The role of the Dean’s Ambassador is to represent the Pardee School’s Dean and the School at special events as well as with alumni and distinguished guests. They serve as a liaison to the wider Boston University community as well as prospective students and families.
Dean’s Ambassadors are outstanding student citizens and leaders from the Pardee School’s graduate and undergraduate academic programs. They are passionate and knowledgeable about the Pardee School and all things BU.
Our Dean’s Ambassadors are selected via a rigorous multi-stage competitive process open to all graduate and undergraduate students at the School. The process includes a formal application and interviews held each spring semester. Dean’s Ambassadors are appointed for a term of one academic year. To inquire about serving as a Dean’s Ambassador, please email Undergraduate Student Services if you are an undergraduate student, or Graduate Student Services if you are a graduate student.
Dean’s Ambassador Application Timeline: The 2024-2025 Dean’s Ambassador application will be made available in February 2024. For Students applying as first-time Dean’s Ambassadors, the application includes a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Pardee School Dean and should explain your interest in the role as described in the position description. You might consider the following when writing your letter: Advice on writing and formatting cover letters and resumes can be found here.Application Process
Get to know the current cohort of Dean’s Ambassadors by navigating the drop-down menus below. Previous Dean’s Ambassador classes follow.
Class of 2025 – 2026
Kabir Hasan Khan is a Master of Arts candidate in International Affairs at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, specializing in Diplomacy. His academic focus lies at the intersection of diplomacy, negotiations and statecraft, global governance, and international development and policy making. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham, UK, where he gained a strong foundation in global security, public policy, and international politics. Kabir is a Dean’s Ambassador at Boston University, representing the Pardee School and supporting student engagement and outreach initiatives. His professional and volunteer experience spans healthcare access initiatives, electoral politics, curriculum development, and cultural heritage programming. He has coordinated healthcare teams serving rural communities in India, supported national election campaigns, and worked on public health awareness and education initiatives in collaboration with NGOs. His academic and professional trajectory is a reflection of his commitment to advancing diplomacy, global equity, and sustainable development.Kabir Hasan Khan (MAIA '26)
Jack’s focus areas include international security, East Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Before joining Pardee, he got a bachelor’s in computer science and worked as a software developer. He hopes to build a public sector career where he can become an expert on different countries and learn new languages. He is a member of the Pardee Graduate Council and the Editor-in-Chief of the Pardee Atlas Journal of Global Affairs.Jack Whitten (MAIA '26)
Matey is from Sofia, Bulgaria, and is pursuing an MA in Global Policy with a focus on the Environment. His academic interests lie in European economic governance, diplomacy, and sustainability, and he aims to work in the governmental institutions of Bulgaria and the EU. Matey has gained international experience as a research assistant at BU, an intern at the Bulgarian embassies in Spain and Russia, and through academic programs such as summer schools in Belgrade (on migration) and Salamanca (on geopolitical threats), and a visiting program at the United Nations. As a Dean’s Ambassador, he seeks to help fellow international students feel at home, share his perspective from studying and living abroad, and support them in making the most of their academic and professional opportunities at Pardee.Matey Babkin (MGP '25)
Fabian is a senior at Boston University majoring in International Relations and Latin American Studies, with plans to pursue a career in law. Currently in the process of applying to law schools, he brings a strong background in leadership, service, and academic excellence. During his time at BU, Fabian has held several leadership roles, including SUN Director for BU’s UNA-USA Campus Chapter, President of Assisting Refugees through Initiative, Service, and Education (ARISE), Director of Communications for the Allocations Board, and Treasurer for the Pre-Law Review. He currently serves as Vice President of Sabor Latino, BU’s premier Latin dance troupe, and as Senior Editor for the Americas Section of the International Relations Review. Academically, Fabian is pursuing honors in his major, upon completion of his senior thesis. His professional experience includes internships with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), the Institute of International Refrigeration (IIF) during a semester abroad in Paris, and the Massachusetts State Senate. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Fabian is excited to support and guide prospective students—especially those still exploring what their future at the Pardee School may hold.Fabian Salvador (BA IR LAS '26)
Yana is a senior studying International Relations, focusing on Europe and International Systems and World Order. She has interests in refugee and migration policies. Following her time at BU, she hopes to attend graduate school where she can further focus on migration policies and human rights. This summer, she traveled with BU’s Center on Forced Displacement to Belgrade, Serbia to study border policies and migration routes. On campus, Yana is an Admissions Ambassador and a New Member Educator in BU’s community service sorority, Omega Phi Alpha. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Yana is excited to interact with current and prospective students and take advantage of Pardee’s academic and professional opportunities.Yana Gokhman (BA IR '26)
Mia is majoring in International Relations, with minors in History and Russian, and is particularly interested in the Balkans, former Soviet states, human rights, and migration. Mia previously served as a U.S. State Department Critical Language Scholar in Kyrgyzstan and has interned with Need4Deed, a Berlin-based nonprofit supporting refugees, as well as with the Post-Conflict Research Center in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. On campus, Mia is the Senior Editor for the Russia & FSU Section of the International Relations Review and a member of the Women’s Club Water Polo team. She looks forward to meeting new people and continuing to support the Pardee community as a Dean’s Ambassador. In the future, Mia hopes to work in the nonprofit sector or at an international organization, advocating for refugee protection.Mia Knežević (BA IR '26)
Maia is a Senior majoring in Economics and International Relations, with specializations in Security and Asia. This past summer she was able to further pursue her interest in the Asia track by studying Chinese in Taiwan. After Graduation she hopes to work in international economic development. In addition to the Deans Ambassador, she has been active on campus as President of Delta Phi Epsilon and President of Greek Life Sexual Assault Prevention Committee. Her goals for her time as Dean’s Ambassador are to help welcome transfer students to the Pardee community.Maia Lane (BA IR '26)
Jonah has focused his studies on global business and economics and plna to pursue a career at an intentional trade agency in the US or abroad. He has been a FY101 Peer Mentor and Peer Fellow and hopes to continue to be an access point for new Pardee students during his time as a Dean’s Ambassador.Jonah Ceresney (BA IR '26)
Cristell is a senior double-majoring in Political Science and International Relations on the Latin America and International Systems and World Order tracks with a minor in Public Policy Analysis. On campus, she is involved with the BU International Affairs Association, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Relations Review and is a Questbridge Scholar. Cristell has previously interned for BU’s Initiative on Cities, the Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren, and most recently the National Women’s Law Center. She’s looking forward to connecting with the Pardee community and help other students find ways to become involved. She hopes to pursue a career in government and policy addressing social and human rights issues before attending law school and practicing human rights or civil rights law.Cristell Bacilio (BA IR '26)
Dominic is a sophomore from Rhode Island studying International Relations and Public Health. He focuses on the Middle East and North Africa track and is particularly interested in advancing the rights of climate refugees and promoting sustainable urban planning. Dominic plans to pursue a career in urban planning and eventually run for public office. His experiences interning with the Providence City Council, serving as a delegate in the United States Senate Youth Program, and on political campaigns have reaffirmed his aspiration to lead. Outside the classroom, Dominic hosts the In Relation To podcast and enjoys running around Boston. As a Dean’s Ambassador, he looks forward to strengthening Pardee’s presence on campus.Dominic Muratore (BA IR '28)
Allegra Vercesi is an International Relations major specializing in Middle East foreign policy and security. She currently serves as a Middle East staff writer for the International Relations Review, Secretary of the Italian Cultural Association, and a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society, UNICEF, and The Politica — Pardee’s student global affairs publication and podcast, where everyone has a voice. Allegra has interned for Mayor Michael P. Cahill and currently advocates for U.S. foreign aid and global development policy through a national nonprofit focused on legislative outreach and public affairs. Her academic and professional work reflects a strong commitment to diplomacy, cross-cultural engagement, and international cooperation. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to help students navigate the diverse academic and career pathways within global affairs. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in diplomacy and government, shaping principled U.S. foreign policy abroad.Allegra Vercesi (BA IR '28)
Elise Choi is a senior at Boston University studying International Relations with a minor in Business Administration. Her academic interests focus on defense, intelligence, and national security, informed by past internships with USCENTCOM J2’s Arabian Peninsula, Levant & Egypt Office, as well as the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Office. On campus, she serves as Digital Director for the International Relations Review and a member of Delta Phi Epsilon. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to strengthen student engagement with Pardee’s resources, foster mentorship opportunities, and highlight the value of public service. After graduation, Elise aspires to pursue a career at the intersection of intelligence and policy.Elise Choi (BA IR '26)
Sophia’s academic interests lay in diplomacy, and the intersection between public and private sectors. She would like to pursue a career in political affairs and the advancement of developing nations, such as her own, Georgia.Sophia Sorcigli (BA IR '26)
Deniz is currently a senior at Pardee from Türkiye looking forward to enhancing her studies on diplomatic practice, international organizations, consulting, and sustainable development. She currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief for Off the Cuff Magazine (one of BU’s oldest editorial magazines) on campus alongside being a Dean’s Ambassador. She further takes interest in Model United Nations and has chaired and competed in over 37 conferences in the past nine years, alongside being placed on North America’s MUN All Stars Team at the end of her sophomore year. As Dean’s Ambassador, she looks forward to further the global community at Pardee, alongside facilitating events to increase engagement between students, faculty and the greater Pardee community. Following her graduation, she plans on working in the field of IR before applying for her masters degree.Deniz Oray (BA IR '26)
Etsub’s majoring in International Relations with a minor in Public Policy Analysis, focusing her studies on development gaps in Africa along with the International Systems and World order of that region. She’s Vice President and Dance Coordinator of the Eritrean Ethiopian Student Association (EESA) at BU and a member of the Pre-Law Society. Etsub plans on pursuing a JD degree, hoping to specialize in internatonal and human rights law and potentially work in the United Nations thereafter. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to connect with her peers and faculty while helping create a welcoming space for all in and outside of Pardee.Etsubdink Worku (BA IR '27)
From Ghana, Ewura Esi is a graduate student in the Masters of Global Policy program with a specialization in Developmental Policy. She intends to earn an African Studies Certificate in BU to further her career in Sub Saharan Africa. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to further connect students of color with all that Boston University has to offer.Ewura Esi Yankah (MGP '26)
Charles is studying International Affairs, specializing in Diplomacy. Particularly, he has focused on the foreign affairs of China, within Southeast Asia. Going forward, he aims to work within the United Nations, specifically within the UNHCR.Charles Gobert (MAIA '26)
Sapana Joshi is a second-year Master of Arts in International Affairs candidate at the Pardee School, specializing in diplomacy. Originally from Nepal, she previously worked with a non-profit on conflict-sensitive development and youth capacity building. Her academic interests include international development, peace-building, and South Asian geopolitics, with a particular focus on Nepal’s foreign policy. she aspires to pursue a career in international development and diplomacy, contributing to Nepal’s voice in global affairs and strengthening its role on the world stage.Sapana Joshi (MAIA '26)
Mimi’s hopes to direct her studies on the intersection of global systems and technological advancements. On campus, Mimi is the Director of PR & Events for the International Relations Review, Director of Communication for the Journal of History, and member of BU Debate Society (BUDS). As a Dean’s Ambassador, Mimi hopes to support students in getting involved with Pardee’s community.Miriam Plawner (BA IR '28)
Myla Indigaro is pursuing a double majors in international relations and psychology, with a focus on foreign policy and security studies in Asia. She is interested in pursuing global affairs concening the US and China and pursued a study abroad and internship in Shanghai, China. During her time at BU, Myla has served as a writer and layout editor for the International Relations Review and a research assistant for the Global China Initiative at BU’s Global Development Policy (GDP) Center. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to be a guide for students figuring out their academic and professional goals, especially fellow transfer students. After graduation, she aspires to pursue a career in international consulting, national security, or diplomacy.Myla Indigaro (BA IR '26)
Gracen is a a sophomore from Denver, Colorado, who’s majoring in International Relations and Economics with a long term goal to work for the United Nations. Academically, she is also perusing fluency in her third language and focusing on strengthening her liberal arts foundation via the Core Curriculum. Gracen is involved on campus as a member of the Model UN cut team, the director for the live show Good Morning BU, and a choreographer for Dance Theatre Group. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she strives to ensure everyone in Pardee feels the sense of belonging that she does, and encourages students to stay engaged in our Global Studies community.Gracen Lashnits (BA IR '28)
Will is a Sophomore majoring in International Relations with Minors in Data Science and Business. Will is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, BU’s Foreign Service and International Relations Professional Fraternity, a photographer for WTBU, an active member of BU Ski and Board Club, and an athlete on BU’s Triathalon Team. Outside of BU organizations, Will spends volunteer time working on updating geographic information in disaster struck areas for NGOs such as The Red Cross. Will is on the International Business, Economics, and Politics track and is highly interested in studying International Export and Trade policies. Through his role as Dean’s Ambassador Will hopes to increase connection between Pardee Staff and new students alongside increasing recognition of the Pardee School on a national and international level.William Bowers (BA IR '28)
Richa is an international student studying International Relations focused in Economics, Business, and Politics in Asia. She also has two minors in Media Science and Business Administration. Richa aims to use her education in international relations to participate in global entrepreneurship and marketing.Richa Jindal (BA IR '26)
Jasmine is majoring in International Relations with specializations in International Systems & World Order and Africa & The Middle East. She is pursuing a global education to bring global lessons for humanity back to her country and serve the interests of the US and American people through genuine reform and progressive change. When Jasmine graduates, she will pursue a host of different professional experiences to diversify her portfolio and expand her network, preparing her to succeed in her goals. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Jasmine will invest in the greater Pardee and DA community to strengthen their academic, professional, and personal ties. Additionally on campus, Jasmine is an RA (Resident Assistant) in the Bay State Road neighborhood, a Study Abroad Ambassador, and an active member of the professional co-ed fraternity Delta Phi Epsilon!Jasmine Richardson (BA IR '26)
Class of 2024 – 2025
Camila Kelly (BA IR '25)
Camila studies International and Public Relations in the hopes of pursuing a career in public affairs after graduation. Currently, Camila is the head intern for Executive Women at State, a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, and an editor for the International Relations Review. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Camila would like to impart her learned experiences upon new Pardee students to help them gain their footing in an unfamiliar yet exciting environment. In the past, she has interned for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, been a Girl Security Fellow, a mentor with Strong Women Strong Girls, and served as a Gilman Scholar in Madrid. In her spare time, Camila enjoys studying in coffee shops, exploring the east coast (she’s a west coast native), making travel itineraries, practicing yoga, reading and collaging. She welcomes the opportunity to get to know new people through their hobbies and interests, so let her know if she can tag along!
Katie Rouse (BA IR '26)
Katie is a junior from Boston, Massachusetts, studying international relations with a minor in Russian. Her regional focus on Eastern Europe and Russia emerged after spending the summer of 2022 studying Russian in Riga, Latvia. Her interests include emerging space-based military technologies, counterterrorism, and nuclear politics. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to help students take advantage of academic and professional opportunities available at Pardee and beyond. On campus, she also serves as the Europe Senior Editor for the International Relations Review and the President of the BU Alexander Hamilton Society.
Daniel Falla (BA IR '25)
Daniel is pursuing the Latin American & Economics tracks at BU. He is the Treasurer at Club Colombia and Co-President of the Latin American Student Association. His long-term goal is to join the U.S. Foreign Service and is passionate about making Pardee the best school on campus. He is also interested in creating an IR version of TED Talks for the department.
Mia Knežević (BA IR '26)
Mia is a junior majoring in International Relations and minoring in History. She studies on the Europe and International Systems and World Order tracks. She has specific interests in the Balkans and former Soviet states, as well as in conflict studies, human rights and migration, which she recently got to explore as an intern at the Post-Conflict Research Center in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. In addition to being a Dean’s Ambassador, Mia is the Senior Editor for the Russia & FSU Section of the International Relations Review, a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, a BarMUN staffer, and a member the Women’s Club Water Polo team. Post-graduation, Mia hopes to pursue a career related to international or human rights law.
Caterina is a senior studying in International Relations and Journalism and is hoping to pursue a career in the immigration field. Outside of her studies, Caterina is an English conversation partner through BU’s CELOP, a writer for the International Relations Review and an Italian tutor. Additionally, she completed a summer internship resettling refugees in the States and is looking forward to beginning a position as a legal intern at an immigration coalition in Boston this fall. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Caterina is excited to interact with current and perspective Pardee students as she hopes to positively influence and inform them as they continue through their college experience.Caterina Tomassini (BA IR '25)
Sarah is focused on diplomacy studies, more specifically interested in the power dynamics of multilateralism and its applications to advancing foreign policy. Other than being a Dean’s Ambassador, Sarah is a Resident Assistant, President of the Graduate Student Organization, and a Graduate Assistant. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Sarah hopes to work towards strengthening community within Pardee.Sarah Benhalima (MAIA '25)
Briannya Evans (BA IR '27)
Born and raised in the 305 (Miami, Florida), Briannya is currently a sophomore studying International Relations with a minor in Public Policy Analysis. On campus, Briannya is an active member of BUIAA, serving as an Under-Secretary General of BarMUN XVII (BU’s collegiate Model UN conference) and a member of MUN@BU. Outside of BUIAA, Briannya is a member of Sisters United and Soulann. As a Pardee student, Briannya has had the opportunity to broaden her horizons and connect with people who share similar passions and goals. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Briannya hopes to continue fostering a tight-knit community where students can develop meaningful relationships.
Lily is specializing in diplomacy and would like to hone in on the interplay between the media and mediation efforts, and deconstructing the barriers to peacekeeping missions. Lily worked as a Graduate Writing Fellow for her first year at Boston University, and is spending her final year focusing her efforts on her Dean’s Ambassador work and her thesis. She hopes to create a welcoming environment at Pardee and is looking forward to exploring her career options after graduation.Lily Wallack (MAIA '25)
Selin Durmus (BA IR '25)
Selin studies International Relations and Political Science with a focus on International Systems and World Order in the geographical scope of the Middle East and North Africa. Selin is the President of Delta Phi Epsilon, Co-President of the Dean’s Ambassador Program, a Volunteer Coordinator at BU Red Cross, and an Associate Editor in the International Relations Review for the Middle East Section. She plans on pursuing a JD degree and to specialize in international humanitarian law. During her time as a Dean’s Ambassador, Selin hopes to successfully represent Pardee and all that it has to offer to the current and potential students of Boston University.
Isabella Chaparro Will (BA IR '26)
Isabella has dedicated her studies to the field of International Relations, specifically focusing on Cultural Anthropology and Regional Politics with a regional concentration in Europe. Coupled with her minor in Psychology, she hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in child advocacy within the legal sector.
Xiyang Huang (MAIA '25)
Xiyang is a master’s student specializing in international affairs and international communication, with a particular interest in public diplomacy, especially cultural diplomacy. She is passionate about supporting the Pardee cohort, especially international students who are new to studying abroad. As a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to share the warmth and support she received with other students at Pardee.
Santiago Steinman (BA IR '27)
Santiago is a sophomore majoring in International Relations and interested in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies track and Asia track at Pardee with the expectation attending Law school after graduation. On campus, he is a coordinator at Students of the UN, a member of the foreign service fraternity Delta Phi Epsilon, and part of the BU Garageband E-board. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Santiago hopes to foster close relations between new students and Dean’s Ambassadors to help students adjust to BU and Pardee.
Jaala'Nnette Crenshaw (BA IR '26)
Jaala’Nnette is interested in the refugee crisis and hopes to work with nonprofits to aid refugees through her concentration in Diplomacy. She is particularly interested in the refugee crisis in the Middle East and this has prompted her to minor in Arabic. Jaala’Nnette is also the president of RUF, a religious club on campus, and is often found either working or studying in the Core Curriculum Office in CAS.
Audrey Springer (MAIA '25)
Audrey is a Master’s candidate in International Affairs with a specialization on Diplomacy. She is currently a Multilateral & Global Affairs Intern at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, where she is pursuing her passion for a career in diplomacy. As a Dean’s Ambassador, Audrey is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community at the Pardee School.
Michael Tozeski (MAIA '25)
Michael is a second year MAIA Security Studies candidate with experience working with the defense community and Congress. Following his time at Pardee he aspires to work for the intelligence community, utilizing his adept research and interpersonal skills to serve our nation.
William Fuller (BA IR '26)
Will’s studies center around the intersection between statistics and democratic development. Expanding from there, he hopes to pursue a career in public opinion research. Outside of Pardee, he is a commissioner with the Student Election Commission and Vice President of Boston University Prison Outreach Initiative. As a Dean’s Ambassador, his goal is to create an environment where incoming students can feel as comfortable as possible, and after graduating, he aims to pursue a graduate education.
Amerah Abderrazzaq (BA IR '26)
Amerah has focused her studies on Africa and the Middle East and economics and hopes to pursue a career that combines both of her interests. She is involved on-campus in the Boston University International Affairs Association, serving as the Head Delegate of MUN@BU, the 4th ranked Model UN team in North America, and as the Conference Affairs Director for the BosMUN Conference. She has also been involved in Boston University’s Chapter of Amnesty International, serving as Secretary. During her time as a Dean’s Ambassador, she hopes to further connect with the Pardee community and welcome new and prospective students to Pardee and BU.
Chloe has interests in Global Health, Law, Healthcare Policy, and Communications. She values engaging conversations, genuine relationships, and making new friends. Additionally, Chloe is very passionate about human rights and social justice, health equity, community services. Each of these values and passions translate to Chloe’s involvement on campus. Chloe serve as Co-President of Pardee’s Dean’s Ambassadors Program, Volunteer Coordinator for BU Red Cross, DEI Coordinator for Strong Women Strong Girls. She is also a member of the following organizations: Delta Phi Epsilon professional Fraternity, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, BU Student Health Advisory Board, and the International Relations Review. Chloe is unsure of her next steps following college but looks forward to attending graduate school, working with diverse communities, and uplifting those around her.Chloe Walker (BA IR '27)
Louis is a second-year graduate student at Pardee’s global policy program. He specializes in environmental policy and plans to work in urban planning and renewable energy. Louis is also the website editor for Pardee Atlas, the school’s graduate student-run journal for international affairs.Louis Liu (MA '24)
Past Dean’s Ambassadors Cohorts
Faizaan Firoz (BA IR’25)Class of 2023-2024
Class of 2022-2023
Class of 2021-2022
Class of 2019-2021
Class of 2018-2019
Class of 2017-2018
Class of 2016-2017
Class of 2015-2016
*not pictured – Henderson Roman (BA IR, Pardee’17)Class of 2014-2015