The Center is home to faculty, graduate students, undergraduate research interns, and post-doctoral scholars. We also host visiting scholars who are carrying out innovative collaborative research with Center faculty affiliates. (For assistance in hosting a visiting scholar for a semester, see here). Meet our Center alumni who have continued on to exciting careers and educational pursuits!
Postdoctoral Scholars
Tanya Rouleau Whitworth (CISS ’22-23) Tanya worked with mentor Deborah Carr (CAS, Sociology). Dr. Whitworth currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative (SAARA) for the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Postdoctoral Fellow (2022-23)
Undergraduate Interns
Taelor Anderson (CAS ’24/Psychology & Brain Sciences) Taelor worked with mentor Aarti Bodas (GRS ’26/Psychological and Brain Sciences). Taelor graduated from Boston College with an MS in Applied Statistics and Psychometrics in 2026 and is currently a Patient Experience Representative at Boston Children’s Hospital. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-2022)
Lily Belisle (CAS ’25/Sociology & WGS) Lily worked with CISS as a Communications Manager, assisting with social media, website management, and article generation. Lily conducted research for her Honors Thesis on the attitudes displayed by those in power when discussing sexual violence in a legal setting and previously worked as a Research Assistant for Deborah Carr (CAS/Sociology). Additionally, Lily co-founded the Armchair Journal, an independent sociology journal for undergraduates. After graduation, Lily worked as a Junior Research and Evaluation Analyst at The Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES) in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently headed to UC Berkeley School of Law as a J.D. Candidate. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Communications Manager
Avery Bolden (CAS ’23/Political Science) Avery graduated in May of 2023 with a BA/MA in Political Science and Government. Avery worked with mentor Spencer Piston (CAS/Political Science). Avery graduated in June 2026 from the University of Chicago Law School in June 2026 with her JD, as well as an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is currently a Fellow at the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI). For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-2022)
Alex Eduarte (CAS ’25/Behavior and Health) Alex worked with mentor Meghann Lucy (GRS, ’25/Sociology). She is currently a Medical Assistant at Hawai’i Health & Harm Reduction Center. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (Summer 2022)
Nikki Huang (CAS ’23/Sociology) Nikki worked with mentor Jonathan Mijs (CAS/Sociology). She graduated BU with a degree in sociology and innovation/entrepreneurship. Nikki received her MA in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago in 2024. She is currently Director of Business Development at SSI Group Inc., the Philippines’ largest specialty retailer. As well, she serves as a Board Member for the Tukod Foundation Inc. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-2022)
Rebecca Kielar (CAS ’23/Economics & Mathematics and History of Art & Architecture) Rebecca worked with mentor Johannes Schmieder (CAS/Economics). Rebecca graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in May 2026 with her JD. She is currently Editor-in-Chief of the University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-22)
Kasandra Kue-Rojas (CAS ’24/Anthropology/Health and Medicine) Kasandra worked with mentor Makarand Mody (SHA/Hospitality Marketing). She received her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Health Career Association (NHA) in January 2025 and served as a Medical Assistant with Blackstone Valley Community Health Care. In September 2026, however, Kasandra will depart for Peru to serve in the Peace Corps Community Health Sector for 27 months. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Faculty Pilot Grant Research Assistant (2020-21)
Carly Mast (CAS ’22/History) Carly worked with mentor Jessica Simes (CAS/Sociology). Carly completed an internship and then served as a Social Justice Springboard Fellow at NYU Bronfman Center until she focused her career on university admissions at Emerson College. Carly is now an Assistant Director, Visitor Experience with Boston University’s Admissions team. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-22)
Eliana Mugar (CAS ’23/Linguistics and Computer Science) Eliana worked with mentor Charles Chang (CAS/Linguistics). Eliana is currently in Air Force Officer School training to become an Intel Officer. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-2022)
Shraddha Pingali (CAS ’22/Environmental Studies) Shraddha worked with mentor Ian Sue Wing (CAS/Earth & Environment). While at BU she earned both her BA and MS in Environmental Analysis and Policy/Energy and Environment. She is currently a Quantitative Analyst at E Source. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-22)
Will Regan (CAS ’23/Computer Science & Statistics) Will worked with mentor Jonathan Mijs (CAS/Sociology). Will completed his undergraduate studies in Computer Science in 2023. For more information about his current pursuits, visit his LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-22)
Kate Sandage (CAS ’23/Sociology) Kate worked with mentor Wesley Wildman (STH/Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics & CDS). Kate is currently studying for her master’s degree in clinical/medical social work at the University of Michigan and is a Program Assistant with Community Action Network (CAN) of Ann Arbor. For more information about his current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2021-22)
Emily Schwartz (CAS ’24/Sociocultural Anthropology & Spanish) Emily worked with mentors Daryl Ireland (STH & CGCM) and Eugenio Menegon (CAS/History). While at BU, Emily completed an internship with The Intergenerational Literacy Program (ILP) in Chelsea, MA through the Kilachand Honors College internship program tutoring community members in English. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2020-21)
Andrew Severance (CAS & GRS ’25/Economics & Political Science) Andrew worked with mentor Arjun Vishwanath (CAS/Political Science). While at BU he earned both her BA and MA in Economics (and his BA in Political Science). Andrew is currently a Business Solutions and Automation Specialist with Darling Consulting Group in Newburyport, MA. For more information about his current pursuits, visit his LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Undergraduate Research Intern (2024-2025)
Cassandra “Sonny” Stuger (CAS ’25/Economics) Sonny worked with CISS as a Communications Intern, specifically creating and managing our weekly Digest newsletters. Sonny was interested in utilizing data analysis and econometric techniques to assess environmental policies, find innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges, and promote sustainable practices. Sonny is currently employed by ESAI Power as a Research Analyst. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Digest Editor/Communications Intern
Graduate Students
Graham Albert (GRS ’23/Anthropology) Graham was a Ph.D. candidate in the Anthropology Department, focusing on biological anthropology. Albert looks at how facial appearance affects interpersonal perceptions. In particular, he looks at how certain facial characteristics affect dominance perceptions. While with CISS, Graham worked with mentor Neena Verma (Assistant Provost/ADDS). Graham is currently a Research Analyst with Verisk’s Catastrophe and Risk Solutions team. For more information about his current pursuits, visit his LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Olivia Britton (GRS ’24/Political Science) Olivia was a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science. Her research explored the political, social, and economic webs that shape refugee integration experiences on the ground. While at BU she served as a summer intern at BU’s Center for Antiracist Research (CAR). Olivia is now a Nonprofit & Philanthropy Strategist serving as Director for CCS Fundraising. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Chawannuch Chaikulngamdee Sokol (COM ’25/Emerging Studies) Chawannuch was a Ph.D. student in the School of Communication, focusing on emerging media studies. Her research examined the intersections of digital technologies and race, specifically how racial attitudes are shaped and expressed in virtual spaces. While with CISS, Chawannuch interned with the Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts. Chawannuch is currently a Content & Community Lead/Marketing Manager at Bucketplace (Ohouse). For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Leyla Jafarova (GRS ’25/Anthropology) Leyla was a Ph.D. student in the Anthropology Department, focusing on socio-cultural anthropology. She researched social legacies and consequences of the Nagono-Karabakh war, focusing on the emergence of alternative forms of knowledge as well as gendered experiences of uncertainty. While with CISS, Leyla interned with Lynn Racial Justice Coalition and served as a CISS communications assistant. Leyla is currently an Associate Publisher (Humanities, Media & Arts Journals) at Taylor & Francis Group. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022) & Communications Assistant
Meghann Lucy-Mulayim (CAS ’24/Sociology) Meghann was a Ph.D. student in Sociology. Her interests are in the sociology of health and medicine, consumption, deviance and social control, housing, and how these intersect. While at CISS, Meghann served as the editorial assistant for the Journal of Health and Social Behavior under the guidance of Deborah Carr (CAS/Sociology) and served as a CORE Curriculum Writing Fellow. She is currently developing a book manuscript from this research. Meghann is currently an assistant professor of sociology at Montana State University. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Editorial Assistant
Dan Liu (STH ’27/Theology) Dan was a Ph.D. candidate at BU School of Theology. His research focused on Chinese Christianity and Chinese Church History, with a special interest in China’s modern encounter with Christianity. While with CISS, he worked with mentors mentors Daryl Ireland (STH & CGCM) and Eugenio Menegon (CAS/History) and worked in Boston-area archives to locate and record more data on Christian missions. CISS Role: Faculty Pilot Grant Research Assistant (2021-22)
Rachel Monsey (GRS ’26/History & CC) Rachel is a Ph.D. student in the History Department. She studies seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Great Britain with a focus on intellectual history under Dr. Arianne Chernock. While with CISS, Rachel interned with Partners in Health (PIH) on an intentional effort to apply interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems in global health. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Chloe Yunjie Song (GRS/Economics) Chloe is a Ph.D. student in economics. Her research interests lie in industrial organization. While with CISS, Chloe interned with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, designing a survey to evaluate the Emergency Rental Assistance Program launched during the Covid pandemic. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her LinkedIn page. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Leping Wang (GRS ’25/Sociology) Leping was a Ph.D. student in the Sociology Department. Wang’s research interests included occupational mobility, social inequality and stratification, education, and life course trajectories. As a sociologist trained in quantitative methods, she was interested in leveraging statistical models and mixed methods to inquire into the broad subject of social inequality and stratification, particularly in education, health, occupation, and race and ethnicity. Leping interned for The Center for Mind and Culture. Leping is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Sociology with Vanderbilt University. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her webpage. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Yibin Yang (SSW ’26) Yibin was a Ph.D. student in the School of Social Work. His research interests focused on preventing mental health challenges and promoting psychological well-being for school-aged children and youth living in socially disadvantaged situations. While with CISS, Yibin worked with experts in early childhood from the United Way Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley to explore strategies to enhance infants’ and young children’s social and emotional development in the post-pandemic era. For more information about her current pursuits, visit his webpage. CISS Role: Graduate Intern in the Social Sciences (Summer 2022)
Aixin Yi (GRS ’27/History) Aixin is a Ph.D. student in history. Her research interests also concern the development of Christianity in East Asia and the global history of science and technology. Working under Eugenio Menegon (CAS/History), while at CISS, she focused on Protestant missionary movements in late imperial and modern China. For more information about her current pursuits, visit her webpage. CISS Role: Faculty Pilot Grant Research Assistants (2021-22)
Visiting Scholars
Shinae Choi (CISS) Shinae visited with CISS in fall 2022 and worked with collaborator Deborah Carr (CAS/Sociology). Dr. Choi is currently an Associate Professor at The University of Alabama. Professor Choi’s research interests center on economic insecurity, financial counseling, the cultural dynamics of financial and healthcare decision-making of families and consumers, psychological and financial well-being, and public policy evaluation. For more information on Dr. Choi’s research and publications, visit her website. CISS Role: Visiting Scholar (Fall 2022)
Sigurd Eid Jacobsen (CISS) was a Ph.D. candidate in Social Sciences at OsloMet. While a visiting scholar at CISS, he worked most closely with Dr. Nazli Kibria (CAS/Sociology). He is currently a Senior Researcher of Health and Welfare Studies at Norwegian Social Research (NOVA) and a collaborator on the project: Socio-spatial Inequality among Families with Children with Disabilities who are Entitled to Cash Benefits and Welfare Services (UPTAKE). Jacobsen holds an MA in sociology from the University of Oslo, where he was employed as a research assistant on several projects. For more information on Dr. Jacobsen’s research and publications, visit his website. CISS Role: Visiting Scholar (???)