal studies         

My name is Tommy Soodak and I am a senior studying law and economics. I have a particular interest in the broad intersection of jurisprudence and environmental economics. In my spare time, I am an amateur wildlife photographer and have captured 130 bird species in the DC area.

Justice & Law Major, Legal Studies Minor    

I am a graduating senior at American University majoring in Justice and Law. As a first-generation college student, I’ve dedicated my academic journey to exploring issues related to criminal justice reform, youth advocacy, and the media’s influence on public perception of crime. Throughout my time at AU, I’ve conducted research on topics such as prison nurseries, police practices, and media sensationalism, and have had the opportunity to share my work through the university’s Honors Program. I’m passionate about creating more equitable justice policies and will be continuing this work by attending law school in the fall.

Mia Stryker       

Mia is a graduating senior who is majoring in Legal Studies and pursuing a certificate in Disability, Health, and Bodies. She is also working at an immigration firm as a legal assistant, a job which she will continue upon graduation.

Erin Swartz      

History                 

I am predominantly interested in cultural revival movements, Soviet indigenization policy, and ethnic politics of Eastern Europe in the twentieth century. Last semester, I was a visiting student at the University of Alberta as a Fulbright Canada Killam Fellow and studied Ukrainian history and language. I will be returning to Edmonton in the fall as a graduate student, pursuing my MA in History.

Finance, Political Science     

I am senior majoring in finance and political science. As someone who has interned at a wealth management firm, working with clients to solve difficult challenges has become a passion of mine. I will be attending Seton Hall Law School in the fall.

 

Journalism and Political Science      

Abigail Turner is a senior honors program student at American University pursuing dual degrees in journalism and political science. She has interned for National Journal’s Hotline and CNN and served as editor-in-chief of The Eagle. Turner is originally from Powell, Ohio.

 

Katherine Valbuena   

Katherine Valbuena is graduating this semester with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. Her academic interests focus on global inequality and development, human rights, migration, and the Latin America region. She has been a part of the Honors Program since arriving to American University in 2021 and is grateful for the opportunities and friendships it has provided her. 

Aniyah Woods                

My name is Aniyah Woods, and I am originally from Long Island, New York. I am a Finance major, and after graduating, I will be starting a new role as a client associate at a family office. I love to travel, hang out with friends, and try new restaurants in my free time.

Jack Ziets          

Political Science          

Jack Ziets is an undergraduate at American University, where he will begin the BA/MA program in Political Communication this summer. He has served as President of the AU Honors Program and brings experience from roles on Capitol Hill and with the Montana Democratic Party, focusing on political organizing and communications.