2013 Albright Fellows
The Class of 2013 Albright Fellows consists of 20 seniors and 20 juniors, and represents 27 majors at the College.
Thirty-one of the Fellows are U.S. citizens, including ten with dual citizenship, and nine Fellows are international students. Overall, fourteen countries are represented: Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Iraq, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Korea, and United States.
Oluwakemi Loriade Akin-Olugbade ’14
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Majors: French Cultural Studies & Psychology
"As an Albright Fellow, I wish to acquire the pertinent skills necessary to drive positive global change in a variety of issues, particularly with regards to global public health. I look forward to sharing my experiences and benefitting from the faculty and other students’ experiences and insights."
Sundus Al-Bayati ’14
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Major: Architecture
"Through Albright Institute I intend to allow myself to immerse openly in discussions that stem from the diverse backgrounds the Albright fellows bring to the institute while shaping and consolidating my own ideas and beliefs."
Marsin Alshamary ’13
Hometowns: Wichita, Kansas & Kerbala, Iraq
Majors: International Relations-Political Science & French
"Here's to spending a Wellesley winter having great conversations with fellow students, meeting new people and learning how to cooperate successfully in a large group of intelligent, strong-minded women."
Sam Burke ’14
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Majors: Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences & German Studies
"I look forward to collaborating with a group of strong, intelligent women who will learn to analyze and address global challenges by supporting and working with one another."
Juliette Chevallier ’14
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA
Major: Applied Mathematics & Mechanical Engineering
"I am looking forward to engaging in meaningful discourse with these other intelligent women, interacting on an intimate level with the distinguished faculty and guests, and taking the knowledge I gain from the Institute to better Wellesley and the rest of the world through meaningful leadership."
Laura Coffin ’13
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Economics
“I look forward to using the Albright Institute as an opportunity to engage with my classmates on complex global issues, and synthesize our diverse perspectives on potential solutions to the problems of our day."
Yi Ling Dai ’13
Hometown: Suzhou, China
Major: Neuroscience
"By immersing myself in a dynamic and wise group, I hope to gain a heightened understanding of how the world integrates and apply it specifically to the health care field."
Zahrah Zainab Devji ’13
Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
Majors: Women's and Gender Studies & French Language and Literature
"I hope to work together with peers from diverse academic and sociocultural backgrounds in a way that will place me beyond my comfort zone and will help me indulge in new perspectives."
Safaya Fawzi ’14
Hometown; Northbrook, IL
Major: Political Science
"There is no 'meeting of the minds' quite like that of the Albright Institute, and I hope to continue in its young but already vibrant tradition of cultivating global-minded leadership."
Maia Fitzstevens ’13
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Major: Environmental Studies
"I think the Albright Institute offers students a unique opportunity to be stimulated and challenged in a global, interdisciplinary setting. I am excited to see how my critical lens on global environmental and social justice issues is expanded and changed through this experience. I'm most excited about getting to know and learning from the 2013 Fellows!"
Shuyu Gao '13
Hometown: Nanjing, China
Major: Economics
"I look forward to learning about the historical origins of conflicts in the world and thinking of peace solutions for the future."
Carly Gayle ’13
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
Major: Environmental Studies
"Passionate people are humanity’s greatest resource in solving global issues. I can think of few prospects more thrilling than three weeks of dialogue with classmates and mentors who dedicate their lives to this passion."
Jennifer Gu ’14
Hometown: New York, NY
Major: Political Science
"I hope to better understand what it means to be a global citizen in our world today."
Jiwon Hahn ’13
Hometown: Daejeon, South Korea
Major: Comparative Literature
"I am excited to see the hope that struggles to solve global crises and improve communications between diverse cultures will definitely lead to a betterment. I am particularly eager to hear directly from people active in the field where actual applications of academic knowledge happen."
Kelsey Heroux ’14
Hometown: York, Maine
Major: Sociology
"By participating in the Albright Institute for Global Affairs, I hope to broaden and challenge my view of the world as well as my understanding of how to effectively assess and address global issues. I look forward to honing the skills I need to pursue my passion and to taking a significant step towards making a difference in the world."
Jiun-Yiing Hu ’14
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Major: Neuroscience
"I look forward to engaging in interdisciplinary discussions of global affairs and public policy, and developing a broader perspective beyond that of science that will be useful in tackling multifaceted issues of medicine and healthcare at the global level."
Wangũi F.C.N. Kamonji ’13
Hometown: Ongata Rongai, Kenya
Majors: Environmental Studies & Urban Studies (individual major)
"The Agĩkũyũ say, 'kĩara kĩmwe gĩtiũragaga ndaa' (one finger cannot kill a louse). Similarly, I am looking forward to three weeks of engaged, interdisciplinary and holistic conversations with students, faculty and guest lecturers that will continue me on the path of thinking about global issues integrally."
Talar Keskinyan ’13
Hometown: Manhasset, NY
Major: Peace & Justice Studies
"Madeleine Albright said, 'in today’s world, we are all neighbors.' My homestay father in Uganda said to me something similar: “mountains don’t meet but people do.” I am inspired by the Albright Institute, as it will prepare me to participate in global affairs and development in a world in which this is increasingly true."
Christine Kat Yung Keung ’14
Hometown: Temple City, CA
Majors: Environmental Studies & Economics
"The Albright Institute offers me an opportunity to broaden, shape, and deepen my perspectives on the world's most pressing issues. I look forward to the multifaceted and interdisciplinary collaboration with my peers during this unique opportunity."
Nuha Khan ’13
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Majors: Economics & Mathematics
"By engaging in thought-provoking conversations with Wellesley students from diverse backgrounds, I hope to gain a multi-disciplinary perspective on global issues. Three years ago, I could have only dreamed of this opportunity, but now at Wellesley College I can actually be a part of this. I feel inspired."
Tricia Lu ’14
Hometown: Greer, SC
Major: Biological Sciences
"The Albright Institute presents a unique hands-on opportunity to meld my knowledge of science and health with an understanding of global issues. With a greater interdisciplinary and cosmopolitan perspective, I hope to become a global citizen by contributing through meaningful service."
Jessica Malekos-Smith ’13
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Majors: Russian & International Relations-Political Science
"I aspire to serve as a future leader who will help effect change in our nation’s foreign diplomacy sector. The Albright Institute represents an enriching opportunity to immerse myself in the arena of global affairs, while deepening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in designing international policy."
Nora Mishanec ’14
Hometown: Schenectady, NY
Major: Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences
"I'm excited to work with classmates from different backgrounds and majors on the group project. "
Crystal Myung ’14
Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA
Majors: Political Science & Spanish
"The Albright Institute not only provides a nurturing space to ask difficult questions, but also reinforces the importance of analyzing issues through a multidisciplinary approach. With the opportunity to work side by side with my peers and to hear from speakers from diverse career fields, I hope to challenge and be challenged by their insight and perspectives on global issues."
Prerana Nanda ’14
Hometown: Durham, New Hampshire
Major: Economics
"I look forward to engaging in thoughtful dialogue on questions of global affairs and beyond. Every fellow, faculty member and speaker participating in the Albright Institute brings a unique history and perspective to our discussions, and I am excited to listen to and learn from all these diverse experiences."
Nancy Negrete ’14
Hometown: Lynwood, CA
Majors: Political Science & Latin American Studies
"As a fellow of the Albright Institute, I am very excited for the opportunity to participate in such a powerful and dynamic network. Not only will I engage in meaningful dialogue about the world's current events, but I will also challenge myself to exchange ideas, seek solutions and make myself available to the changing world."
Dhivya Perumal ’14
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Major: Neuroscience
"I look forward to gaining insight and knowledge about the intersection of science and global policy-making. I am particularly interested in global health and development, and hope that through the collaboration and dialogue that takes place at the Albright Institute, I will gain various perspectives on complex issues in these fields."
Ana Plascencia Casillas ’14
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Majors: Economics & Political Science
"I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure.” And I chose to embark on a quest for treasure - knowledge, insight, and truth. It is my heartfelt belief that the Albright Institute will provide me with the direction, inspiration, and instruction I need to continue in my quest for obtaining a greater understanding of the pressing issues that affect our world and acquiring the knowledge to develop solutions to these global issues."
Elze Rackaityte ’13
Hometown: Vilnius, Lithuania
Major: Biological Sciences
"I am looking forward to engaging with other globally-minded students and faculty. I want to explore the world that is outside of our comfort zone and discuss the global forces that tie us all together. As a biology student, I am excited to gain perspective on socio-cultural impacts on health."
Emma Rackstraw ’14
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Major: International Relations-Economics
"I am looking forward not only to working with an amazing group of students, professors, and outside speakers, but also to expanding my knowledge and understanding of global affairs through the frameworks of many different disciplines."
Farheen Rahimtoola ’13
Hometown: Bombay, India
Major: Economics
"I am most excited about learning about the toughest challenges our society is facing today in a multi-disciplinary fashion, and thus, holistically thinking about solutions for these problems."
Taibat Salami ’13
Hometowns: Benin City, Nigeria and Chicago, IL
Major: Neuroscience
"When I think of the Albright Institute, I imagine a vibrant mosaic of intelligent women who, though originating from differing backgrounds, share a common interest in global affairs. I look forward to the combination of multiple perspectives in a melting pot of intellectual exchange and collaborative effort for the purpose of finding solutions to global issues. Furthermore, I hope to challenge my knowledge and preconceptions at the Albright Institute."
Sara Simon ’13
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: English
"What excites me most about the Albright Institute is the opportunity to work with people from all academic disciplines and all corners of the world. Together, we will engage critically and creatively with challenging global issues."
Ada Smith ’13
Hometown: Stoughton, Wisconsin
Majors: Environmental Studies & Anthropology
"I am most looking forward to engaging in conversation with peers and professionals of diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines during the Albright Institute. I hope that gaining a more holistic perspective on global issues will prepare me for my future in addressing environmental issues that require cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural communication."
Lois K. Taylor-Kamara ’13
Hometown: New York, New York
Majors: Economics & Middle Eastern Studies
"In participating in the Albright Institute, I hope to gain knowledge of how to effectively stimulate development and to implement international policies. The unique structure of the Albright institute would bridge the gap between recognizing global challenges and effectively solving those challenges."
Mayrah Udvardi ’14
Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon
Majors: Architecture & Environmental Studies
"As a double major in architecture and environmental studies I am gaining facility in art and design as well as science and social studies. But as of yet, I haven’t experienced the full potential of Wellesley’s diverse community. By participating in the Albright Institute with people of all different specialties and passions, I am looking forward to growing more in my field!"
Anisha Vishwanath ’13
Hometown: Westwood, MA
Majors: Art History & Neuroscience
"I cannot wait to interact with Wellesley students who are as passionate about global affairs as I am, and strive to make an impact through various disciplines. I approach global issues through my own experience, so I look forward to analyzing these issues through the diverse lenses of my Wellesley siblings and broadening my own perspective."
Maggie West ’14
Hometown: Middlebury, Vermont
Major: German Studies
"As the group of fellows meets over Wintersession, we will bring together our unique educational backgrounds, world views, and life experiences. I look forward to using these varying perspectives to engage in dialogues on the world’s most pressing issues while learning and sharing with my Wellesley peers."
Audrey Wozniak ’14
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Majors: East Asian Linguistics (individual major) & Music
"I look forward to connecting and collaborating with the Albright Institute's faculty and Fellows, and hope to gain a greater understanding of current issues and what it means to affect change in today's world. I am eager to discover how my experience at this year's Albright Institute will shape my interests in international journalism and diplomacy and lay the foundation for my career."
Kirstin Yanisch ’13
Hometown: Shoreview, Minnesota
Majors: Political Science & French
"As our world becomes more interconnected, so do our academic disciplines, our successes, our failures, and our futures. Through the Albright Institute, I look forward to conversations with our diverse group of fellows about ways in which we can bridge our differences to approach global issues that will affect us all."
