Our Alumni

Class of 2026

Aidan Klein | Character Studies: Personality, Storytelling, and Embodiment

Faculty Advisor: Jeff M. Storer M.F.A

Class of: 2026

From:  Mercer Island, WA

Abstract: 

Imagine a heavy rock wedged at the bottom of a stream while pebbles dart past, carried by a swift current. A nice image perhaps, maybe even photo-worthy. Now imagine this: a rock finds itself trapped in a crevice, a prisoner of its own proportions. Its brethren swim past, venturing to new horizons, as if the rock never existed. Why do we now feel sorry for the rock? What changed?

Characters are the primary channels through which we connect emotionally to stories. They are figments of our imagination, yet we breathe life into them and feel empathy toward them as if they were part of our physical reality. We mourn their loss at the end of a good series, connect over shared interests in certain characters, learn from them, and identify with them. As creators, we pour the essence of the human condition into the characters we create--our experiences, beliefs, values, shortcomings, and philosophies. This course of study seeks to understand the workings of characters--what is personality at its core? How do we convey it through textual, visual, and social cues? What makes characters compelling, to the point that we can strongly empathize with them? I hope to answer these questions by studying personality through a cognitive and social lens as well as using visual, literary, and performing arts to explore character construction across a variety of media. By looking at characters holistically as a combination of psychological manifestation, storytelling device, and artistic self-reflection, I hope to better understand the characters that permeate our collective imaginations, imbue characters in my own work with personality, and by doing so, reflect upon my own personality, affectations, and humanity.

In the context of this course of study, I define “character” to mean life as it exists in the imagination, that is to say, any conception of consciousness that can be attributed to psychology, behavior, experience, appearance, or idiolect. “All filter the world through the mind, through concepts, through the senses, through language” (Nelson Goodman, “The Way the World Is”), so the way we perceive consciousness is through a mental distillation, a caricature of identity. This is the essence of character, and encompasses not only fictional characters, but also the mind’s interpretation and reduction of religious and historical figures, other people, and the self. These constructs form collections of individual traits comprising identity and values, which can be expressed through artistic media, and which reflect our subjective human experience. This definition therefore incorporates and builds upon traditional artistic, psychological, and philosophical definitions of character.

Aisha Mane | The Biochemical and Social Dimensions of Health in the Black Diaspora

Faculty Advisor:  Charmaine DM Royal Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Maple Grove, MN

Abstract: 

Titled “The Biochemical and Social Dimensions of Health in the Black Diaspora,” this course of study seeks to (1) Comprehend the different sociopolitical systems that negatively affect patient health outcomes in Black communities. (2) Critically examine how structural, social, and biological factors interlock and create the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black individuals. And most eminently, (3) What are the factors and systems that allowed us to get to the point where the medical system has failed so many Black Individuals? This curriculum consists of 17 courses- 15 core courses and 2 independent studies- that are divided into 3 modules: ‘Policy, Health and Power,’ ‘Social Upstream Factors,’ and ‘Biochemical Factors and Health Outcomes’. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the questions, this course of study draws from many departments including Biological Sciences, African and African American Studies, Global Health, Chemistry, Cultural Anthropology, Psychology, Physical Education, Gender, sexuality, and Feminist studies, and Health Policy. 

Aissatou (Ice-uh-too) Diallo | The Intersections of Performing Arts and Science: Incorporating Biological and Psychological Perspectives

Faculty Advisor:  Mark Olson Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: New Haven, CT

Abstract: 

Inspired by conflicting interests in the performing art and biomedical sciences, this program of study aims to explore how performance and the fields of anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and psychology can be used in tandem to support and advance each other. There will be an interdisciplinary approach to examining the intersections, with courses pulled from cultural anthropology, theater studies, dance, neuroscience, psychology, music, and visual & media studies. Through previous participation in a few of these courses, some emerging intersections have included using the performing arts to promote social interactions and improve higher cognitive functions, using the performing arts to innovate scientific and medical practices such as dance therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease, and several scientific fields being integrated into performances; redefining the parameters of performance art. I hope to continue to discover different ways these two contrasting fields are continuing to incorporate one another and what advancements could be made in the future. This program of study will culminate in a final experiment that analyzes underlying neurological and physiological patterns while experiencing a performance and a performance piece inspired by concepts learned through courses that examine real-world applications of performing arts and science being used together. 

Alveena Nadeem | Decolonizing the Digital World: Global-Equality Driven Computer Science

Faculty Advisor: Pardis Emami Naeini Ph.D. & Anna Storti Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Islamabad, Pakistan & Dyersburg, TN

Abstract: 

Technology is often deemed integral to solving global socioeconomic issues, like access to healthcare, transportation, and education. However, the technological ecosystem, which includes not just digital products but technological education, development, power, policymaking, and financial gain—is inaccessible to communities across the globe. Multinational technological corporations like Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, and Meta dominate the global digital ecosystem, conducting targeted surveillance, exploiting data, and outsourcing labor from the marginalized communities technology could empower. These companies suppress marginalized communities’ efforts in building their independent technological systems. This form of digital domination (named “digital colonialism”) echoes the labor exploitation, exercised extraterritorial governance, perpetuated dependency, and strategic underdevelopment of colonialism. In turn, diverse communities are using the digital world as a space for collective action, knowledge preservation and sharing, self-advocacy, and political and economic independence. I seek to explore these complicated socioeconomic relationships within the technological ecosystem.

Angela Sapu (Sap-poo) | Global Children's Health: Disparities in the US and Africa

Faculty Advisor: Sheryl Broverman Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Charlotte,  NC

Abstract: 

This individualized program of study explores and compares global health challenges by analyzing the disparities within and between the United States and Africa in children’s health. This goal is driven by the overarching questions “What inequities exist in children’s environments that cause them to have worse health outcomes? Why do these inequities continue to exist and how can they be addressed?” It is important to consider that the goal is not to compare health in African countries at a lower standard to the US but to examine the flaws and achievements being made in both geographical regions and notice where they overlap. The framework of this course of study is divided into four parts: Foundational Knowledge of Health in the US and Africa; Child Development; the Exploration of Social Determinants of Health; and Developing Research Skills. Each category aforementioned informs the other, which is why an interdisciplinary approach in departments such as Public Policy, Psychology, and Global Health is important to address this topic. Through this program not only will I gain a greater insight into the health challenges for children between and within the US and Africa, but I will also learn the critical issues for promoting change for the next generation.

Courtney Yribarren | Sustainable Human Development

Faculty Advisor: Kathryn Whetten Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Fresno, CA

Abstract: 

For multifaceted global problems, multifaceted solutions are needed. This Program II will focus on facilitators and obstacles to institutional, environmental, and human sustainability. All three areas are interconnected, and an intervention in one area that neglects the others is lacking. I will take a solutions-based approach to the established field of development studies, centering practice and using theory and methodology as a foundation. 

Dhruv Rungta | Economics, Ecology, and Sustainable Development 

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shaw

Class of: 2026

From: Edison, NJ

Abstract: 

Protecting our planet's ecosystems is not just an environmental concern but a critical foundation for our economy, culture, and well-being; alarmingly, the past half-century has witnessed a dramatic loss in global ecosystems, marked by a devastating 68% decline in wildlife populations. This self-designed program titled Economics, Ecology and Sustainable Development aims to address this by exploring the science behind ecosystems, the economics of how we can use them sustainably and the best ways to work with communities to protect them. This program draws interdisciplinary coursework from many departments, including Economics, Marine Science, Biology, Human Rights and Public Policy and places significant emphasis on service-learning, community involvement, and hands-on environmental fieldwork. The goal is to provide the intellectual toolkit needed to work on solutions that recalibrate our relationship with the planet.

Gabrielle Perry (GAB-ree-EL PAIR-ee) | Health Beyond Care: Addressing Social Determinants and Reimagining Solutions

Faculty Advisor: Gregory Samanez-Larkin Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: New York, NY

Abstract: 

This course of study seeks to understand significant gaps in U.S. health models and how unaddressed factors impact both individual and societal well-being. Central to this investigation is the question of whether more comprehensive approaches can improve the quality of life across diverse communities. Through an interdisciplinary approach, I will critically examine how health is currently measured and addressed in the U.S., while exploring alternative models that aim to bridge the existing gaps in healthcare.

Program highlights include service work, coursework in Urban Planning at UNC, a new Duke advanced psychology course launching in Spring 2025, and the creation and assessment of the Duke Business Behind Health Conference. This conference is designed to foster cross-sector collaboration and provide a framework for advancing equitable and accessible healthcare.

Kaitlyn Williams | Inequality in Education 

Faculty Advisor: Sue Wasiolek Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Stafford, VA

Abstract: 

The current state of American K-12 education is becoming increasingly polarized in response to massive drops in math and literacy rates in classrooms nationwide and an un-unified idea of student success. My program II will investigate the social and political factors that create and perpetuate inequalities in the K-12 educational system. This inquiry will have three central learning objectives: understanding the history and modern implications of inequality, exploring national marginalization, and finally, the manifestation of inequality within our current educational model. Ultimately, a dual approach to understanding the systemic creation of educational disparity and the lived experiences at the core of our current educational system will lead to the center of my question of how to create equitable educational reform.  

Katelyn Cai | Social and Public Trust in the Digital Age 

Faculty Advisor: Phil Napoli Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Scottsdale, AZ

Abstract: 

This Program II will explore the formation and subsequent breakdown of trust between individuals and their surrounding communities, institutions, and sources of information. Three fundamental questions are at the crux of this course of study: why do these breakdowns occur in some contexts, but not others? What are the consequences of a lack of social or public trust? And, how can trust be rebuilt? This program will apply a quantitative, social-scientific lens to the modern day, paying particular attention to the ways that unprecedented technological advancement has regressed information systems and social cohesion. 

Kush Kapoor | Applied Sports & Fitness Economics

Faculty Advisor: Jeff DeSimone Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Singapore

Abstract: 

The Program II major in Applied Sports & Fitness Economics integrates economics, data analysis, and entrepreneurship to study how markets, incentives, and consumer behavior shape both professional sports and the broader fitness industry. By combining quantitative training in econometrics, finance, and management with applied coursework in sports economics, entrepreneurship, and wellness, the program emphasizes both rigorous analysis and practical application.

A central theme of this concentration is accessibility: understanding how economic and organizational structures impact who participates in sports and fitness, at what cost, and with what outcomes. These questions will be explored most directly in my senior thesis, which centers on koPo, an entrepreneurial venture designed to become the world’s largest fitness community. koPo connects users to local gyms, creators, and content, while also serving as a case study in how technology can address inefficiencies in the fitness market.

Through this combination of academic study and entrepreneurial practice, the program demonstrates how economic principles can be applied to sports and fitness to generate insights with both scholarly and real-world impact.

Kyle MacLellan | Social Inequities in Urban Environments: Design, Advocacy & Planning 

Faculty Advisor: Alexandra Zagbayou

Class of: 2026

From: Monroe, NC

Abstract: 

This course of study seeks to understand how physical-based design concepts affect the social environment and vice versa. This will require a deeper understanding of the social inequities that are systemically embedded in the built environment. Courses will allow for intensive assessment of conceptual design and technical knowledge with an emphasis on the social and political history of the present in urban settings. Application of an interdisciplinary, intersectional lens to architectural design and urban planning, developed while building a stronger understanding of the social impacts of race, gender, ability and sexuality in the United States will be prioritized. Program highlights include a DIS Urban Design Studio in Copenhagen, Urban Planning coursework at UNC and a specialization in courses that connect the social political environment to the developed one. 

Lauren Khine| Economics and Asian American Community Health 

Faculty Advisor: Kate Bundorf Ph.D., M.B.A. & Grace Kim Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: New York, NY

Abstract: 

This proposed program of study intends to explore how the histories of Asian economies,
cultures, and immigration to the U.S. influence Asian/American interactions with healthcare systems and treatments in America. Comprised of three modules––(1) Research Methods & Economic Tools, (2) Cultural Integration, and (3) Health Systems––this Program II utilizes economic and global health metrics to explore Asian/American history and culture, population health, and the barriers immigrant communities face when seeking care. Through courses spanning health policy, religion, area studies, and economics taught at Duke and University College London, I intend to comprehensively learn how best to implement culturally competent healthcare practices. The emerging prevalence of healthcare disparities in the U.S. is contextualized by race dynamics, especially within the diaspora of immigrant ethnic groups aggregated deceivingly into one term: Asian American.

Max Bonnstetter| Sports Business and Journalistic Storytelling 

Faculty Advisor: Orin Starn Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Palo Alto, CA

Abstract: 

Sports has become a global multibillion-dollar business, among the biggest on the planet. My Program II overarching theoretical question is: How can journalistic storytelling help us understand the world of sports? I will explore this question by examining significant changes in the sports business, such as the role of agents and contracts, through major trends such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), sports betting, athletes becoming lifestyle brands, and pay equality in women’s sports. I will look at the impact of these changes on athletes, coaches, and business leaders participating in professional and college athletics. My course of study will take an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from various fields in three modules with specific learning objectives:  
1) Analyzing the Business of Sports: How do I best study this massive and rapidly evolving industry ranging from finance to fan engagement? 
2) Culture and Identity in Sports: How do these factors affect the world of sports and those involved?  
3) Documenting the Sports Experience: How does content development and its distribution shape our collective perception of the sports landscape?          
I will delve into these topics and answer critical questions by taking courses from multiple departments, including Documentary Studies, Public Policy, Cultural Anthropology, Religion, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. 

Nicole Dave| The Attention Economy  

Faculty Advisor: Aaron Dinin Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Miami, FL

Abstract: 

This program of study aims to explore and analyze the costs and benefits of the attention economy in the digital environment. In this age of information abundance value comes in the form of attention generating events. The content creator economy has developed as a result of new technologies and their growing presence in our everyday lives. Through adaptation and use of new tools, impact driven influencers have changed the way people connect and discourse happens. I seek to explore this new aesthetic digital space and its economic, ethical, and psychological effects on society. By studying the consumption of content through technical, theoretical, and research courses I will learn how audiences are being shaped and manipulated by the digital creative environment that surrounds them and how creators shape that space.   
 

Olivia Schramkowski| Battleground for the Beloved Community: Culture, Grassroots, and Politics in the American South  

Faculty Advisor: John Aldrich Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Atlanta, GA

Abstract: 

In recent years, the South has become an experiment for how America can begin to reckon with its two identities of being a country built upon white supremacy and one that seeks to give equal opportunity to all of its citizens. This program seeks to study how the past, present, and future of culture, community organizing, and politics in the American South can lead to a more progressive and equitable policymaking system. The program’s central question is what is the foundation for politics in the South, and how can that foundation be used to create a better South? I address this question in three learning modules with associated learning objectives (1) Culture: How do racial tensions, Christianity, and gender play a role in Southern culture and politics? (2) Grassroots: Why are communities important in politics and how can we tell their stories? (3) Politics: How do polarization and inequality contribute to an inefficient and unequal political system? To answer these questions I will take classes in a variety of disciplines including political science, religious studies, documentary studies, history, public policy, African American studies, and gender and feminist studies.

Savanna Ware|  Social Media Studies: Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception and Social Relationships  

Faculty Advisor: Aaron Dinin Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Melbourne Beach, FL 

Abstract: 

My carefully curated program aims to critically examine how social media influences individuals' self-image and interpersonal connections. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical frameworks from psychology, sociology, and media studies to explore how social media shapes self-perception, body image, and identity formation. Through my Program Ⅱ investigation, I will better understand the complex interactions between social media use and mental well-being. Ultimately, I aspire to foster a nuanced understanding of the digital age’s effects on personal and social development, preparing myself to navigate and contribute thoughtfully to the evolving media landscape.

Selom Bediako| Health Disparities in the Black Diaspora and Community Models of Care  

Faculty Advisor: Jocelyn Olcott Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Knoxville, TN

Abstract: 

This proposed course of study investigates the social determinants of health that lead to poorer outcomes for Black individuals across the diaspora. Through my selected courses, I will study the different elements that underpin biopower/ biopolitics as theorized by Michel Foucault- the state's management of the population through the subjugation of bodies under capitalism and control over the factors that enable longevity of life (reproduction, birth and morality, health and sanitation, etc). I seek to apply these concepts to systemic racism in the United States and neocolonialism/globalization in Africa to understand the ways Black people across the diaspora are denied access to life. I will then juxtapose this understanding with an analysis of care work as an undervalued form of labor globally and a radical act of community as a potential solution to state-manufactured health disparities; care work refers to the paid and unpaid labor individuals take on to support another person’s needs usually in relation to age, illness, and disability (ex: healthcare, childcare, elder care, housework, etc)  This study spans the disciplines of African and African American Studies; cultural anthropology; international comparative studies; sociology;  global health; biology; history; literature; and gender, sexuality, and feminist studies. 

Shelby Carter | Anthrozoology of Companion Animals: A Comparative Analysis of Both Ends of the Leash   

Faculty Advisor: Brian Hare Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Atlanta, GA

Abstract: 

The program is an in-depth exploration of the science and history behind the human-companion animal bond. The program explores the cognitive, behavioral, and evolutionary dimensions of humans and our companion animal counterparts that encourage cross-species companionship. The program also includes a detailed investigation into the human-nonhuman animal division through an exploration of linguistic anthropology and human exceptionalism. Integrating knowledge from biology, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and evolutionary anthropology, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the shared evolutionary history shaping human-companion-animal interactions. The academic instruction provided in the program’s course list will complement and inform independent research focusing on human-companion-animal communication and cognitive symbiosis in three species: dogs, cats, and horses.

Sonali Patel | Global Women's Health and Media Narratives   

Faculty Advisor: Sheryl Broverman Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: Farmington, CT

Abstract: 

This Program II aims to analyze the realms of women's healthcare, visual storytelling, and ethical decision-making in representation, particularly concerning transformative interventions at the individual, community, and global levels. It plans to study the question: How can visual storytelling and media representations be used to communicate and address global women’s healthcare challenges? “Communication” in this Program II is defined as being able to translate and amplify the experiences of those affected by women’s healthcare challenges into compelling visual narratives to inform both the medical community at large and the global general public. By integrating perspectives of global health and visual studies as it relates to women’s health, I will study women’s healthcare problems and define “health” on an individual, community, and global level, leveraging visual media as a dynamic platform for amplifying these narratives. The exploration will extend to the intricate dynamics between society and health, both at the individual and community levels, shedding light on the factors influencing the comprehension of disparities in women’s healthcare. Emphasizing a research-centric method, this program of study seeks to take a scientific approach. The anticipated outcome of this Program II is an understanding and implementation of the most ethical and effective visual communication strategies, specifically tailored to communicate topics related to women’s healthcare challenges.

Sydney Okeke (O-K-K)| Reproductive Justice & the Environment   

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Megan Huchko MD, MPH

Class of: 2026

From: Norristown, PA

Abstract: 

This program of study seeks to analyze how a person’s right to reproductive justice is
influenced by their proximity to environmental risks such as air pollution, effects from climate change, and unclean air and water. Through my study of reproductive health; climate change; environmental justice; women’s role in society; social and environmental policies; and global health principles, I will learn how environmental risks affect efforts to achieve reproductive justice and what we can do to reduce their impact. With the vast changes occurring with the environment and reproductive health globally, it is of timely importance to understand the disparities that women all over the world are facing due to these multifaceted, yet interconnected, issues. A highlight of my program is my participation on a Bass Connections team that works to reduce disparities and lower the maternal mortality rate for women of color. At the end of my Program II studies, I want to increase public knowledge about the relationship between environmental risks and reproductive injustices because the connection between environmental and reproductive health is not discussed enough both in academia and society.

Sophia Roud | Applied Science and Health Communications   

Faculty Advisors: Peter Ubel M.D. & Scott A. Huettel Ph.D.

Class of: 2026

From: South Florida

Abstract: 

This program aims to explore the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms that influence people's perceptions and behaviors toward health information from multiple evidence-based scientific perspectives. It also examines the psychological mechanisms that impact the spread of health information, including misinformation, among individuals and groups. Additionally, the program will assess whether effective health communication strategies and evidence-based interventions can improve health outcomes. To successfully achieve these goals, this program requires a strong technical understanding of medical applications that have been targeted by medical misinformation, such as immunology, pharmaceuticals, and palliative care. I hope that through studying this field of inquiry, I can understand how to help improve the effectiveness of current medical technology by developing interventions that facilitate quality health communication.

Michela Arietti

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Sarah Wilbur and Dr. Melanie Kaelberer

Class of: 2026

From: Milan, Italy

Abstract: 

This Program examines the intricate synergy between Nutrition and Dance as potent
agents in both trauma creation and resolution. With a specialized emphasis on the therapeutic prowess of dance and the profound impact of nutrition on the intricate web of physiological and psychological well-being, the program aims to integrate various academic disciplines including neuroscience, psychology, movement studies, sociology, and cultural anthropology. By delving into the dynamic interplay between embodied experiences, neurobiological research, emotional resilience, and dietary practices, the major aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the intricate connections between physical wellness and emotional healing. Furthermore, the program highlights the transformative power of artistic expression, underscoring the pivotal role of dance and nutrition in fostering inclusive well-being and nurturing communal resilience.

Class of 2025

Andrew Sun Major: Mathematics, Decision Making, and Democracy Faculty Advisor: Hubert Bray Ph.D.	Carina Lei  Major: Toward Culturally Competent Care: Holistic Mental Health in Asian/American Diasporic Communities Faculty Advisor: Cristina Salvador Ph.D.	Carlos Montes  Major: Cognitive Musicology: Sociocultural Influences on Musical Perception Faculty Advisor: Tobias Overath, Ph.D.
Kayla Lihardo Major: Being Moved: Perception of Motion and Emotion in Neuroaesthetics Faculty Advisor: Mark Olson Ph.D.	Miranda Harris Major: The Medical and Social Experience of Disability Faculty Advisor: Sarah E. Gaither Ph.D.	Olivia Ares Major: Bones, Dirt, and Culture Faculty Advisor: Steven E. Churchill Ph.D.
Sofia Chodri Major: Revolutionizing Women's Healthcare: Disparities, Innovations, and Implementation Faculty Advisor: Nimmi Ramanujam Ph.D. & Rukmini Balu M.B.A.	Will Lieber Major: Health & Incarceration Faculty Advisor: Nicole Lewellyn Schramm-Sapyta Ph.D.