May 13, 2021 Newsletter

Congratulations to our graduating seniors: Adiah Bailey, Olivia Battistoni, Zineb Benkirane, Bobby Bruno, Kayley Carter, Eleanor Gaddy, John Garcia, Nandita Kannapadi, Alana Khan, Kimberly Osbern, Hanna Paris, Fatima Rahman, and Grace Zhang.

Congratulations to numerous INTL majors for their impressive achievements!

Kasey Pukys won a national Critical Language Scholarship to study Russian remotely through the KORA Language Center in Vladimir, Russia.

Baker-Nord Center summer grant winners include Reagan Amato, who will complete an internship in South Korea; Jordan Deskins, who will work with Asociación de Trabajadores del Campo in Nicaragua on labor rights and food sovereignty; and Nathan Ruhde, who will continue to conduct research for the global data collection initiative CoronaNet.

Numerous majors have also won SOURCE summer grants.  So far, two have finalized their plans.  Aarushi Deo will use the grant toward her research on conservation of DNA repair mechanisms in the brains of aged Drosophila. Lelia Durand will write policy reports on U.S.-China relations as an intern with the Alliance for Citizen Engagement and will assist with Cleveland Council on World Affairs’ international exchange and Model United Nations programs.

Welcome to those new to the major this year: Reagan Amato, Samuel Bachelor, Vishu Chandrasekhar, Aarushi Deo, Tristan Douglas, Kiani Dwight, Savannah Gazda, Joey Gonzalez,  Cami Kidwell, Joana Kyle, Celia Ngompe Mbiegue, Lisa O’Brien, Luke Pacheco, Tenzin Palmo, Sophia Peterson, Kayla Red, Arselan Rekhif, Jacob Potter, Mariana Valdez-Puñales, Regina Sosa Valdovinos, Julia van Oordt, Thendral Veerasekar, and Tonya Yarichevskaya.

Thank you to this year’s Sigma Iota Rho officers:  President Kimberly Obsern, Vice President Hanna Paris, Secretary and Treasurer Kayley Carter, and Adjunct Liaison Kasey Pukys.

This is the last newsletter for spring semester.  The newsletter will resume with the start of fall semester.  Have a restful summer!

All Majors

Majors Assist with Global Research Project
Read about four International Studies majors who have assisted with the global research initiative CoronaNet.

New Alumni Profile
Check out the profile of international security expert John Drennan ’12.

LinkedIn Group
Summer is an excellent time to join the CWRU International Studies Group on LinkedIn, if you have not already.  It can be done in two easy steps: link to Kelly McMann and request to join the group.

Summer Funding 
The first deadline for applying for funding for unpaid internships, projects, and research through Post-Graduate Planning and Experiential Education is May 7. If funds remains, additional applications will be considered on a rolling basis until June 1.

The National Endowment for Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy offers numerous internships. The fall 2021 application period opened April 20.

Virtual Student Federal Service
International Studies majors have had excellent experiences interning remotely during the academic year for U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State.  Positions are listed beginning July 1.

Reimaging Global Health
May 13, 4:30-5:15 p.m., Virtual
3M Health Information Systems’ Sandeep Wadhwa will lead a discussion on improving the health of vulnerable populations worldwide. Register through CampusGroups.

U.S. Humanitarian Assistance
May 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Virtual
Neilesh Shelat of USAID will lead a discussion on U.S. humanitarian assistance and its place in the Biden administration. Register in advance.

Asia
Heritage Month
May 1-29, Virtual and In-Person Locations
Explore numerous events in celebration of Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi, and Asian American heritage throughout the month of May. Register on CampusGroups for events in advance.

Heritage Month Panel
May 14, 3 pm, Virtual
Hear from major Grace Zhang about her experience as an Asian American and from alumni in celebration of Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi and Asian American Heritage Month.

RK/RKAY
Online screening begins May 14, Cinematheque
A cartoon character appears in the real world in this Indian film. Online screening fee is $12.

2021 Cleveland Asian Festival
May 22, 10:30 a.m., Virtual
The Cleveland Asian Festival will highlight Cleveland’s AsiaTown and Asian culture in Northeast Ohio.

Europe
Enfant Terrible
Online screening begins May 14, Cinematheque
The life of New German Cinema director Rainer Werner Fassbinder is depicted in this movie. Online screening fee is $10.

In Search of Peace
May 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Virtual
Enjoy music from European and American composers.

Middle East
Israel on Campus Coalition Fellowship
ICC is currently looking for student fellows for its 2021-2022 fellowship program. Fellows receive a stipend.

There is No Evil
Online screening begins May 14, Cinematheque
This Iranian film depicts four separate stories about the morality of capital punishment. Online screening fee is $12.

The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East
May 25, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Virtual
Journalist Kim Ghattas will lead a discussion on the current state of Middle Eastern conflicts and the best path forward for U.S. engagement. Register in advance.

he International Studies Program does not endorse or sponsor the fellowships, internships, jobs, and other opportunities listed in the newsletter. Students are encouraged to evaluate them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, follow all government and public health restrictions and advice when taking advantage of these opportunities. CDC information and resources appear here