Skip to main content

Department of Political Science
University of California, San Diego
Undergraduate Student Highlights

 

The Department aims to highlight and celebrate the diverse talent, work ethic, intellect, accomplishments, and backgrounds of its undergraduate student community! Any Political Science student, of any academic level, is welcome to answer the questions in the link below to be highlighted here on our Department website.

This is an opportunity to show future Tritons what can be accomplished as an undergraduate student at UCSD and in the Department of Political Science.

Link

Makhfira Abdullahi

  • Makhfira Abdullahi

    Makhfira Abdullahi

    Major: Political Science - International Relations

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Hello everyone! I'm Makhfira Abdullahi (she/her), and I am a current Political Science/International Relations Major at Eleanor Roosevelt College (ERC). Growing up in Southeast San Diego as a Black Muslimah has been a bittersweet experience, to say the least, and I can confidently say that the environment of my upbringing, has left a major influence on my career choice. Being able to be exposed to social justice-related issues within my community, has inspired me to take upon this field, in order to ensure justice and equity amongst my people and in the grand schemes of things, the world. To explain, my experience within politics and social justice can be described on a grassroots level, as I have been able to organize with coalitions within my city and neighborhood, to advocate on issues such as defunding school police, gentrification awareness, ensuring COVID-19 resources, and overall, instilling an environment of inclusivity and community. In terms of specific roles, I currently serve as an active member of the Youth Congress for the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), an organizing hub within City Heights, San Diego, that is dedicated to advancing the full economic, social, & civic inclusion of refugees. In lieu of such, I also serve as a UCAN Student Ambassador for UCSD, Orientation Leader for ERC, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties Volunteer, and lastly, participating in a myriad of phone banking campaigns, as a method of digital organizing. Moreover, in terms of past involvements, I have had the amazing privilege of serving as the Research Team Lead for Defund School Police San Diego, Young Legislator for California's 79th State Assembly District, and Youth Ambassador for the San Diego International Rescue Committee. With such involvements, I have had the opportunity to be exposed to a plethora of resources, mentors, and life skills, that have aided in my transition to a four-year university, and I plan to abide by them, as well as add to them, as I navigate throughout my academic and professional career. Being able to view hardship while simultaneously growing up with a culture of collectiveness has allowed me to pursue my passion in Political Science with a mindset of consistent innovation, as change must be constant, whether it be in regards to our governmental system or even racial disparities within the Political Science field as a whole. Thus, I advocate for individuals who look like me or share a similar upbringing, as I understand how difficult it is to enter such prestigious and exclusive spaces, that lack representation and equity, and I hope that my time at UCSD will aid in abolishing such. That being said, my position as a Political Science student at UCSD will be one of difference, as I plan to bring lived experiences to the table, along with a plan for change, and that starts right here within my own community.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: Upon graduating from UC San Diego, I intend to hopefully attend Law School, with a concentration in either the fields of Civil Rights, International Law, and Immigration Law. Whether this be the true turnout of my future or not, I would like to say that I anticipate working pro-bono, with individuals within my community or wherever I end up, as communities of color tend to be overlooked disproportionately within our Justice System. Thus, being able to advocate for families not just on a professional level, but also on a personal level, is extremely important to me, as being able to provide comfort and confidentiality is key, along with overall relatability. Along with Law School, I would also like to work with Non-Profit organizations within my city and essentially, remain organizing on a grassroots level, regardless of the career choice I end up with. Beyond academics and profession, I also aim to travel, as this is a luxury I have always admired since childhood, but have never gotten the opportunity to truly participate in. I would like to visit my home country of Ethiopia, the region of Oromia, and explore as much as I physically can, along with immersing myself in the art, food, sights, and people of every country I hopefully visit. All in all, these are just a few of my post-graduate goals, and I look forward to cherishing my time at UCSD before I embark upon my ambitions.

Victoria Bracco

  • Victoria Bracco

    Victoria Bracco

    Major: Political Science - Political Theory

    Second Major: History

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: Winter 2022

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Currently I serve as President of Model United Nations, Chair of AS Judicial Board and the Secretary of Operations for Civil Discourse Club. All of my participation in the UC San Diego has shown me that the biggest step you can take toward your goals is to just keep showing up and trying to make a difference in the things you want. I’ve helped create financial aid considerations for traveling in MUN, foster more civil discussions and host an annual political forum with CDC, and have gotten an inside perspective on the operations of AS. What I have learned is that change always starts with a conversation and always requires more meetings than you would think. Asking questions allows you to walk through doors that you never thought were there, I am excited to continue my investigations into constitutional systems and understand the many factors that go into trying to develop a community of individuals bound together under a rule of law.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: Like many political science students, I hope to be attending law school. My aspirations from there take a different route then the becoming a lawyer. I hope to become further involved in the academic study of the law, hopefully to one day become a federal judge or perhaps a justice.

    Anything else you would like to share?: I have crafted my coursework to understand the questions I want answered, writing on topics such as the development of anarchist ideology, the relationship between death cults and Stalin’s regime, and the considerations that have to be taken in complex legal cases. This has made my time at UCSD the most enjoyable, let you curiosity lead and by the time your ready to graduate you will have many opportunities and many paths to consider taking.

Jose Chavez

  • Jose Chavez

    Jose Chavez

    Major: Political Science - Data Analytics

    Minor: Law & Society

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2023

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Hello! My name is Jose, and I am enjoying my first year at UC San Diego as a Political Science - Data Analytics student. During my first year, I've written twelve articles for the UCSD Guardian newspaper, won awards in Open Extemporaneous Speaking and NPDA for the UCSD Speech and Debate Club, and am now an Orientation Leader and Summer Bridge Peer Mentor in training! Be sure to fully take advantage of all of the resources available to you... "how you do one thing is how you do everything!"

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: I intend on attending law school and obtaining my Juris Doctorate and L.L.M. to get a job working in government.

    Anything else you would like to share?: The most valuable virtue right now is perseverance... know your limits, but never give up!

Jordan Chu

  • Jordan Chu

    Jordan Chu

    Major: Political Science - Public Policy

    Second Major: History

    Minor: Public Service

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2022

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Hello my name is Jordan Chu, I am a third year undergraduate majoring in Political Science - Public Policy and History. I was initially drawn towards this career path through my previous interests in history and civics courses and extracurricular involvement in student government. As an Eagle Scout, public service has always been at the forefront of my extracurricular activity, as I hope to implement progressive solutions to benefit our communities and society at large. From the divisive politics of immigration to the perils of weapons of mass destruction, I have been able to explore a diverse collection of policy interests as an undergraduate at UC San Diego. In my American Political Development class (POLI 102C), I explored the history of our socio-political system and the institutions that shaped the modern political landscape. When taking professor Galderisi’s class, I learned how to utilize political databases and analyze information on legislative proceedings, campaign finances, and summaries of elections. These tools gave me a holistic understanding of today’s political climate and inspired me to become civically involved. After taking the class, I made a concerted effort to stay up to date on political and world events. In addition to regularly watching the news and multiple political documentaries, I began consistently reading articles on FiveThirtyEight, POLITICO, and The New York Times. In my California Government class (POLI 103A), I garnered a better understanding of California’s political system and how constituency populations and electoral mechanisms make the Golden State politically different from other states. In the Political Science upper division courses, I had several first hand experiences to draft policy briefs on education, immigration, and foreign policy. Professor Kousser’s course inspired me to intern at my local Board of Supervisors Office, to utilize the same skills to draft policy memos, engage with constituents, and promote district initiatives. In my “How to Win or Lose an Election” course (POLI 100G), I had the opportunity to produce a forty-four page campaign plan for a swing California congressional race, covering strategy, finances, and research. During the same election season, I utilized the skills from Professor Fletcher's course to become a field coordinator for a competitive local college board race. Amongst the fast-paced nature of San Francisco politics, this experience had me racing across the city to transport campaign materials, plan joint campaign events, and oversee several voter outreach initiatives. Not only was the position a fulfilling introduction into electoral politics, but exists as a major highlight of my involvement in political science outside of the classroom.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: Going into my senior year at UCSD, I plan to participate in the Political Science Department’s Senior Honor Thesis program and develop a research project that speaks to my policy interests. In addition, my involvement in the public service minor allows me to gain more policy advocacy internship experience. In terms of future post-graduation goals, I aspire towards a career as a political staffer, building on my experiences and the material from my coursework. I hope to continue my public service, advocating for progressive policies and helping constituencies receive the societal resolution they deserve.

    Anything else you would like to share?: All I can say is I am excited to hopefully finish my senior year on campus and make the most of the rest of my time here at UCSD.

Marcela Davila

  • Marcela Davila

    Marcela Davila

    Major: Political Science - Public Law (B.A.)

    Minor: Critical Gender Studies

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2023

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: During my time at UCSD, I have made it a priority to be involved in social justice, community-driven efforts. In my first year, I was involved with the Triton Community Leadership Institute as well as volunteered at the Triton Food Pantry, which ultimately led me to my current position as the Peer Education Lead for The Hub Basic Needs Center. Prior to this, I served as the Programming and Outreach Intern for CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center and then as a Resource Assistant for OASIS through the Summer Bridge program. I am also excited to be starting next school year working for the Women’s Center as a Social Justice and Peer Education Programming Intern. Touching on academics, I was accepted to the Thurgood Marshall College Honors Program in my second year and have sustained my status in the program since then. In terms of career development, I have served as a judicial extern for the Superior Court of California in Imperial County, completed the Discover the Law program at UCSD, and I am currently a law fellow in the UCLA School of Law-Law Fellows Program.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After UCSD, I plan on taking a year before attending law school, during which I hope to continue dedicating myself to intersectional, anti-racist, and feminist work. Once in the legal profession, I intend on focusing on civil rights and public interest issues that affect underserved communities.

Shayan Ehssan

  • Shayan Ehssan

    Shayan Ehssan

    Major: Political Science - Public Policy

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2021

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: At UCSD, I have been Chief of Staff for the Triton Lobby Corps, which works to represent the interests of the UC San Diego undergraduate student body in public policy affairs. Lobbying for the further investment of students has been extremely rewarding!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: I plan to attend Law School after taking a gap year to explore further interests!

    Anything else you would like to share?: Please register to vote~ https://vote.gov

Jennifer Gomez

  • Jennifer Gomez

    Jennifer Gomez

    Major: Political Science - Race, Ethnicity, and Politics

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2021

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Currently I am the president of the Political Science Student Association and the Underground Scholars Initiative here at UCSD which allows me to remain active in my area of focus and help me support my fellow students. Outside of UCSD, I have been a Rising Scholars Mentor since the inception of the program at Southwestern College in Fall of 2020. As a mentor I provide guidance and support for formerly incarcerated and/or system impacted students at Southwestern College that are working on their associates degrees, in addition to currently incarcerated individuals serving sentences at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) who are working on their degrees as well. Each organization I work with provides something that my education cannot; experience, specifically the experience of those priceless moments you feel when you give yourself to helping others. I wouldn't give any of those moments away and I believe they are just as valuable as my education.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After I graduate, I want to continue supporting formerly incarcerated and currently incarcerated individuals, system impacted individuals and others affected by the carceral system. I want to work in policy or on establishing programs that focus on education as a tool for "rehabilitation". I'd like to see more programs that aim to help drug users and those caught in the carceral system realize their potentials rather than limiting them to the same dead end jobs and endless cycles they are used to. I believe if we help people pursue their education then less people would be doomed to repeat their mistakes and we would be offering individuals better opportunities for success.

    Anything else you would like to share?: How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world - Anne Frank

Isabella Johnson

  • Isabella Johnson

    Isabella Johnson

    Major: Political Science - International Relations

    Minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: I am currently involved with Associated Students where I was elected Campus Wide Senator as both an independent candidate and first year student! I am UCSD's Social Media Intern, Student assistant for Marketing with the Athletic Department and Triton Tide, an avid volunteer with the Triton Food Pantry, chairwoman of Sigma Kappa's Zeta Mu chapter, member of Women in Business, the Women's Network at UCSD, ambassador for the Patio App (a local startup), Ambacebador for Guayaki's Yerba Mate, and social media manager for the Ocean Conservation Club. I absolutely love being a leader in my community and inspire students to do the same. The greatest leader is not necessarily the ones that do the greatest things, but she is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After graduating from UC San Diego, I hope to either attend Law school, or graduate school and eventually work my way towards being an ambassador for the United Nations, or work for international non profit organizations. I hope to be a catalyst towards making the world a more peaceful place and helping communities receive adequate resources to live a fruitful life.

Nicholette Khoubian

  • Nicholette Khoubian

    Nicholette Khoubian

    Major: Political Science - Public Law

    Minor: Psychology; Law and Society

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2023

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: I try to stay involved with the UCSD community and join clubs that really interest me and make a difference in the community. I am the Director of Student Relations for the Triton Lobbyist Corps, a legislative advocacy branch at UCSD that lobbies with San Diego representatives and advocates for the needs of the San Diego and UCSD community. I am also the Co-founder and Vice President of the newly founded Global Legal Brigades where we fundraise throughout the year and provide legal support to individuals in Honduras. I am also the Social Events director for the Chi Omega Sorority where I plan weekly events and work with vendors and businesses across San Diego. Likewise, I hope to participate in the UCDC program next winter and gain an internship and make connections!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After graduating from UCSD, I hope to attend law school and fully pursue a career as a lawyer. I want to focus on corporate/contractual law and work at a firm after graduation.

    Anything else you would like to share?: The UCSD political science department has been really supportive and provides such helpful resources that not only advance my interest in Political Science but also my future career.

Genavieve Koenigshofer

  • Genavieve Koenigshofer

    Genavieve Koenigshofer

    Major: Political Science - Public Policy

    Double Major: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: In high school, people used to tell me, “You could be President someday.” I’d reply, “No thanks! I’m not interested in politics.” I’d been a STEM kid as long as I could remember, very sure of my path forward. Obviously, that changed...After a year on my district’s school board, I developed a passion for education and making it equitable and accessible to all people. I am currently the Chief of Staff of GENup (generationup.net), an entirely youth-led educational advocacy organization that works to effect change at a grassroots level with individual school districts and colleges, as well as in the state and federal policy space. I’ve also started a chapter at UCSD called GENup Collegiate at UCSD (Instagram: @genupco.ucsd) to expand my experience in local politics; all are welcome to join if you’d like to learn more about policy, education, and/or activism!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: I am currently studying to be a psychiatrist by going to medical school. However, I’d like to continue working in advocacy and activism as I move into a career, particularly to lobby for student mental health to policymakers. Nowadays, many in the science community are pushing each other to become active in politics, as scientific issues are becoming more prominent in politics such as global health, climate change, mental health, etc. We believe we need more experts in the conversation, and I’d love to contribute to this cause.

    Anything else you would like to share: My pronouns are she/her/hers.

Emily Lazcano

  • Emily Lazcano

    Emily Lazcano

    Major: Political Science - International Relations

    Double Major: History, U.S. History

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2021

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: As a transfer student, I thought it would be difficult to hit the ground running at UC San Diego. The Department of Political Science made it easy for me to get involved in research and meet professors. During my third year, I applied and was selected for the Research Apprentice Program, where I was able to work alongside a graduate student, Mariana Carvalho. I also had the chance to conduct research on a topic of my own interest. Mariana was kind enough to work with me throughout the past year and a half and I have been able to explore her dissertation topic of political violence to a greater extent. The Research Apprentice Program was essential to me pursuing the Senior Honors Program. Both programs have greatly developed my research and analysis skills. I have recently completed two honors thesis within my two departments; Political Science and History. Within the department, there were several professors who were vital to my development as a political scientist specifically Dr. Karen Ferree, Dr. Simeon Nichter, Dr. David Lake, and Dr. Maureen Feeley. Their guidance and the department's various opportunities have enabled me to further my academic career beyond into grad school!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After graduating from UC San Diego, I will be moving to Chicago to pursue a Master's at the University of Chicago. I was recently accepted into an international relations/comparative politics program where I will dive deeper into my research interests of violence and conflict. I was fortunate enough to receive a fully-funded scholarship, and I am glad that I will study at another top institution. I plan on continuing my education in a Ph.D. program after completing my Master's. I also plan to complete hands-on research in two regions of interest, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa the year before applying for Ph.D. programs. This will allow me to broaden my scope on conflict issues within both areas.

    Anything else you would like to share: Don't be afraid to apply to different opportunities because you never know what it may lead to. I also highly recommend reaching out to professors and graduate students as much as possible. They're awesome sources of information within the discipline and will always lead you in a great direction! I also want to shout out the GradAMP program which is great if you're interested in graduate school! Another Ph.D. student in our department, Thomas Flaherty, helped refine my applications and I couldn't have been admitted with his help!

Jessica Lieban

  • Jessica Lieban

    Jessica Lieban

    Major: Political Science - Public Law

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2023

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: I took advantage of my freshman year of college though my courses and extracurricular activities were primarily on Zoom. Between taking on positions as Junior Vice President of Service for the Panhellenic Association, a Student Internship role with the UCSD chapter of CALPIRG and membership in the Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Professional Fraternity, among other positions, I worked diligently to immerse myself in the UCSD student community and develop myself as an individual as well as a political science and pre-law student. Additionally, through office hour meetings and in-class discussions, I distinguished myself as an intellectually curious and dedicated student, developing close bonds and networking ties with my professors in the political science department. I owe so much of my wonderful UCSD academic and community experience to my professors, particularly to Professor Ban and Professor Forman, who allowed me to further foster my intellectual and personal growth. Through my connection with Professor Forman, for instance, I was able to secure an internship and research position for fall quarter of 2021 with Earthlab, an environmentally focused community station located in San Diego. Also, beyond the confines of UCSD, I recently secured an opportunity for a two month legal internship In Paris, France during the Summer of 2022. Throughout the remainder of my time at UCSD, I so look forward to continuing to learn and connect with the course material and faculty in the Political Science Department.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: Upon graduation from UC San Diego, I intend to embark on a gap year in which I hope to travel and gain additional internship experience in the legal field before attending law school.

Eric Lopez

  • Eric Lopez

    Eric Lopez

    Major: Political Science - Public Policy

    Minor: Human Rights

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2022

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Attending UCSD has positively influenced my life in so many ways! One of the biggest ways UCSD has helped me with is how I perceive the world. Through the classes I have taken, the people I have met, and the virtual experiences through this challenging time has significantly developed my understanding of several cultures, communities, careers, and college life! I have had so much fun through this journey and I anticipate to learn so much more!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: My goal after graduating is to begin my career in public service! I would also love to stay in San Diego because you cannot beat the sunny weather here!

    Anything else you would like to share: Do not be afraid to meet others and take classes you are not familiar with! Change is good! I promise you will thank me later!

Vorathip Plengpanit

  • Vorathip Plengpanit

    Vorathip Plengpanit

    Major: Political Science - International Relations

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2021

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: During my time at UCSD with the Political Science Department I am content in knowing that I have been mentored, taught, and driven by the most genuine, charismatic, and inspiring people not just in the field, but quite frankly in my life. Professors Philip Roeder, Germaine Hoston, and David Lake among many others have allowed me to further my own achievements and research interests that revolve around soft power and its relation to human rights and international law/regulation. I'm proud to have been eligible to graduate at the age of 18 as a second year this past Winter Quarter 2021 and its because of the mentorship I've received that I've been able to further my own academic career, most recently completing my senior undergrad thesis and going on to do undergrad research assistant work while taking grad classes at GPS.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: The reason I say "eligible to graduate" rather than "have graduated" is because I anticipate joining the new BA/MIA joint program with GPS and so I've decided to stay with UCSD a bit longer. Personally, I foresee continuing my education into a PhD program, committing further to the research passions I've developed through my time with the department but at the same time, I also see myself enjoying more of a "work force" environment such as a consultant/researcher/advisor position for an NGO/IO.

    Anything else you would like to share?: A massive shout out to the professors I've worked with that have mentored me along with graduate students I've met that have given valuable insight. Networking both within the department and GPS has been a door to so many opportunities and I'm glad I pursued them. I look forward to continuing to make the most of my time here.

Lois Ramilo

  • Lois Ramilo

    Lois Ramilo

    Major: Political Science - International Relations

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Hey there! My name is Lois and I am an International Relations major at Seventh college! UCSD's political science department has really opened my eyes to the greater world that is politics and government. I have been involved in my local community in bringing racial awareness to the harsh realities our country brings for POC as well as looking abroad to find ways for how different countries can delegate and communicate with each other over complex issues. Last summer, I was able to help lead a march in my hometown in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and spread awareness of my city's own troubled past with racism as a sundown town. Beyond that, I look forward to continuing serving my Filipino community as a Filipina woman of color not only through politics but also through my art as both a graphic designer and photographer. I do graphic design as well as style people for a UCSD student-run fashion magazine called TREND and volunteer at my local church here in San Diego. For anyone still thinking about joining our Political Science department, I highly encourage everyone to take a look!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After graduating, I look to become a diplomat or foreign service worker for the government or get myself involved with NGOs or non-profit organizations advocating for social justice and human rights abroad.

Alexandra Sarkis

  • Alexandra Sarkis

    Alexandra Sarkis

    Major: Political Science - Public Law

    Minor: Human Rights and Migration Studies

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2021

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: I've been an RA for the Raza Living and Learning Community and at Marshall College. I've also been a writing hub tutor for 3 years. I served as the Director of Civil and Human Rights at the Student Sustainability Collective.I volunteered as a translator at the Community Law Project with California Western School of Law. I've also completed a senior honors thesis under Dr. Claire Adida.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: My goal to serve my community in Chula Vista as a public interest attorney.

    Anything else you would like to share?: Shout out to all the political science professors

Nika Shlopov

  • Nika Shlopov

    Nika Shlopov

    Major: General Political Science

    Second Major: Ethnic Studies 

    Minor: Human Rights and Migration Studies

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: UCSD has an amazing Political Science department that I am proud to be a part of. Additionally, I am in the Ethnic Studies department and I am involved with UCSD club gymnastics. If you are interested in justice, law, data, and/or research, look into our Political Science department!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: After I graduate from UC San Diego I plan on either doing a Peace Corps tour or working with charity groups to serve underrepresented communities.

Dana Suleiman

  • Dana Suleiman

    Dana Suleiman

    Major: General Political Science

    Minor: History

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2022

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Hello everyone! I'm Dana Suleiman part of the MSA club, interned with CalPrig, organized protests in my community, and I was in Discover the Law program. Being a transfer student it was a challenge to get adjusted to UCSD but because UCSD has a great political science program it made it a easier on me as a political science student. They have a lot of amazing internship opportunities so take advantage of it!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: I plan on getting an internship at the United Nations and work my way up to become a UN ambassador.

    Anything else you would like to share?: Shout out to all the political science professors

Lindsey Teller

  • Lindsey Teller

    Lindsey Teller

    Major: Political Science - Public Law

    Minor: Critical Gender Studies; Healthcare & Social Issues

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2022

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Throughout my time at UCSD, I have gotten involved with Associated Students by being appointed to the Judicial Board. I have also been able to develop my advocacy skills and my interest in social issues by volunteering for CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center and working in the AS Office of Health & Well-being's Sexual Health team. On top of this, I'm very proud to be on track to graduate over a year early with a near-perfect GPA.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: I was originally on the pre-law track, but as I got more engaged in upper division Political Science coursework, I realized that this is not the path I am meant to be on. As of right now, I plan to take a gap year after graduation to gain some work experience before getting my Masters in Public Policy. I hope to use this degree to work as a Policy Analyst or Legislative Aide in D.C.

     

Kasandra Valladolid

  • Kasandra Valladolid

    Kasandra Valladolid

    Major: Political Science - International Relations

    Minor: Human Rights and International Migration

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2021

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Since I am 15 years I started doing community service and projects between Mexico and United States. In the actuality I am the founder of Proyecto Tlali a future binational non-profit. Also I just want to share that I just got hired at Jewish Family Services in the Migration Shelter helping asylum seekers.

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: In the next year I plan to apply to Law School focusing on Corporate or Migration

Skyler Weiden

  • Skyler Weiden

    Skyler Weiden

    Major: Political Science - Public Law

    First Generation Student?: Yes

    Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2022

    Please share some highlights about yourself, what you are involved in, what you have accomplished, and anything else you would love others in the Political Science undergraduate community to know about you!: Being a transfer student has been quite the experience especially converting to Zoom. However, yet challenging in various ways. It’s like starting over and trying to get familiar with the UC system as well as taking advantage of all the opportunities around you. With that, my upper division courses have set me up to be more successful in becoming a future lawyer. To start, from working on client advice memos, learning about private or public nuisance cases, diving into caselaw, or even IRAC structure, and learning how to read, write, and think like a lawyer. A huge shout out to Professor Nichter I wouldn't be the UCSD student without her teaching skills. Not only but also, she has inspired me to pursue my legal career and always makes class super enjoyable. UCSD she be blessed to her have a professor like her!!

    What are some of the plans and/or goals you have after graduating from UC San Diego?: My plan is to go to law school after I graduate UCSD.

    Anything else you would like to share?: Shout out to all the political science professors