Kari Anderson
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); BA Anthropology; minor, Creative Writing ‘22
Hometown: Mercer Island, Washington
Affiliations: “I'm a member of the Michigan Marching Band (MMB), where I play clarinet. I am also the Business and Music Library Staff Manager of the MMB, as well as a member of the basketball pep band. I am a member of Daily Arts at The Michigan Daily, Michigan's student newspaper; I've been on Daily Arts for two and a half years as a member of the Film Beat and was a Senior Arts Editor for the 2021 school year.”
Future Plans: “Next year, I'll be attending the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, getting a Master's of Science in Journalism! Going forward, I'm hoping to continue writing about communities and the cultural significance of topics like film, art, and sports.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I've loved getting to take a variety of classes through PICS and learning about the past, present, and future of the world. Some of my favorite parts of being in PICS is when topics would overlap with other classes, especially between my International Studies and Anthropology classes, as well as a lot of my French classes. My PICS classes have lead me to consider a lot more about modern-day conflicts, crises, and triumphs, which makes me a more well-rounded, better-informed person as I navigate and consider world conflict going forward.”
Thomas Below
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); minor, Political Science ‘22
Hometown: Rochester, MI
Affiliations: Theta Xi Fraternity, Michigan Pre-Law Society
Future Plans: “Working as an associate at AlphaSights in New York City.”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “Getting to attend classes with people who share the same passion for the world, and want to make a difference.”
Tamara Felisha Bingham
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); BA History ‘22
Hometown: Flint, MI
Affiliations: Filipino American Student Association, YMCA, Comprehensive Studies Program, Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Future Plans: “I will continue doing research abroad in the Philippines! Down the road, I see myself as an immigration human rights lawyer using my cultural knowledge and multilingualism.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “My fondest memory of PICS is going to the Weiser Hall to study and meet with the major advisor!”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “I am so grateful for PICS to be a part of my undergrad career I have learned a lot about myself as a student, the international community, and what it truly means to be a globalized citizen. I am ready for what's next! I would also like to wish the best of luck to my PICS peers! Forever Go Blue!”
Kirsten Birman
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); BA Spanish ‘22
Hometown: Caledonia, MI
Affiliations: On Campus: Peer Facilitator for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, Mindful Leader Fellow for the Barger Leadership Institute, and member of the Peace Corps Prep Program; Off campus: District Secretary for the Michigan District of Circle K International
Future Plans: “After graduation, I will be moving to Minneapolis, MN to pursue a career in environmental education. In the coming years, I hope to continue my education through obtaining a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Taking INTLSTD 401. It was such an interesting topic, and Dr. U made the class really enjoyable!”
Arianna Brangman
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Psychology; minor, Crime and Justice; minor, Moral and Political Philosophy ‘22
Hometown: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Affiliations: Sigma Iota Rho, Michigan Refugee Assistance Program
Future Plans: “For the 2022-2023 school year, I will be attending King's College London pursuing a M.A. in Intelligence and International Security.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Joining the International Studies honors club. I've been with them for 3 years and have held leadership positions for the last two. I can truthfully say that they have been the highlight of my experience at Michigan and it has been the community I've connected to the most. It's been so amazing being able to meet and speak to people about what's happening around the world, exchange different opinions, and look towards the future to see what we can do to promote change wherever it's needed.”
Abbi Brown
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); BA Economics; minor, Spanish ‘22
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Affiliations: Best Buddies, SWIE
Future Plans: “Moving to New York to work in economic consulting (specifically international arbitration), but eventually I hope to work in international economic development.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Teaching english and mentoring a women's empowerment group in Tanzania!”
Paulina Buchta
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science; BA Polish; minor, Business Administration ‘22
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Affiliations: SAPAC, Alpha Phi Sorority
Future Plans: “Attending Northwestern University to study Public Policy and Administration and will be pursuing a career in consulting after graduate school!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Working at the International Institute as an Office Assistant for 3 years and getting to know the PICS staff and faculty! I also learned so much from working with my thesis adviser, Professor Jones.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “I am so grateful for my family, friends, professors, and advisers for helping me achieve all of my goals throughout undergrad here at Michigan that have set me up for an exciting future to look forward to!”
Yushan Cao
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development) ‘22
Hometown: Changsha, China
Affiliations: Women’s Foreign Policy Group, Programs Intern Michigan in Washington, 2022 Winter Cohort UM Political Science Department, Research Assistant
Future Plans: “Johns Hopkins University, School of Advance International Studies”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “The opportunity of meeting great mentors and friends!”
Kayleigh Crabb
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Global Environment and Health); BA Political Science ‘22
Hometown: Northville, MI
Affiliations: One for the World Michigan, the Global Scholars Program, and the Michigan Journal of International Affairs
Future Plans: “I will be attending the Yale School of the Environment to pursue a Master of Environmental Management.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Studying abroad in Bhutan.”
Grace I. Diaz
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science; minor, History of Art ‘22
Hometown: North Bergen, New Jersey
Affiliations: Michigan Pre-Law Society
Future Plans: “Working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Taking my favorite International Studies class INTLSTD 401 with Dr. Marcum!!”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “My absolute thanks and gratitude to my professors, family, and friends for always motivating me to strive for excellence.”
Allyson Dobrowalski
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Global Environment and Health); BA Psychology ‘22
Hometown: Boyne Falls, MI
Affiliations: Generation Mental Health, Culture Collaboratory, International House, Kessler Scholars
Future Plans: “I will be moving to New York City post graduation to pursue a career in either research, international relations, global health, communications, or consulting! I hope to be working in a social impact space with an emphasis on cross-cultural communication and understanding.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “All of the amazing classes I've been able to be a part of! Through PICS, I was able to explore so many different interests throughout schools beyond LSA and feel incredibly supported throughout my time at the University of Michigan. The PICS program was the exact kind of interdisciplinary program I was looking for when coming to UMICH.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “As a first generation student, I am incredibly grateful for all of the support I've gotten from my peers, parents, professors, etc! My time at Michigan wouldn't have been as rewarding without them.”
Declan Doherty
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Economics ‘22
Hometown: Morristown, NJ
Affiliations: Michigan Business Group, Lambda Chi Alpha
Future Plans: “I'll be working as a Strategic Business Consultant for Capgemini in New York, starting in June.”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “International Studies 401.”
Noah Ente
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Judaic Studies; minor, Entrepreneurship ‘22
Hometown: Natick, Massachusetts
Affiliations: The Michigan Daily, Michigan Private Equity and Venture Capital
Future Plans: “Hoping for a career in private investing and potentially attending business school.”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “I loved taking Professor Dincecco’s class on Economic Development and Professor Lieberman’s class on Southeast Asia.”
Elyse Folkman
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Spanish; minor, Environment ‘22
Hometown: Los Altos, CA
Affiliations: Volunteer at the Campus Farm
Future Plans: “After graduation I will be working at a recycling company on food waste solutions. In the future, I am interested in doing work related to food policy.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “The opportunity to take classes across many fields of study.”
Halle Garman
Majors/Minors: BA Spanish; minor, International Studies '22
Hometown: Granville, Ohio
Affiliations: NewLife Church; Project Outreach (Criminal Justice Branch)
Future Plans: "I don't know for sure where I will be moving forward. Maybe in Spain. Maybe in Cuba. Maybe in Ann Arbor. Either way, I would like to use my Spanish moving forward for either medicine or missionary work... or both!"
Fondest memory of his/her experience in PICS: "Becoming awesome friends with all of my classmates on all our super fun museum field trips."
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: "Thank you so much for all the wonderful and amazing opportunities. My love for adventure and learning about other people and cultures has been able to flourish these past four years because of you all and the opportunities you have provided."
Natalie Gilbert
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, History of Law and Policy ‘22
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Affiliations: Fulbright Slovakia Intern, Poetics Lab Intern, Chinese language partner, University of Michigan Gayly, University of Michigan Hillel, Undergraduate Research, MDining Student Manager, Honors Thesis in International Studies
Future Plans: “I will be attending the University of Michigan to attain a dual masters degree in Global Social Work and Masters in International Relations.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “The faculty is amazing and they really go above and beyond to make you feel at home within the PICS department! Also shoutout to my honors cohort for making our very hectic thesis schedule much more bearable!”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “Wherever you go, GO BLUE!”
Suzgo Gondwe
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation) ‘22
Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
Affiliations: Michigan Air National Guard and SVA
Future Plans: “Currently have a position with the Michigan Air National Guard as an Aviation Maintenance Production Controller. My immediate future plan is to enroll into an MBA program at Ross Business School.”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “My rich interactions with faculty members and the ever-supportive staff and professors.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “To the professors, keep doing what you do best.”
Charlie Goodwin
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); minor, Entrepreneurship ‘22
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
Affiliations: WCBN Sports, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Alliance Consulting Group
Future Plans: “Investment Banking Analyst with HSBC in NYC.”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “My favorite PICS memory was definitely International Studies 101 with Dr. Marcum because it was my first experience with PICS and I immediately knew I wanted to pursue the degree!”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “I'd like to thank every single person that has been a part of my Umich experience because each and every individual made some sort of impact in their own way!”
Hayden Page Dahlvik Graves
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); BA Romance Languages & Literatures; minor, Translation Studies ‘22
Hometown: Traverse City, MI
Affiliations: RC, Language Resource Center, English Language Institute, Inter Cooperative Council, ITSA - Italian Student Association
Future Plans: “Europe. Either France or Spain!”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “My 401 class with Professor Howard Tsai.”
Caroline Grueneis
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA German; BA History ‘22
Hometown: Park Ridge, NJ
Affiliations: Big Ticket Productions and German Club
Future Plans: “I am going to be a Student Life Program Coordinator at the University of Iowa.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Taking Dr. M's 401 class last semester.”
Aakriti Gupta
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Global Environment and Health); BA Environmental Studies (Business, Justice and Society); BA History ‘22
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Affiliations: Michigan TAAL (Bollywood Fusion Dance), Epsilon Eta (Environmental Fraternity), RC Peer Mentoring, PitE Club, UMTaekwondo, MUNUM (Model UN)
Future Plans: “I am currently looking for and would like to pursue a career in environmental diplomacy. I also hope to get my masters in a similar field soon!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Studying and researching abroad in Kenya!”
Xhulia Guri
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); BA English ‘22
Hometown: Dearborn, MI
Affiliations: Michigan Foreign Policy Council, Xylem Magazine, Research Assistant for Michigan Institute in Computational Discovery & Engineering
Future Plans: “I will be working as a College Connections Coordinator for LSA Advancement.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “My fondest memory is interning for the Municipality of Tirana through PICS.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “I would like to thank my parents, professors and my peers for all of their help and support through these past 4 years.”
Eleanor Henry
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); minor, Business Administration; minor, Spanish Language and Culture ‘22
Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA
Affiliations: Lean In (Women in Business Club), U-M Ross Green Wolverine Legal Committee, served as a financial intern on Eli Savit Washtenaw County Prosecutor Campaign, Volunteer at Community Day Care for a semester, College Democrats, Sigma Kappa Sorority
Future Plans: “Cost Management Consulting in NYC”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I think my favorite part of PICS has been getting to take an extremely diverse array of classes over the course of my college experience.”
Rebecca Herrera
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development) ‘22
Hometown: Bayonne, NJ
Affiliations: Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Beta Chapter, Mi Casa Es Tu Casa, Inc. , Proyecto Avance Latino Mentorship Association (PALMA), National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN pronounced NizMuhn) Director, OptiMize Social Innovation Challenge Recipient -- Cohort 9, Latinidad Magazine, OJEADA Magazine, ALMA Core Member 2019, Latinx History Month Committee Member FA20, Dr. Ormond MacDougald Lab Assistant 2019-2020
Future Plans: “I am an incoming Associate on the Client Services Team at AlphaSights at their NYC office. My long-term career goal is to become PMP certified and work as a project manager in an industry that I love, although I have not decided what that is yet. I truly hope to be able to travel the US and the World, especially since I was unfortunately not able to study abroad as a result of COVID. I hope to build up my publication, OJEADA, alongside my business partner, Maria Sobrino and venture into more creative spaces. Additionally, graduate and/or professional school is still on the table, though I have not decided in what field I will pursue, but law, business analytics or management, or political economy are at the top of the list.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “International Studies 101 with Dr. Greta Uehling! The course introduced me to my interest in economics which I had duly avoided prior to it. We had a guest lecture from Professor John Adams who spoke on international relations in the context of the history of the European Union. That one lecture single handedly sent me down my Political Economy & Development path and encouraged me to try out Econ 101! I ended up taking Professor Adams' European Union course this year. The intro course also introduced me to some great friends and interesting topics. It ultimately pushed me to declare IS as a major.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “You're all great and thank you for all the support you've provided me throughout the last years. To my friends who pulled all-nighters with me in the Fish and UGLi, we're troopers and we made it! Now we can sleep blissfully. We sure do have a lot of catching up to do. Thank you to my family who sent their love and support from 600+ miles away, even when I was busy and we did not talk much, I knew you were rooting for me.”
Hailey Hoffman
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA History; minor, Crime and Justice ‘22
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
Affiliations: President of Alpha Chi Omega, Member of the Pearl Project, Member of K-Grams
Future Plans: “This upcoming school year, I will be moving to Spain to teach English while planning to continue my education in the Fall of 2023 by pursuing a Masters Degree in National Security Studies in Washington D.C. In the future, I aspire to work for the United States Department of State on issues related to Nuclear Nonproliferation.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “This isn't so much a memory as it is what I love about PICS. The interdisciplinary nature of this degree has exposed me to different forms of learning across departments. From primary source analyses in History courses to Political Science design models and Sociological frameworks, I have learned many different approaches to learning, something that I have found is unique to my learning amongst friends of other majors.”
Aidan Wallace Johnston
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development) '22
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Future Plans: Working for Oracle in Boston as a member of their BDC Program.
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: "My fondest memory from my experience in PICS was in Dr. Greta Uehling’s 401 course on Human Trafficking and Smuggling. We were able to meet with former US ambassador Luis C. Debaca and learn about his experience as a federal Civil Rights Prosecutor and his efforts to combat human trafficking."
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: "Thank you so much to my family, friends, and professors. You all supported me throughout my time at the University of Michigan and contributed to the unforgettable experience I was able to have here."
Alexandra Kantor
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Law, Justice & Social Change ‘22
Hometown: South Salem, New York
Affiliations: Group leader for Wolverine Support Network (WSN) and a volunteer for Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC)
Future Plans: “I am an incoming Client Protection Associate at AlphaSights in New York City!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I have had an amazing time in PICS and honestly my fondest memory is the people. Every class I've taken under the PICS major, I have met incredible people that have influenced and changed my perception of the world around me. I've loved learning alongside my amazing peers and there is no other group of people I would have wanted to work and learn with over my time at Michigan.
Nicole Meishan Lin
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science; minor, Paleontology; minor, Chinese/Asian Language and Culture ‘22
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Affiliations: Student Community of Progressive Empowerment, SAPAC Survivor Empowerment and Ally Support (SEAS), Residential College, Sigma Iota Rho, Harvest Mission Community Church, and Michigan Muscle Club
Future Plans: “Hopefully working in DC!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Sigma Iota Rho meetings!”
Hannah Martin
Majors/Minors: BA Sociology (Subplan: Law, Justice and Social Change); minor, International Studies ‘22
Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
Affiliations: Global Scholars Program - Dialogue Facilitator, Black Student Union - Member
Future Plans: “I intend to take a gap between graduation and law school to gain work experience and study for the LSAT.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “DHRC/PICS/Perseus Strategies International Human Rights Fellowship”
Clarisa Moreno-Middleberg
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Women's and Gender Studies ‘22
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Affiliations: Michigan Marching Band, Michigan Basketball Band, Michigan Foreign Policy Council
Future Plans: “After graduation I'll be attending the The University of Michigan to pursue a Master of Management degree at the Ross School of Business. I'm hoping to pursue a compliance career in international business.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “My fondest memory was being able to intern with The Carter Center thanks to a PICS funded internship scholarship.”
Violet Needham
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Sociology; BA Asian Studies (Japanese Studies) ‘22
Hometown: Chesterton, IN
Affiliations: Sigma Iota Rho International Studies Honors Society; Japanese-English Language Exchange (JELE - Michigan State University)
Future Plans: “Either I will be taking a position as a "Bilingual Logistics Coordinator" at Hankyu Hanshin or I will be doing research on cryptocurrency at Kyushu University. I have already been accepted into the latter, and am awaiting a response on the former.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I'd probably have to say our final presentation day of INTLSTD401, "Globalized Ancient Worlds" with Howard Tsai. With his guidance, I was able to make a virtual reality exhibit of the expansion of the Japanese empire through cartography and had a GREAT time.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “To my peers - thank you for allowing me to get to know you and it was a pleasure studying with you! To my professors, especially Howard Tsai, thank you for your patience and willingness to entertain my curiosities! To my parents, brother, and beloved partner, I cannot thank you enough for being so supportive and generous through the ups and downs.”
Ciara Nolan
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science ‘22
Hometown: Lake Orion, MI
Affiliations: Model United Nations at the University of Michigan, WeListen, PSIP
Future Plans: “I want to go into European policy or US-Europe relations, particularly US-UK or US-Ireland relations. I am going to Belfast this summer for a fellowship researching the rights of non-Irish EU citizens in the UK following Brexit.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “It was really engaging working with my peers in my 401 class and discussing pressing current events that related to our class material. In general, I enjoyed working with real world problems through my PICS classes.”
Arianna Pollack
Majors/Minors: BA Economics; minor, International Studies; minor, Public Policy ‘22
Hometown: Rockaway, NJ
Affiliations: Ethical Investments Club, MUSIC Matters; Public Service Internship Program (PSIP) 2020-2021 Cohort; member of Society of Women in Economics (SWIE); contributor for Michigan Journal of Economics (MJE)
Future Plans: “After graduation, I'll be interning in London at Kite Insights, working in sustainability consulting. I'm also hoping to live in Spain for a month before returning to start my full-time job in the US in January. Once I come back, I will be working at Deloitte as a Sustainability Assistant in New York City. I wasn't able to study abroad for a semester during my time at Michigan because of the pandemic, so I'm extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to go abroad after I graduate while working in a field that interests me!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I really enjoyed being able to take a wide range of courses and it was rewarding to have moments where the topics in my International Studies classes directly related to what I was learning in classes for my major. My other favorite memory was going to Barcelona for two weeks on a microinternship program. I couldn't study abroad for a semester because of the pandemic, so I was beyond excited to go on this trip before my senior year!”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “I am so grateful for the encouragement and support from my friends, family, and peers over the past 4 years! I also want to thank the amazing professors and advisors in PICS—I've learned so much from them and appreciate all of the time they put into making this program so great for us.”
Quentin Powers
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science ‘22
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia
Affiliations: Michigan Journal of International Affairs, Sigma Iota Rho, ELI Conversation Circles
Future Plans: “Taking some time off.”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “The opportunity to take so many unique courses.”
Brenna Schnelbach
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); minor, Political Science ‘22
Hometown: Brighton, MI
Affiliations: Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society
Future Plans: “I will be completing the DSIP program for the School of Information and afterwards, I hope to spend a year volunteering in France before attending law school.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Going to the Ann Arbor Film Festival with one of my classes.”
Jenna Segal
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BFA Dance ‘22
Hometown: Millersville, MD
Affiliations: Vice President of the Dance Student Assembly, Independent research projects
Future Plans: “After graduation, I hope to continue my current research exploring art's ability to foster social cohesion in local and national communities.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Staying up late with friends, cramming for Arabic quizzes.”
Caroline Shrock
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science; minor, Judaic Studies ‘22
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Affiliations: Jewish Resource Center, Delta Delta Delta
Future Plans: “I am planning to start law school 2-3 years after graduating and am interested in human rights law. For now, I am hoping to work in New York or DC in the nonprofit or advocacy sectors (still TBD).”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Refugee Voices with Professor Uehling (401) and being able to explore many issues and topics through the PICS department.”
Annabel Smith
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science ‘22
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Affiliations: UNICEF, Pre-Law Society, Students Demand Action Clubs and volunteering at a local elementary school
Future Plans: "I'll be working in Washington DC as a Business Development Associate at POLITICO."
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “IntlStd 401”
Tara Snapper
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); BA Economics ‘22
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Affiliations: Phi Beta Lambda (Business Professional Fraternity), Propel Business Group - Social Impact Consulting, PALMA - Proyecto Avance, Latino Mentoring Association, Hillel
Future Plans: “I will be first working at Huck Capital, a private equity company focused on renewable energy, as a summer analyst. Come September, I will be serving in the Peace Corps as a Community Economic Development Connector in Colombia. My main goal is to discover an inspiring career path that intersects business and social impact, while also taking into account the issues of sustainability, global development, and economic inequality.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “My fondest memory would be attending a virtual career talk (while studying abroad) with John A Young, a UM Graduate working within the UN Refugee Agency. It was extremely interesting hearing about what motivated him to receive a masters degree, enter the refugee agency in the UN instead of another department, and what goals he has for the future. His passion for solving the refugee crisis left me inspired to continue learning about ways I can make change, both with international organizations, and in other facets.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “I would like to express gratitude towards my parents for always encouraging me to study what I think is the most interesting, not only what will help me the most in the future. Their enthusiasm for learning is what has pushed me to always ask questions and learn more about what I'm passionate about. I also appreciate their support for me going out of my comfort zone - whether that's with the classes I've chosen, the summer experiences I've had, or my post-graduation plan, they always have encouraged me to follow my heart, more than anything else.”
Victoria Tan
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Spanish ‘22
Hometown: Novi, MI
Affiliations: Beta Alpha Rho Pre-law & Public Service Fraternity, The Michigan Daily, Michigan Journal of International Affairs
Future Plans: “I'll be applying to law school in the Fall and then taking a year off to travel!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Getting to meet people from all around the world.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “Thank you to parents, friends and professors for helping me to learn and grow. These past few years have truly been the best of my life and while I'm happy to see what is next in store, I am so sad to be leaving this community.”
Caroline M. Theuerkauf
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science; BA German ‘22
Hometown: Midland, MI
Affiliations: LSA Student Government, LSA Student Honor Council, Michigan Active Citizens Alternative Spring Break, Global Scholars Program
Future Plans: “Law School.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I've been able to take the classes I am most interested in through PICS!”
Jamie Todd
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, French '22
Hometown: Milan, MI
Affiliations: "I am the co-president of the Michigan Recreational Tennis Club and have been involved with Hillel while at the university!"
Future Plans: "I am still figuring them out but hope to work overseas at some point, ideally in a French-speaking country as I have a minor in French. I want to improve on my language skills (for both French and Chinese) in the next few years so that I can apply them to my future career."
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: "The connections I've made in my classes! My PICS teachers, classmates, and GSI's have all made learning really fun and I feel lucky to be part of such a cool group of people."
Gabriella Valderrama
Majors/Minors: BS International Studies (Global Environment and Health); BS Program in the Environment; minor, Energy Science and Policy ‘22
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Affiliations: Net Impact (impact investing club), Beta Alpha Rho (Pre-Law and Public Service Fraternity)
Future Plans: “I will be working at a solar company, Borrego, as an Associate Project Developer!”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “I enjoyed my classes the most. International studies classes always pushed me to think outside of my current worldview and helped me foster a more holistic thought process and open mind that I'll carry with me post-graduation.”
Liam Walsh
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); BA Economics ‘22
Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI
Affiliations: Central Student Government, Honors Program, and Delta Upsilon
Future Plans: “Junior Associate at Gasthalter & Co. in NYC”
Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “The Honors Seminar”
Glennie Webster
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Minor - French and Francophone Studies ‘22
Hometown: Beverly Hills, Michigan
Affiliations: Michigan Journal of International Affairs, Freedom House Detroit, AIESEC
Future Plans: “Going to Grad School in Europe for an International Security Studies/International Relations program - still deciding between which school/program as of now.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland at their School of International Relations!”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “Thank you so much to my fellow graduates for generating great discussion in the classroom, and engaging me outside the classroom. Thank you to my parents and friends for the support throughout the past 4 years, as well as the many professors who helped me along the way. I genuinely am so grateful to have such incredible faculty at Michigan who have given me helpful advice for my future plans.”
Brooke Weichel
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science; minor, Gender, Race, & Nation ‘22
Hometown: Olney, Maryland
Affiliations: Marketing & Media Assistant at U-M International Institute, volunteer with SAPAC, Conversation Circle Facilitator with the English Language Institute
Future Plans: “I will be attending the University of Oxford for the MPhil in Politics (European Politics and Society).”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “Completing my senior honors thesis in INTLSTD 498/499.”
Faith Christine Williams
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); minor, Anthropology; minor, French ‘22
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Affiliations: Sigma Iota Rho, Kappa Omega Alpha pre-law and public policy fraternity, New Movement Dance Club, Public Service Internship Program, Office Assistant for PICS, Cafe 32
Future Plans: "I’ll be a Summer Fellow at Evergreen Strategy Group after traveling abroad in May."
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “All of the classes I was able to take! Especially the 401’s I took with Dr. Marcum and Dr. Uehling that really challenged me to learn new research methods, question policies, and try to come up with solutions to security issues.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “Thank you to everyone in the PICS department for all of your support these past 4 years! I can’t imagine my time at Michigan in any other major. The biggest thank you to my family for everything they’ve done for me. Go Blue!”
Suki Zhao
Majors/Minors: BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Political Science, BA American Culture: Ethnic Studies ‘22
Hometown: Escanaba, MI
Affiliations: LSA Student Government, Michigan Taekwondo
Future Plans: “After graduation, I plan to take a gap year before potentially attending law school.”
