2024–25 Elliott Scholars Cohort
Through the Buffett Institute's Elliott Scholars Program, each year a cohort of undergraduates engages deeply in a critical issue in global affairs through a two-quarter course sequence and summer internship abroad. Learn about the 2024–25 cohort of Elliott Scholars.
Allie Hill
Psychology and Legal Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '26
"I’m honored to be part of the first Elliott Scholars cohort. I am excited for the communal aspect of the program and the opportunity to complete an international internship with my amazing peers."Allie Hill is a third-year studying Psychology and Legal Studies. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she plans to stay in Chicago after graduation to become a domestic violence lawyer. She is involved in many campus organizations, including the Hobart House, Allie enjoys spending time with her family, writing, sewing, cooking, crocheting and going to concerts.
Carter Sampson
Sociology and Environmental Policy & Culture, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '26
"Being part of the Elliott Scholars program is a very exciting opportunity for me to build community and engage with different perspectives on global affairs. I am excited to learn alongside the other Elliott Scholars and to go abroad this summer!"Carter Sampson is a third-year studying Sociology and Environmental Policy & Culture. He is from West Orange, New Jersey and plans to pursue a career in environmental protection or public health. On campus, you might find him walking backwards as a tour guide, planning events for the Residential College Board or as a member of and Matriculate. In his free time, Carter enjoys experimenting with chocolate chip cookie recipes and spending time with his friends and family.
Catherine Ndovu
History and International Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"One aspect of the Elliott Scholars program that I am particularly excited about is the classroom component. I look forward to applying the skills and practices we learn to my in-country immersion experience to create long-term, sustainable change."Catherine Ndovu is a second-year studying History and International Studies. On campus, she is involved with organizations like the Associated Student Government, the Black Mentorship Program and Ballroom Dance Classic. She is also a fellow with One Book One Northwestern. Outside of academics, Cathy enjoys learning new dance styles and hiking around the Midwest.
João Martins
Economics and Environmental Policy & Culture, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"The aspect of this program that excites me the most is being part of a small, passionate cohort of likeminded students. I hope to learn a lot from them and building meaningful relationships."João Martins is a second-year from Lisbon, Portugal studying Economics and Environmental Policy & Culture. He is interested in using international studies to foster sustainable development around the world. On campus, João is a part of the International Student Association, Associated Student Government and the Water Insecurity Experiences (WISE) Scales research team.
Kathryn Jie
Biological Sciences and Global Health, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"I look forward to cultivating a supportive network within the Elliott Scholars cohort and extending that sense of community abroad. I am especially eager to immerse myself in a different culture this summer." Kathryn Jie is a second-year from Texas studying Biological Sciences and Global Health Studies with minors in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering. In her future career, she would like to serve as a medical practitioner across the world to reduce healthcare inequities and promote social justice. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys hiking, making collages, playing musical instruments and working with children.
Kevin Hu
Economics and Mathematics, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"I'm looking forward to furthering my understanding of global poverty and its relationship with education through the program's coursework. I have always been interested in how global education systems can be used to bring people out of poverty."Kevin Hu is a second-year from Arcadia, California studying Economics and Mathematics. He is interested in international development, global poverty and educational development. Kevin currently works with the Global Poverty Research Lab to investigate cash transfer programs in developing countries and with the Northwestern University Community for Human Rights. In his free time, Kevin enjoys listening to music and visiting cafes.
Luca Hirsch
Radio/Television/Film and International Studies, School of Communication, '26
"I am excited to delve into the successes and challenges of development throughout history. I look forward to collaborating with peers, professors and individuals working in development projects to explore innovative pathways for fostering future growth."Luca Hirsch is a third-year studying Radio/Television/Film and International Studies. He is particularly interested in international media exchange through film and entertainment. Luca’s long-term goal is to create a more equitable global entertainment industry by empowering more people to share their creative voices.
Mariam Cosmos
Journalism and International Studies, Medill School of Journalism, '26
"What excites me most about the Elliott Scholars Program is the focus on hands-on learning. Not only will I be challenged academically, but the program’s real-world emphasis on intersectionality will also empower me to critically evaluate global development practices."Mariam Cosmos is a third-year studying Journalism and International Studies. During the Second Civil War in Sudan, Mariam’s family received asylum in a refugee camp in Kenya. Her personal background inspired Mariam to pursue a career in International Human Rights Law. During her time at Northwestern, Mariam studied abroad at Sciences Po Paris, interned for migrant economic inclusion in Berlin and served as Operations Co-Chair for Northwestern’s Undergraduate Prison Education Program.
Meazi Light-Orr
Journalism and International Studies, Medill School of Journalism, '27
"I am excited by the opportunity to pair experiential learning with academic learning during the Elliott Scholars program."Meazi Light-Orr is a second-year studying Journalism and International Studies with a minor in Data Science. In high school, she founded the nonprofit Kids for Kololo and raised over $120,000 to build a middle school in her birth village of Kololo, Ethiopia. Meazi will continue dedicating her career to improving education access for children in rural Ethiopia.
Mira Henchi
Anthropology and International Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"I am excited to build connections with other students. Additionally, the experiential learning aspect of the program is exciting. I look forward to building practical skills and trying new foods as we travel abroad!"Mira Henchi is a second-year studying Anthropology and International Studies. She grew up in Oman, has lived in Ireland and Wales and also calls Tunisia and the Netherlands home. Mira is particularly interested in issues of migration justice and freedom of movement around the world. On campus, she is a part of the Middle Eastern & North African Student Association,
Sarah Norman
International Studies and Social Policy, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"My international background has always fueled my interests in global affairs. I amthrilled to expand my engagement with the international community on a global scale by immersing myself in a program focused on international development."Sarah Norman is a third-year studying International Studies and Social Policy with a minor in Data Science. Sarah is an international student from the Philippines who was born in Malaysia with an Australian heritage. On campus, she serves as the Global Wildcat Coordinator for Northwestern's Office of Undergraduate Admissions to support international students. She is also a part of the Associated Student Government and International Student Association.
Shail Belani
Industrial Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, '27
"One of my main goals at Northwestern is to bridge my classroom learning with real-world experiences that contribute to meaningful progress. I can't wait to learn how to maximize my impact through global service."Shail Belani is a second-year studying Industrial Engineering. He is interested in maximizing impact through service abroad and by approaching challenges with an effective systems framework. Shail previously served as a Pratham India Youth Leader & Ambassador and is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
Tyree Walton
Environmental Science, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, '27
"I believe that bringing diverse perspectives together is key to addressing the challenges facing our planet. I look forward to learning from my fellow scholars’ insights and experiences while sharing my own knowledge and passion for environmental science."Tyree Walton is a second-year studying Environmental Science. She is from Columbus, Ohio and is passionate about understanding the interconnectedness of global systems, especially in areas like environmental policy, climate resilience and environmental justice. She currently serves as a Student Associate at the Block Museum.