Research Interns

Lilian “Lily” Connor (CAS ’25) is majoring in political science and history with a minor in classical civilizations. For the duration of her CISS research internship, she’ll be working on a project concerning the evolving U.S. constitutional identity and how social and institutional forces influence this evolution. She hopes to discover how our understanding of our own national identity factors into current conversations surrounding the rise of authoritarianism and illiberalism. Additionally, she hopes to gain insight into the academic research process, from research design to data collection and synthesis, in order to prepare her for graduate studies. The project: Historical Changes in the U.S. Constitutional Identity. (Mentor: Amber Vayo, Political Science/CAS)

Alexis Flores Pineda – The project: Familial Stigma and Social Support among HIV+ Latinx LGBTQ+ Individuals and their families in South Texas. (Mentor: Luis Alvarez-Hernandez, SSW, Department of Clinical Practice/SSW)

Kaitlin “Katie” Howlett (CAS ’25) is a junior studying History with minors in French and Sociology. Since beginning her undergraduate degree, she has demonstrated a particular interest in studying the history of secondary social studies pedagogy and reform in the US and has plans to enter the field after she graduates. Using digital archival repositories and newspapers, Kaitlin and Dr. Austin will work to locate and map the lives of Black youth and their families who lived in a segregated, Jim Crow, Washington, D.C. during the late Progressive Era. The project: Mapping Southwest: Counter-Mapping (Segregation and) Black Life in the Jim Crow Capital. (Mentor: Paula Austin, History & African American and Black Diaspora Studies/CAS)

Ana Camila Morán Alvarez (CAS ’26) Camila is an international student studying Economics and Sociology. She will be conducting interviews with siblings from Central and Latin America, seeking to understand how sibling dynamics are impacted by migration, as well as what motivates some to leave their home. Camila’s interested in the socioeconomic implications of migration, as well as understanding the impacts migration has on family relations in Central America. The project: Siblings Across Borders: Transnational Intimacy and Support. (Mentor: Nazli Kibria, Sociology/CAS)

Dara Oliveira (CAS ’24) is a Psychological and Brain Sciences student with a minor in Portuguese and Brazilian Cultural Studies. She works as an undergraduate research assistant in the Child and Family Health Lab at Boston University. She is currently contributing to an anti-racism project aimed at characterizing and mitigating disparities in social determinants of health screening within primary care family health clinics. Dara is passionate about studying the various mechanisms that propagate inequity, especially within the healthcare system. The project: Qualitative Inquiry into Patient Perspectives of Racism & Discrimination in Primary Care Settings (Mentor: Kristin Long, Psychological and Brain Sciences/CAS)

Tia Perkins (CAS, ’25) is a double major in Sociology and Power, Community, and Queer Futures. They also work as a health educator at the Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY). As a research assistant intern through CISS, Tia will be working on a research project focusing on change within prison reform legislation in the US. They’re excited to bring their passion for social justice and equity to this work.The project: 21st Century Justice: The Struggle to Decarcerate in the U.S. States. (Mentor: Heather Schoenfeld, Sociology/CAS)

Diana Reno (Pardee, ’24) is a student at the Pardee School of Global Studies majoring in International Relations, focusing on Africa and the Middle East and Business and Economics. Through the CISS Research Internship, she is working to establish a research-based foundation for the new Alliance for Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience. The Alliance will seek to promote Afghan women’s access to employment, entrepreneurship, and quality education globally. Diana is passionate about studying the intersections between gender, policy, and economics, especially in the context of forced migration. The project: Alliance for Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience (Mentor: Rachel Brulé, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies)

Kaitlin Shih (CAS ’24) is a senior majoring in Economics at the College of Arts and Sciences. Through the CISS internship program, she will support the construction of the humanitarian access obstruction dataset by reviewing, analyzing, and coding relevant reports. The research explores how humanitarian organizations negotiate with governments and non-state armed groups to access conflict zones with the goal of providing emergency relief. Kaitlin is passionate about human rights, foreign affairs, and data analysis, and she is excited to incorporate these interests into the project. The project The Promise and Tragedy of Humanitarianism: How Aid Workers Negotiate the Politics of International Emergency Relief. (Mentor: Rob Grace, Political Science/CAS)

Stephen Snekvik (ENG ’26) is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. Born and raised in Boston, Stephen is passionate about contributing to the local abolitionist movement. Through this CISS internship, he will research organizations in Massachusetts that fit within a holistic view of public health and safety. The goal of this project is to map out the work already being done outside of policing and carceral systems, in order to create leverage for funding and inform efforts to move away from policing. The project: Mapping the Landscape of Alternatives to Policing. (Mentor: Spencer Piston, Political Science/CAS)

Project: The Rise of Immigration Raids: Spatial, Temporal and Demographic Patterns. Staff Postdoctoral Associate Tatiana Padilla (CISS) aims to shed light on the complex landscape of immigration raids, offering a thorough depiction of their prevalence, patterns, and the diverse impacts on communities, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of immigration enforcement experiences in the United States by 1. documenting the frequency and geographical distribution of immigration raids over time in the United States to provide a comprehensive understanding of their dynamics and 2. unveiling the characteristics of communities affected by these raids, aiming to gain deeper insights into how various communities experience and cope with immigration enforcement practices within the United States.

Isabella Alvarado (CAS ’27) is a freshman at Boston University studying Sociology paired with a double minor in Human Rights Studies and Business Administration. Bella is a dedicated advocate for social justice and addressing systemic inequalities, with a particular interest in criminal justice reform. In her junior year of highschool, Bella undertook a research project focused on the history of institutional racism and its relationship to mass incarceration. The project stirred a passion for inquiry melded with initiative—joint pursuits that she hopes to further cultivate throughout her undergraduate career. Using her education, Bella aspires to work both domestically and internationally to address human rights violations and prevent mass atrocities. Outside of her research position, Bella writes for the Daily Free Press and is a member of both the Undergraduate Student Sociology Association and the BU Outdoor Club. In her free time, Bella enjoys listening to music, exploring national parks, reading, and cooking with friends!

Miguel Feliciano (CAS ’26) is a sophomore studying Political Science with a minor in Latin American Studies. Miguel, a proud Boricua, is a passionate advocate for progress and social justice. They are majoring in Political Science with a minor in Latin American Studies at Boston University. Miguel is dedicated to serving marginalized communities. In addition to his role as a Research Assistant, Miguel holds the position of Co-Chair of the IMPACT Committee in the BU Student Government. There, he leads the Latine Student Task Force, diligently working on a report analyzing the Latine student experience at Boston University and advocating for necessary improvements within the administration. Beyond campus, Miguel actively participates in Yorktown for Justice and Lakeland RISE, two local nonprofits dedicated to advocating for progressive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in public schools. His diverse interests include reading queer and Latine literature, writing poetry, gardening, and modeling. The project: Immigration Raids project. (Mentor: Tatiana Padilla, CISS/CA)

Xinyao “Jessica” Guan (CAS ’26) is a sophomore studying political science. Jessica is a passionate advocate of immigrants’ rights, youth development, and access to higher education. Hailing from Shanghai, she is a first-generation student majoring in Political Science and Education at Boston University. Jessica is committed to addressing global population challenges by conducting research at the intersection of international law and immigration law. She aspires to utilize research focused on community needs to elevate political consciousness and improve children and families wellbeing. In the community, Jessica is committed to fostering engagement and education access. Jessica serves as a Mentor engaging first-year students transitioning to higher education, educates adolescents on positive approaches to navigating puberty, and improves access to early childhood education among families in precarious living situations.

Nathaly Lemus (CAS ’24) is a first-generation senior studying Political Science and Psychology as a double major interested in Latin American Studies and U.S. Policy. Nathaly is deeply passionate about immigration and social justice. She is a first-generation, honors student double majoring in Political Science and Psychology at Boston University. Aspiring to become a researcher, her academic focus revolves around exploring the complex interplay between psychology, policy, government and  demography– with a specific interest in Latin American Studies. Off campus, Nathaly has engaged in comprehensive research and analysis of local, state, and federal policies pertinent to the welfare of marginalized communities, including immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. Nathaly’s research has informed solutions for local and state government. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nathaly is a musician with training in both classical and contemporary music. During her free time, she indulges in her love for photography.

Yeabsera Mekebeb (CAS ’26) is in her second year studying political science and data science in the pre-law track, working hard to achieve her dreams.  Since Yeabsera was 10 years old, she has dreamed of being an immigration lawyer. Raised in a vibrant Ethiopian community, Yeabsera is passionate about law, technology, and social justice. She is double majoring in Political Science and Data Science at Boston University. Yeabsera aspires to be a lawyer which informs her passion for blending social sciences with data analytics. She is committed to  addressing legal complexities with a global perspective. Active on campus, Yeabsera serves as the Treasurer for the Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association and is a member of Women In Law. As an associate of “Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization,” Yeabsera engaged in a prestigious law program, honing legal advocacy skills and fostering connections within the legal community. She is proficient in English, Amharic and Spanish.

Bella Moreno (Pardee ’26) is a sophomore studying International Relations with a concentration in Latin America. Bella’s upbringing in a vibrant Latino community ignited her dedication to championing immigration causes and shedding light on social disparities. She is pursuing a major in International Relations coupled with a minor in Business Administration, all while being a part of the Kilachand Honors College at Boston University. Driven by an unwavering passion to effect change, Bella aspires to forge a path as an immigration lawyer or lead a non-profit organization committed to empowering marginalized communities.  Within her community, Bella advocates for diversity in higher education, catalyzing change on the Admissions Student Diversity Board. Additionally, she holds a position on the E-Board for the First-Generation Low-income partnership, where she works to cultivate a sense of belonging and facilitates access to essential resources for fellow students. Beyond her academic pursuits and community engagement, Bella finds enjoyment in running and exploring diverse culinary experiences.

In 2023, CISS awarded four faculty pilot grants:

Project: Transnational Populism: Religion and the Radical Right among Brazilian Migrants. Faculty investigator Taylor Boas (CAS/Political Science) will examine why Brazilian migrants to the Boston area, as well as their sending communities back home, have been disproportionately supportive of right-wing populists such as Jair Bolsonaro and Donald Trump. It focuses on the political implications of transnational ties, especially those of a religious nature, between Brazilians at home and abroad, drawing on surveys, focus groups, and qualitative interviews.

Project: Improving Healthcare Services for Gay and Bisexual Latino and Black Male Sexual Assault Survivors in Boston. Faculty investigators Daniel Jacobson López (School of Social Work) and Steven Meanly  (University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing) seeks to explore what current protocols are available and being implemented for gay and bisexual Black and/or Latino male sexual assault survivors who are seeking medical care services in Boston. Findings from this study will inform care that is evidence-based, trauma-informed and culturally-responsive to enhance the well-being of these men who are far too often ignored.

Project: Stigma, Care, and End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) in Racialized Boston Communities Fighting the Syndemic Sequelae of COVID-19. Faculty investigators Merav Shohet (CAS/Anthropology) and Insa Marie Schmidt (School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center) builds on stigma research and combines in-person and remote ethnographic and epidemiological research methods to explore the dynamics of racism, illness, and care for residents of underprivileged urban communities who suffer end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). These data will reveal patients’ and their lay and medical caregivers’ challenges and perceived needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings will inform front-line medical and community workers, as well as policymakers tasked with providing support for these most vulnerable of patients.

Project: A Gendered Examination of Political Instability in Northern Ireland. Faculty investigator Sandra McEvoy (CAS/Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Political Science) will document the essential role that women played in service to Loyalist paramilitary organizations during the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland known as “The Troubles,” and will provide clarity about how Loyalists understand themselves in a complex political moment in Northern Ireland.

Paul Birmingham (CAS, ’25) is majoring in history and political science. Through the CISS grant, Paul is pursuing research in the field of defense procurement, studying the political economy of the Indian military and how globalization affects national defense policy. (Mentor: Florian David Bodamer, Political Science)

Ashley Carhee (CAS, ’25) is double majoring in International Relations (Pardee) and Sociology. Through the CISS Research Internship, she will be conducting textual analysis for Olivia’s dissertation research on refugee integration in Southern European countries. With Ashley’s interest in human rights and transnational migration, this internship will allow her to explore her passion for sociology on a global scale while building on her qualitative research skills and is she very excited to have this opportunity. (Mentor: Olivia Britton, Political Science)

Ellis Hamilton (CAS, ’25) is pursuing a degree in Mathematics with minors in Data Science, Public Policy Analysis, and Business Administration.  This summer, Ellis is working on analyzing the California Redistricting Process after the 2020 Census, including the process of redistricting as well as the resulting districts themselves. After college, Ellis hopes to continue to work in Data Science or Analytics. Outside of research, Ellis is an Ambassador and Scarlett Speaker with BU Admissions and is deeply passionate about the application of data in learning more about the world around us. (Mentor: Maxwell Palmer, Political Science)

Sora Heo (CAS, ’24) is a senior studying International Relations with specific concentrations in Foreign Policy/Security Studies and Asia. As a CISS research intern, she is analyzing a collection of speeches dating back from the former Agha Khan, an Ismaili Muslim religious leader and businessman. Outside of CISS, Sora also conducts research with UROP and has completed a number of think tank and government internships. Sora is passionate about inclusive, sustainable economic development. (Mentor: Zachary Mondesire, Pardee School of Global Studies)

Raeann Idle (MET College, ’24) is a graduate student majoring in Criminal Justice and Corrections with hopes of joining the FBI as a Special Agent or pursuing a J.D. to become District Attorney for the state of Massachusetts. Previously she worked with Dr. Kristine Artello to research Corporation Misconduct and the use of non-prosecution/deferred prosecution of corporations by the Department of Justice. She currently works full-time at TJX Companies as an Administrative Coordinator, with over 10 years of work experience. (Mentor: Danielle Rousseau, MET)

Eve Kleiber (CAS, ’25) is majoring in psychology and minoring in English, focusing on developmental psychology and creative writing. She is an undergraduate research assistant at BU’s Child Cognition Lab (CCL), working on the Evolving Minds project. Through the CISS Research Internship, she will be finalizing the data coding for the CCL’s scientific curriculum aimed at teaching natural selection to 3rd graders. She will also help investigate how a teacher’s mindset may produce differences in the curriculum’s efficacy. Eve is interested in how people in a child’s microsystem (parents, teachers, peers) may influence cognitive and social development, including mindset, family systems, attachment, and school performance. (Mentor: Léa Tân Combette, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences)

Elizabeth Luongo (CAS, ’25) is pursuing a degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. This summer, she will be focused on the under representation of woman and racial and ethic minorities in the academic field economics, and aims to helping reduce sexism, racism and nationality biases in the US university economics departments. Outside of academics, Elizabeth is a project manager for the financial consulting track in TAMID, a club aiming to promote student learning as it works directly with start up companies. Elizabeth is also a contributing writer for the BU Buzz and in their free time loves to travel and explore Boston. (Mentor: Randall Ellis, Economics) 

Dante E. Pettinato (CAS ‘25) is a junior studying International Relations and History in the Pardee School of Global Studies focusing on foreign policy and security studies in Asia. Dante also has a background studying political economy and business. Through the CISS Research Internship Dante hopes to help build a strong foundation of qualitative data for the research methods used in published political science journals. This work will culminate in the creation of a data set which can be used to help analyze any trends that exist within the research methods used in the Political Science field. (Mentor: Mehmet Hecan, Political Science)

Ethan Singer (CAS, ’24) is pursuing a degree in Computer Science. (Mentor: Maxwell Palmer, Political Science)