2016 International Relations DC Winter Seminars Students

Ava Chafin '18

Ava is a current sophomore at the College, and is majoring in International Relations and Economics. On campus, Ava is involved in the International Relations Club, and is currently the Director General for the Collegiate Model United Nations Conference that the club holds every spring. She is also an administrative intern for the Project for International Peace and Security on campus. Ava worked for AidData this past summer geocoding international aid, from donors such as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank, in order to make financial aid flows more transparent. Through this work as well as the classes she has taken, she has learned that Latin American politics are what interest her and is excited to further explore the role that the United States plays in that region as well as the rest of the world. In her free time, Ava enjoys adventuring throughout campus and cannot wait to do the same in D.C.

Mitchell Croom '16

Mitchell is a senior at William & Mary pursuing a joint BA in Government and Master’s degree in Public Policy. He has interned for the US Army, the Democratic National Committee, NASA, and William & Mary’s own Project on International Peace and Security (PIPS). Mitchell is currently a Research Fellow at PIPS. On campus, he belongs to the Debate Team and the Monitor Journal of International Studies, which he helps run as the Managing Editor. Mitchell is passionate about statecraft, law, and military technology, and is eager to learn more about American grand strategy as part of Professor Oakes’ seminar.

Will Emmons '16

A native of Portland, Oregon, Will is a senior at the College of William & Mary majoring in Government. On campus, Will has written both news and travel blogs for The Flat Hat and rowed with the William & Mary Rowing Club. In the summer of 2014, Will interned for his Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici on Capitol Hill. He spent his junior year abroad at Oxford University and studied International Relations and Terrorism while also rowing with the Hertford College Men's 1st boat. In his spare time, Will enjoys running, rowing, biking, and reading anything about American political history. Will's academic interests like in American constitutional law and American foreign policy, and he hopes to work on Capitol Hill after graduating this year.

Arielle Galston '16

Arielle Galston is a senior at the College of William & Mary pursuing a joint degree in International Relations with the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is also working towards a minor in History from the College.  Having spent two years studying in the UK, Arielle has been able to travel extensively around Eastern and Western Europe. This past summer, Arielle Directed an ethics and leadership program for high school juniors located in Washington, DC. On campus, she is a peer advisor for the joint degree students and is currently working on her Senior Honors Thesis about Counterterrorism policy. She hopes to work with international issues and perhaps abroad following graduation. 

Wesley Garner '19

Wesley Garner is a freshman at the College pursuing a joint degree baccalaureate in International Relations with the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, he now competes for the William & Mary Debate Society. He studied abroad in Beijing during the summer after completing an internship with a political campaign at home. Wesley has a passionate interest in studying history and diplomacy. He enjoys traveling, playing chess, reading science fiction, and watching satires. He’s delighted to have the opportunity to learn about the place of the United States in the world, and the foreign policy that place creates.

Charles Geddes '19

My name is Charles G. Geddes and I was born in Reston, VA.  At the age of three I move to Latin America with my family; living in Peru, Paraguay, and Guatemala before returning to the U.S. when I was 13.  I am fluent in both English and Spanish and in addition, I’m learning Arabic at the College of W&M. I hope to major in International Relations and plan to join the Navy immediately after college.  My biggest fear is to live a life from which I am not able to help others as I would characterize this as living a life with no purpose. 

Annie Goldblatt '17

My name is Annie Goldblatt and I am currently a junior at W&M majoring in Global Studies. I am originally from Chicago, IL but moved to the local area when I was 10. A couple years ago, I traveled to Ghana to help out a local community in an orphanage and school. This deeply sparked my interest in learning about different countries and their histories, politics, and cultures. This past year I worked as an assistant preschool teacher in my local Jewish Community. I am currently involved with preparing meals for local families in need through the Campus Kitchen organization. I also spend time volunteering with Project Phoenix where I tutor students at a local middle school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, finding new recipes, hiking and making an adventure out of everyday life.I have always been curious about my own world and the greater global dynamic. I am very much looking forward to going beyond the classroom and getting to learn in DC this Winter. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can't wait for what lies ahead!

Michelle Hermes '18

Michelle Hermes is a sophomore at the college currently majoring in Government and German Studies. After college, she hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in international law. She is from Yorktown, Virginia but was born and grew up in Germany for the first few years of her life. She has dual citizenship and her connection with Germany and its culture remains an important aspect of her life. At the college, Michelle is a member of the Undergraduate Honor Council, on the Club Field hockey team, and the Historian of Young Democrats. She also volunteers her time with numerous other organizations on and off campus. She is passionate about traveling, reading, and dessert. During the DC Winter Seminar, she hopes specifically to learn about the United States relationship with other democratic nations and how US Grand Strategy shapes and influences these interactions. She is excited to see how the theory taught in International Relations classes, is actually applied and used within the US government. 

Caitlin Jamison '16

Caitlin is a senior at William and Mary pursuing a Government major with a focus on international security and terrorism. After graduation, she plans to earn a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies in the UK and start a career in the international security field. She is the President and Events Coordinator for Metal Club on campus and an intern for TRADOC. After after studying abroad in Russia this past summer, Caitlin is excited to bring new political perspectives to the International Relations DC Winter Seminar as well as make new connections in DC. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, slacklining, paintball, and traveling. Caitlin is looking forward to experiencing DC and visiting the different agencies and departments in the capital.

Megan Jones '17

Megan is a junior at the College of William and Mary majoring in Public Policy. She lives in Westchester, New York and is excited for her first year at William & Mary after transferring from a small college in Maine. She spent the summer interning with the organization Lacrosse the Nations in Costa Rica and hopes to continue traveling and improving her Spanish, possibly through a summer study abroad opportunity. Megan can’t wait to explore DC and visit the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo. She would like to pursue her interests in both law and government at some point in the future and is looking forward to the opportunities and experiences the DC Winter Seminar will offer. 

Katie Koontz '19

Katie Koontz, from Haddonfield, New Jersey, is a freshman at the College of William and Mary and a prospective International Relations major.  She is passionate about traveling and this past summer she traveled around the world, stopping in Italy, Dubai and Beijing.  After this trip, Katie was able to become a member of the Circumnavigator’s Club.  Katie hopes to continue traveling in college through studying abroad.  Katie is also passionate about journalism and she participated in the KYW Newstudies program in Philadelphia.  She hopes to combine her interests to pursue a career in international journalism.  On campus, Katie is a member of the Flat Hat, William and Mary TV, Club Volleyball and Delta Delta Delta.  She also loves golfing, baking and participating in community service activities.  Katie is excited to explore Washington, D.C. and to take advantage of the opportunities the city offers. 

Lidia Kovacevic '17

Lidia Kovacevic is a Junior majoring in International Relations and minoring in Public Health at the College. Originally from Falls Church, VA, she moved to Belgrade, Serbia when she was 8, sparking the initial interest in all things international. On campus, Lidia is involved with the student think-tank, AidData, as a research assistant for the Geocoding team. In addition, she is a member of the International Relations club, where she helps plan the annual Model United Nations conference for middle school students. In her free time, Lidia enjoys spending time around campus and filling coffee punch cards.  

Clara Logsdon '17

Clara Logsdon is a junior at the College of William and Mary, majoring in Government and minoring in Marketing. She has lived in Clifton, Virginia most of her life, allowing her to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of Washington D.C. On campus, Clara is a member of the varsity soccer team. She is also a sister of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and is a Fundraising committee member of TribeTHON. Last summer, Clara studied abroad in Florence, Italy to study Italian, Leadership, and gain a different cultural experience. She is hoping to learn about potential career options as well as broaden her network in D.C. this winter. 

Suzie McKelvey '17

Suzie is currently a junior at the College and is planning to major in International Relations and Economics. As a dual national with British and American citizenship, she is very interested in international issues, particularly those concerning Europe and international trade. Last summer, Suzie interned at an artificial intelligence firm in Austin, Texas, conducting research on the ethics of artificial intelligence and is excited to learn about cyber-warfare and politics. On campus she is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma social sorority, a recruitment counselor for the Panhellenic Council, and a member of Students for University Advancement. Having grown up jointly in London and Austin, Suzie is looking forward to getting the DC experience and learning from American policy makers! 

Lindsay Myers '18

I am a sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio studying International Relations. I run on the cross country and track teams here at the College. I am also a Project Phoenix tutor and the News Editor of the DoG Street Journal, the monthly news magazine on campus. Last summer, I spent a month teaching at the Kibera School for Girls in Kenya through the non-profit SHOFCO (Shining Hope for Communities). I have also served as an intern at the Cincinnati Mayor’s Office. I am excited to study in DC this winter and learn about possible career options.

Mackenzie Neal '18

Mackenzie Neal is a sophomore at the College majoring in Government and minoring in East Asian Studies.  Amember of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, Mackenzie reestablished the American Indian Student Association on campus in 2014 and currently serves as President of the organization. She currently works as a Communications Assistant at the Institute for the Theory& Practice of International Relations (ITPIR) at the College of William & Mary. Last summer, Mackenzie worked as a Peer Assistant for the Keio University/William & Mary Cross Cultural Collaboration Program, and she currently studies Japanese at the 301 level.Mackenzie plans on continuing her study of the language and she hopes to study abroad in Japan before she graduates. Her dream is to teach English with the JET Program after graduation and later work for the State Department to promote peace in East Asia.

Ranjani Parthasarathy '19

Ranjani is a freshman at the College and is planning to major in International Relations and Biology. Her interest in international relations was sparked by a project she conducted in high school which examined censorship as a tool of policy across multiple governments. She is also dedicated to learning languages, and has moderate fluency in Spanish as well as an understanding of multiple South Indian languages and basic Russian. On campus, she is involved with Lambda, IRC, and SASA. She is also deeply involved in her local Indian cultural community as a professional Carnatic violinist and a classical dancer. Ranjani is excited to gain a wider understanding of international relations through the Washington winter seminar, and is looking forward to meeting W&M alumni and hearing professional speakers! 

Michaela Roberts '17

Michaela is a current junior at William and Mary pursuing a double major in Government and Art History. Having grown up in France, Belgium, Canada and New York, she has always been interested in International Relations. On campus, she is a member of Chi Omega, as well as the student-run philanthropy Building Tomorrow. During the school year she interns with her local historical society in New York and runs the social media for an anti-censorship non-profit called Freedom 2 Connect Foundation. Last summer, she interned with a New York Council Member and enjoyed getting a first hand look at how local government functions. Michaela is very excited to explore D.C. this winter and learn from such accomplished lecturers! 

Emily Ruhm '18

Emily is a sophomore at William & Mary majoring in Public Policy with an international concentration as well as minoring in dance. She is from Ellicott City, MD; however, she has also lived overseas, including in Kuwait, Switzerland, and Spain. Emily spent part of this past summer studying international finance in Singapore via the William and Mary Business School. Through the Political Psychology and International Relations lab, she is researching the right to be forgotten-an EU privacy legal concept-and its potential in international legal and economic relations. Outside of academics, Emily is an intern at AidData. She is additionally a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity. Emily is the Maryland State President in Children of the American Revolution. After college, she hopes to study international law and to work either in DC or New York City in the field of international law. 

Eric Simmons '17

Eric is a junior at the college, with a prospective double major in history and government. He is involved extensively in the music community at William and Mary, performing in the Wind Ensemble as well as other groups on campus. This past summer, Eric toured China with the Wind Ensemble and studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa for a month. He hopes to pursue a career in Washington D.C. after graduation and continue traveling for the rest of his life. A native of Winter Park Florida, Eric is excited to work alongside his fellow classmates this winter in D.C.

Samantha Stafford '18

Samantha Stafford is a sophomore at the college pursuing a major in International Relations and a minor in Economics.  She is from Ashburn, Virginia and attended Stone Bridge High School.  Samantha stays deeply involved in many activities on campus; she competes in the Mock Trial team for William and Mary, holds the position of Historian for her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, is involved in the publishing and marketing of the popular food blog, “Spoon University”, and conducts political science research under Professor Holmes.  She enjoys staying active in her free time by biking, exercising, and playing soccer.  She is very passionate about food and traveling and looking to study abroad her junior year.  Samantha hopes to pursue a career in the field of law, politics or government, or the humanities. 

Jennifer Steinhilber '17

Kaylin Stigall '16

Kaylin Stigall is a senior at the College of William and Mary, where she is pursuing a degree in Geology. As a native of Northern Virginia and the daughter of two government employees, Kaylin has grown up under the political and cultural influence of Washington D.C., and looks forward to learning more about the interests and policies of our nation’s government. Furthermore, her passions for geology and environmental science have led her to government institutions in the past; Kaylin enjoyed a summer internship with the National Parks Service in 2013, and was privileged to volunteer as a planetary research assistant in the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum this last summer. At The College, Kaylin is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, and plays the English Horn and oboe in the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. This winter, Kaylin hopes to relate her background in science to issues of national importance in order to gain further insight into how she could use her skills as a geologist to support national interests.

Jessica Van Dyke

Sam Wooley '18

Sam Wooley is currently a sophomore at the College pursuing an International Relations major.  She is originally from Ashburn, Virginia.  This past summer, she assisted William & Mary professor Kathryn Floyd with research on youth violence and terrorism.  Since then, she has become interested in Security Studies and hopes to pursue a career with the United States Government.  On campus, Sam is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, the William & Mary Choir, Swim Club, and Peer Advising through the Office of Academic Advising.  In her free time, she loves hiking, kayaking, cooking, and petting all of the dogs in Colonial Williamsburg.  She is looking forward to experiencing life in the Nation’s Capital and learning about the tools United States policy makers use to create and further foreign policy goals.