Brian Han

International Studies and Economics, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"I'm most looking forward to deepening my understanding of developmental policy and theory by engaging with new perspectives and discussions with other Elliott Scholars."

Brian Han is studying International Studies and Economics with a minor in German. Originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico, he is planning on pursuing a career in foreign policy research and is especially interested in developmental economics. On campus, Brian is involved with the Global Engagement Summit and likes to paint and hike in his free time.

Evelyn Heath

Journalism, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

"I am looking forward to making life-long connections with my Elliott Scholar peers as we work on making the world a better place. I am very excited to immerse myself in a community abroad and do my best to contribute to their sustainability efforts."

Evelyn Heath is studying Journalism. She is particularly interested in seeing how international collaboration and community development happens abroad to then translate that meaningful work to an American context. Evelyn is also especially interested in working with youth. During her time at Northwestern, Evelyn uplifts the voices of others through journalism, researches public policy through the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, and competes in Mock Trial.

Haarika Palacharla

Political Science and Comparative Literary Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Haarika Palacharla is a third-year majoring in Political Science and Comparative Literary Studies. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she is passionate about global affairs. On campus, she is involved in Menstrual Equity Activists and Asian Pacific American Coalition. After graduating, she plans to attend law school. In her free time, Haarika enjoys drawing and exploring Chicago.

Hattie Saal

Political Science and History, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"I am thrilled to gain classroom-based and hands-on experience in sustainable development and international policy alongside my curious, passionate peers. I am so excited to learn, grow, and develop as a global citizen and immerse myself in new cultures this summer!"

Hattie Saal is studying Political Science and History with a minor in Data Science. She is from New York City, and hopes to pursue a career in international law, humanitarian advocacy, and conflict resolution. On campus, she is a producer with A&O Productions, a former Survivor: Northwestern contestant, and a mentor with the Cities Project. She enjoys trips to independent book stores, investigative podcasts, crocheting, and time with family and friends.

Isabela Prata Camargos

Political Science, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"I am excited to connect with like-minded students from different backgrounds and discover more of the world through the summer immersion abroad!"

Isabela Camargos is a second-year international student from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Majoring in Political Science and potentially International Studies, she hopes for a career in international human rights law, with a particular interest in gender equality. On campus, you may find her studying at Deering Library, reading in the Lakefill (when it's warm!), or hanging out with the Brazilian Student Association. Her favorite Northwestern classes –so far– have been Drugs & Politics and International Responses to Mass Atrocities. She is a reader, a writer, and a pickle enthusiast.

Jackson Caldwell

Economics, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"I look forward to learning more about the complex mechanisms in other cultures and truly relating to the understanding of being an outsider looking in. I am also excited to meet new people and challenge myself to expand my appreciation for community."

Jackson Caldwell is a third-year at Northwestern University studying Economics with minors in Business Institutions and Political Science. Currently residing in Sarasota, Florida, he plans to pursue a career in real estate private equity or commercial real estate. On campus, Jackson was a member of the Varsity Men's Tennis team and is involved with the Scholars of Finance and the Undergraduate Real Estate Club. He hopes to apply an interdisciplinary lens to complex global issues, with a focus on the business application of sustainable development and economic growth strategies. Jackson enjoys reading about history and philosophy, exploring the world, playing chess, and teaching tennis.

Jonathan Rho

Journalism and English, Medill School

"I am most looking forward to meeting my fellow classmates and sharing our unique perspectives with each other. I believe a diverse range of backgrounds and ideas will be very impactful in creating a deeper understanding of global challenges."

Jonathan Rho is studying Journalism and English. He is particularly interested in reporting on foreign affairs and studying postcolonial and comparative literature. For fun, he plays guitar in a band and likes to take photographs for the student art community.

Jose Aguilar

Clarinet Performance and Political Science, Bienen School of Music

"Apart from the amazing opportunity this program provides to go abroad and intern in a wide range of organizations, I am really excited to be a part of the course sequence during the school year that is unique to this program."

Jose Aguilar is a second-year dual-degree student studying Clarinet Performance at the Bienen School of Music and Political Science at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Originally from South Florida and Mexico City, he is interested in international affairs and hopes to pursue a career focused on U.S.–Mexico relations while also performing as an orchestral musician. At Northwestern, Jose has been involved in research on immigration activism and performs regularly with Bienen ensembles and his chamber group. Outside of music and politics, he enjoys playing padel and aviation.

Lana Alnajm

Social Policy, School of Education & Social Policy

"I’m excited to observe how NGOs and local communities navigate constraints in development planning while centering community voices! I also hope to witness more equitable and grass-roots approaches to community-based change."

Lana is a second-year student studying Social Policy with a minor in Data Science and Arabic. She is from Aurora, Illinois, but was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and calls both places home! She plans to pursue a career in global affairs as a policy analyst before becoming an international lawyer, working with developing communities to strengthen infrastructure and design policies that address systemic gaps. She is involved in the Middle Eastern North African Student Association, SCNO, the Undergraduate Law Journal, Emerging Coders, and works at AccessibleNU! You might find her playing video games, reading RF Kuang or Arabic poetry, rewatching HxH, or drinking a mango slushie.

Melissa Liu

Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences and Economics, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"After a year at the Global Poverty Research Lab studying microcredit interventions, I’m excited to connect theory with on-the-ground experience and understand how local financial institutions drive development."

Melissa (Muhan) Liu is a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS) and Economics, with a minor in Data Science. She works as a research assistant at the Global Poverty Research Lab, contributing to projects on randomized controlled trials, refugee digital labor, and socioeconomic development. Her academic interests center on development economics, particularly the intersection of data-driven analysis and poverty alleviation. On campus, Melissa is an active member of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority and the Treblemakers a cappella group. Originally from Beijing, she enjoys exploring cultural history, singing, and cooking with friends.
 

Mira Trofymchuk

Journalism and International Studies, Medill School

"I look forward to experiencing the GESI program’s commitment to integrity, collaboration, and equitable global engagement. I’m excited to observe how community-driven partnerships create meaningful impact and to contribute in ways that connect my academic interests, professional experiences, and personal values."

Mira Trofymchuk is a second-year undergraduate majoring in journalism and international studies. She is originally from Kakhovka, Ukraine, but she lived in Germany for 2.5 years before coming to Northwestern. She is involved in many organizations and clubs on campus, where she is on the exec board, like UISAC, Ukrainian Club, and Southwest Area Council. She is also an Atlas Peer Mentor and an Ambassador at the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs. In the future, Mira wants to be an international journalist to share people’s stories and report on global conflicts.

Sophie Scanlon

Social Policy, School of Education & Social Policy

"I'm most excited to build community with my Elliot Scholars cohort, and connect classroom learning to real world experiences over the summer!"

Sophie Scanlon is a second-year student studying Social Policy, originally from Ithaca, New York. On campus she is part of Kappa Delta sorority, the Dolphin Show, and volunteers with Books and Breakfast. Outside of class you can find her on long walks around Evanston, hanging out with her friends, or baking.

Sophia Wagner

History and International Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"I am excited to learn more about the successes and challenges of development throughout history, both through the program's coursework and in-person field work."

Sophia Wagner is studying History and International Studies with a minor in Business Institutions. She is from Chicago and is particularly interested in immigration law and diaspora politics around the world. During her time at Northwestern, Sophia studied abroad in Granada, Spain, was a volunteer translator for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, and served as the Delegate Outreach & Logistics Chair for Northwestern's Global Engagement Summit.

Yujin Tatar

Neuroscience, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

"I'm looking forward to exploring new places and meeting cool people while combining these experiences with learning!"

Yujin Tatar is studying Neuroscience with minors in Global Health Studies and Legal Studies. She grew up in different parts of South Korea and the U.S. and is excited to continue exploring new parts of the world. In her free time, Yujin likes to play guitar, go to the beach, bike, and drink lots of coffee.