Grace Lewis

Samantha Nissen

Shail Belani

Shail Belani is a third-year undergraduate studying industrial engineering. He is an alumnus of the Elliott Scholars Program, through which he participated in an internship based in Salta, Argentina. He wanted to become an ambassador to support other students embarking on similar journeys in internationally focused scholarship.  

“Between opportunities to hear from world-renown panelists at the Roberta Buffett Institute itself to the Elliott Scholars Program that allowed me to travel to Argentina, I think my opportunities with Buffett exposed me to really cool people with really cool life experiences and insights that I would have not otherwise had access through in my traditional curriculum.” 

Dasha Dubinina

Dasha Dubinina is a second-year undergraduate studying journalism and environmental policy and culture. She is an alumnus of the Atlas Peer Mentorship Program and the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, as well as a contributor to student-led speaker events at the Institute. With the support of the research fellowship, she travelled to Denmark and Poland to visit headquarters of major media publications.

“As an international student, I’ve always been drawn to global research and activism. While Northwestern offers countless opportunities to explore these interests, it was the Roberta Buffett Institute’s genuine support for student passions that helped bring many of my projects to life and made me feel deeply connected to Buffett's community. If you're curious about opportunities, need guidance, or want to share an idea, reach out—we’ll find a way to make it happen together!” 

Lula Fox

Lula Fox is a fourth-year undergraduate studying anthropology and environmental policy and culture. She is an alumnus of the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. With the support of the fellowship, she travelled to Guam where she engaged in ethnographic fieldwork with Indigenous communities. While there, she built deep personal connections with local Indigenous cultural advocates by sharing in discussions about stories of their homelands, their broader communities, and their personal experiences within Indigenous place-making and cultural preservation.

“Through my own experience doing research through this Buffett program, I was able to navigate the complex political and cultural issues that my communities have endured, including Indigenous language revitalization, archaeology, cultural preservation, environmental/ecosystem management, and heritage studies. I would love to talk to students who are interested in doing research around these topics and have the desire to work with local and Indigenous communities or knowledge systems.” 

Ines Gomez Gil Rivas

Ines Gomez Gil Rivas is a third-year undergraduate majoring in Radio, Television, and Film Studies. She is an alumnus of the Atlas Peer Mentorship Program, through which she found a sense of community mentors and mentees who were open to discussing issues, lifestyles, and perspectives of the world.

“As a Buffett Ambassador, I'd like to share not only how much it's meant to me in terms of both learning and building community and all the amazing resources it has, but also how Buffett staff is always willing to hear our problems and proposals, create a space for all interests and needs, and simply be there for us in times of both need and joy.” 

Amelia Hasting

Amelia Hasting is a third-year undergraduate studying industrial engineering. She is an alumnus of the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. With the support of the fellowship, she travelled to Gothenburg, Sweden to work on a chemical engineering project with faculty at Northwestern and at Chalmers University.

“As a student who'd never done research or been out of the country prior to entering college, I'm familiar with how nerve-racking taking part in these programs can be. However, this program was such a wonderful opportunity to experience a new environment and engage in research with amazing people. The opportunity to pursue a funded research experience abroad wasn’t something I imagined would be possible as an undergraduate, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. I would love to share that gratitude with others by encouraging students to explore what the program offers.” 

Mira Henchi

Mira Henchi is a third-year undergraduate studying anthropology and international studies. She is an alumnus of the Atlas Peer Mentorship Program and the Elliott Scholars Program, through which she participated in an internship based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

“Taking my learning about international development from inside the classrooms of University Hall and 555 Clark in winter and spring all the way to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in the summer was such an enriching and immersive experience. Doing the Elliott Scholars Program helped me learn not only about myself but about what community looks like, having spent two months in a tightly knit village living with a host family. Feel free to reach out if you need hyping up, want some tips for doing GESI over the summer, or have any worries that you need help letting go of!” 

Allie Hill

Allie Hill is a fourth-year undergraduate double-majoring in psychology and legal studies. She is an alumnus of the Elliott Scholars Program, through which she participated in a summer internship at SustainMe, a women's empowerment organization in Uganda. She wanted to share her perspective on the program's internship component and stories of how impactful her experiences were. 

“My internship in Uganda through the Roberta Buffett Institute was so life-changing, and I truly woke up every day in-country feeling like it was an experience I couldn't have anywhere else! I got to pursue a job opportunity in my field of study with a level of independence that most American internships don't offer, while also exploring historic sites, the most gorgeous nature I've ever seen, and a whole new city. This experience really allowed me to strengthen my interpersonal skills, especially as I've stayed in contact with both my in-country nonprofit boss and my host family since returning back to the states.” 

Ashley Kim

Ashley Kim is a third-year undergraduate studying journalism and art history. She is an alumnus of the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. With the support of the fellowship, she worked closely with filmmakers at Tongji University in Shanghai and leveraged her Chinese skills.

“The Roberta Buffett Institute is a wonderful campus resource, and I am lucky to have discovered its programming at an open house as a freshman. I feel like many students aren't aware of all the opportunities it offers until later in college, and I would love to help promote Buffett and be a resource to underclassmen who might not have research experience yet.” 

Kathryn Jie

Kathryn Jie is a third-year undergraduate studying biological sciences and global health studies with minors in biotechnology and biochemical engineering. She is an alumnus of the Elliott Scholars Program, through which she participated in a summer internship in Salta, Argentina.

“The aspect of my experience I would be most excited to share with prospective students is how the program shows that development is not only about international projects but also about noticing opportunities for change in your local community. I would highlight how the case studies and discussions taught me to turn empathy into action, and how learning alongside a group of equally curious and passionate peers makes the work feel both rigorous and supportive. I would also be excited to share how the program builds lasting relationships—with classmates, faculty, and community partners—that continue to shape how you approach new challenges.” 

Liana Liu Ioannides

Liana Liu Ioannides is a second-year undergraduate studying journalism and math. She has helped spearhead student-led speaker events at the Roberta Buffett Institute.

“Buffett shines as a home for both learning and participation, with an incredible range of opportunities available for students to actively engage in international affairs! I am excited to actively encourage students to not only participate in Buffett's opportunities but also take the initiative to create new ones. When I reached out to Buffett with the idea of doing a peacebuilding/youth related event, the team responded enthusiastically by creating a student-led symposium.” 

Elizabeth Lowry 

Elizabeth Lowry is a fourth-year undergraduate double-majoring in journalism and English literature, and an alumnus of the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. With the support of the fellowship, she developed her research skills through hands on work in repositories, archives, and museums in both London and Paris. She wanted to become an ambassador to bring more exposure to the resources and opportunities the Institute affords undergraduates, while also supporting students who may feel inexperienced, intimidated, or confused by any aspect of the programming. 

“I'm interested in becoming an ambassador because I remember the feeling of disbelief and overwhelming gratitude I first experienced when I received the opportunity to become a fellow. The magnitude of experience and immersion that comes with research, international or otherwise, is something I'd consider myself familiar with now, and I truly understand the challenges that come with navigating new responsibilities of individual research, student-mentor relationships, and independent travel.” 

Sarah Norman

Sarah Norman is a fourth-year undergraduate double-majoring in social policy and international studies. She is an alumnus of the Elliott Scholars Program, through which she participated in a summer internship in Hanoi, Vietnam. She wanted to become an ambassador because she wants to serve as a resource for other students who are looking for support in professional development for internationally focused careers.  

“The Elliott Scholars Program helped me develop a strong foundation in international development theories, culminating in real-world cross-cultural experience during my internship in Vietnam. Most importantly, it fostered a network of students with mindsets and interests similar to my own. The Roberta Buffett Institute is the only place on campus that directly and holistically serves my interests and career aspirations, and where I often felt less alone in pursuing a path different from many of my peers, as it introduced me to others who shared my goals.” 

Haarika Palacharla

Haarika Palacharla is a third-year undergraduate double-majoring political science and comparative literary studies. She is an alumnus of the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, through which she developed research skills, connected with professors, and met students with similar interests.

“Through my research, I was able to learn a new way about thinking of materials as I worked in a field of studies that I typically am not a part of. That experience of learning about a new field would be something I would love to share with prospective students! I would also be excited to share exactly what I did as a research assistant and the process of presenting my work to the other fellows. Additionally, I would like to share what I learned about other fellows' projects and how I was able to build meaningful relationships with the other students in the program.” 

John Sisco

Josh Sisco is a third-year undergraduate studying journalism, political science, and history. He is an alumnus of the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. With the support of the fellowship, he completed several research interviews while studying abroad in Berlin. He wanted to become an ambassador to share his experiences with the Institute with fellow students.  

“The Roberta Buffett Institute has consistently been one of the most useful, accessible, open, and constructive parts of my experience at Northwestern. Through it, I have been able to meet fascinating people from around the world, trained valuable career skills, and worked alongside a wonderful community of people interested in engaging with the world beyond the borders of the United States.” 

Mira Trofymchuk

Mira Trofymchuk is a second-year undergraduate double-majoring in journalism and international studies. She is an alumnus of the Atlas Peer Mentorship Program, which gave her motivation and inspiration to make a significant change not only in her community but also in the world more broadly.

“My experience with the Roberta Buffett Institute was transformative because by collaborating with new people and attending incredibly interesting events, Buffett gave me the perfect space to explore new ideas, broaden my horizons, and discover passions I didn’t even know I had. It opened doors to opportunities I never imagined and helped me grow both personally and academically. If you’re curious about diving into new experiences or want advice on making the most of what Buffett offers, I’d be more than happy to help!” 

Yamandú Capalbo

Yamandú is a second-year undergraduate studying journalism and linguistics with a minor in data science. He is an alumnus of the Atlas Peer Mentorship Program. Yamandú is interested in helping students take advantage of the many opportunities at the Roberta Buffett Institute.

“I’ve made so many great memories with friends at Buffett and gained a lot of meaningful insights. This space also gives me a real sense of belonging — it makes me feel seen and part of something. Please reach out if you’re looking into getting involved!”