Alumni

Juliana Pellikan will be graduating in January 2025 from Montclair State University with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in sociology. She plans to pursue a career in the justice systems with a focus in law. What she is looking forward to gaining in this experience is being able to apply the research skills that will be gained from this internship into a future career.

Aleyna Uslu is set to graduate from Montclair State University in May 2026 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. Her future plans include pursuing a career in neuropsychology and psychiatric research. She looks forward to applying the research skills gained from her internship to future projects and career opportunities.

Laila Wright will be graduating from Montclair State University in May 2025 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She plans to attend graduate school to obtain her doctorate and pursue a future career in the field of clinical psychology. She hope to learn valuable research skills that she can later apply to other points of research and her future career.

Sophia Piersanti will be graduating in May 2025 from Montclair State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Child Advocacy and Policy. She plans to advance career by obtaining her doctoral degree and further moving on to become a LPC. During her time as a student and intern she is not only dedicated to her work but also holds her postion with an eagerness to learn and grow.

Divya Chanderjit will be graduating in January 2025 from Montclair State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Child Advocacy and Policy. She plans to go to graduate school and get her master’s degree in Child Advocacy and to get a doctorate in the future. Her professional aspirations are centered around becoming a child advocate, whether it’s through legal advocacy, social work, or policy-making. She wants to play a pivotal role in protecting and empowering children. Her other research fields of interest include neuroscience, human rights, public health, and gender studies. She hopes to apply her research skills to her career plans and to become a catalyst for positive change.

Janelys Morales will be graduating in May 2026 from Montclair State University with a double major in Psychology and Medical Humanities. She plans to go to graduate school to obtain her doctorate and pursue a future career in the field of Personality psychology. She hopes to learn to apply research skills gained from her internship to her career plans.

Samantha Barros will be graduating from Montclair State University in December 2024 with majors in English and History. After graduation she plans to pursue a Masters degree in English and eventually a PhD with a focus in American literature. She hopes to gain valuable research experience that can be applied to her future graduate studies and beyond.

Joselynne Martinez will be graduating from Montclair State University in May 2025 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Child Advocacy and Policies. Her academic focus includes child development, mental health, and policy impacts on children’s welfare. With hands-on experience in research and a passion for improving child well-being, Joselynne aims to contribute in studies dedicated to advancing psychological practices and advocating for effective policies that improve the welfare and mental health of children.

Bryana Luna will be graduating from Montclair State University in May 2026 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Leadership Development Through Civic Engagement. She plans to pursue a career in public service as being a operations research analyst. She is currently doing volunteer work at her local food pantry which motivates her in continuing to work in the public service field. She hopes to learn from her experience in this internship and gain skills that will help her in her future career and life.

Julianna LaMonica will be graduating from Montclair State University in May 2025 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Business. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and continue to work in the psychology field helping others, breaking the stigma, and guide individuals to a happy and healthy life. Julianna recently completed an internship at a substance use counseling center working with addicts who also struggle with other mental health struggles. With her passion for helping others, she continues to be a mental health advocate. She hopes that this internship will help her prepare for her future endeavors and to learn and grow academically and individually so that she can be successful in all aspects of life.

Jani Jackson is a Junior majoring in Psychology at Montclair State University. She plans to pursue a career in the field of Medicine and contribute to innovative solutions through research. Her research interests include human rights and environmental fields. The Applied Research on Social Issues Project will provide her more experience in analyzing digital data. While allowing her to hone her digital literacy skills. She also has research interests in Women’s Rights and Social Justice.

Gabriella Nibaldi is a senior at Montclair State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Public Health, expected to graduate in May 2025. Once she graduates, she plans on pursuing higher education with the hopes of one day obtaining a doctoral degree in Healthcare Administration. Her research interests include healthcare equality & equity, community advocacy, mental health, public health, and social issues within the healthcare industry. She hopes this internship will give her the confidence and the ability to build on her research skills, which will be the stepping stones for her future impact in healthcare.

Gauri Govindaraj is a senior at Montclair State University, majoring in psychology. She has a keen interest in exploring the neuropsychological aspects of various research studies, with a focus on understanding the intricate connections between brain function and behavior. She intends to use Project AROS Lab as a platform to enhance her research skills and further prepare for a successful future in the field of psychology.

Panagiotis Stavridis is a senior at Montclair State University majoring in Justice Studies with a minor in Justice and Families. Expected to graduate in May of 2025, they hope to pursue a career in any field related to human rights. Panagiotis participated in the Human Rights Education Internship at MSU in the Spring of 2023, where they performed extensive research on the disparities faced by people convicted of crimes and taught a lesson on the topic to a group of high school students. In addition, they recently completed an internship with the New Jersey Courts’ Intensive Supervision Program. Their other research fields of interest include LGBTQ and disability rights.

Sonya Agnew will be graduating in May 2024 from Montclair State University with majors in Politcal Science and Jurisprudence, Law, and Society as well as minors in Russian and Global Security and Diplomacy. She plans to pursue a career in the field of international law with a focus on the Post-Soviet sphere. Her other research fields of interest include human rights law and environmental justice.

Kendrick Barrera will be graduating in May 2024 from Montclair State University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Global Security and Diplomacy. He is looking to pursue a career in law, focusing on immigration and citizenship within the United States. The skills he is looking forward to gaining in this experience in being able to apply the research skills that will be gained from this experience, as well as a more well-rounded understanding of foreign affairs, to his future career.

Michael Cerbo is a History Major at Montclair State University utilizing Project AROS to advance his research skills to further prepare him in working in the legal career. Moreover, he will utilize this experience to get a further understanding of global conflicts and utilize this experience to bring more attention to them.

Thomas Chiaravalloti is a Psychology major with the aim of pursuing an academic career in the future. Participating in the program will bring him closer to his goal, honing his research and analytical skills. The experiential opportunity and empirically grounded curriculum complements his prior experience and exposore to theoretical and conceptual foundations in his earlier coursework.

Michael Doyle is a junior majoring in psychology. He is a recipient of Montclair’s Presidential Fellowship and hopes to apply his research skills in future projects. He has some background in statistical analysis and has conducted research on psychiatric care in the healthcare industry.

Naefon Ellis is studying justice studies at Montclair State University with a minor in pre law and paralegal studies. Her research interest includes women’s rights, urban studies such as the impact of gentrification on low-income communities, and Human rights Violation. I inspire to attend law school and to become the future District Attorney.

Ayasiah Fraser is a double major in Sociology and Political Science. In the past, she has held various positions, including the Gem Project in Newark, serving as a college facilitator. Her role was to teach high school students the importance of canvassing. She hopes to hone her analytical and research skill thanks to PAL

Michael House is a senior undergraduate in Psychology with a specific interest in developmental disabilities. As a returning student with extensive professional experience this opportunity allows him to hone valuable research skills, work with a culturally diverse cohort across a variety of areas of expertise, and expand his network to better assist and advocate for those with learning or developmental disabilities upon completion of the program.

Judie Maxi is currently studying Justice Studies at Montclair State University with a concentration in Justice Systems. Her research interests include international and domestic human rights. She aspires to go to law school to become an attorney upon graduation.

Payton McHugh is a freshman at Montclair State University majoring in Policy Studies with a minor in Urban Studies. Her research focuses on the societal impacts of infustructure and resource allocation.

Fineshara Merceda is studying Psychology at Montclair State University with a minor in international business. Her research interests include international relations and human rights. She works as a University Fellow for the College of Humanities and Social Science and as a student service assistant at the McColgan Student Services Center at the Feliciano School of Business.

Timothy Orlando is studying Political Science at Montclair State University with minors in Environmental Justice and Pre-Law Studies. His research interests are environmental justice and climate advocacy in different regions of the world. The Project AROS lab research internship is his first experiential learning opportunity to further hone his scholarly research skills.

Giannie Rodriguez is a Senior Visual Arts major with a deep passion for art and animation. Her cross-disciplinary research interests include questions of psychologocal, sociological, and human rights-focused nature. The Project AROS Lab experience provides an excellent platform to explore her scholarly passions by working on a project on artificial intelligence, art and the role of agency in this context.

Madelyn Santorelli is a Montclair State University senior pursuing two bachelor’s degrees in International Justice and English. She is a writer and an artist. She is interested in the intersections and oppositions between the physical and the metaphysical, the individual and society, language and translation, and the distinction of poetics from politics—or lack thereof. She is drawn to theory in the light of philosophy and pulled by and through an interdisciplinary approach. She is fascinated by the “gray area.”Above all, she is a student, in and out of the classroom. She hopes to remain as such, regardless of where she is.

Loni Smith is a Political Science Major, minoring in Urban Studies (Sociology) at Montclair. His ecclectic work experience in the corporate world and serving in civil organizations have taught him the importance of serving local communities. With this experiential learning opportunity he seeks to hone his research and problem-solving skills.

Anthony Travisano is a Justice Studies major with a minor in Criminal Justice. His career goal is to work in the field of criminal justice field and hopes to improve his analytical skills to conduct legal research in the future.

Peace Adeniyi-Idowu is pursuing her bachelors in Political science and Philosophy at Montclair State University. She has substantial research interest for family science and health development as well as a range of historical and contemporary issues such as human rights and environmental justice. She also interned in Newark’s mayor’s office in helping the disadvantaged minorities gain access to useful resources like reduced healthcare and affordable housing.

Josh Rota – Tebb is a 22 year old political science major at Montclair State University. With a background in Open Source Intelligence Analysis Josh has a keen interest in international security policy and international politics. His specific interests lie in nuclear brinkmanship, great power competition, internal regime dynamics, military force structures, political violence, revolutionary/insurgent movements, and international conflict both irregular and conventional.

Jenna Cecere is pursuing her bachelors in English from Montclair State University. She also works at her local library. Her research interests include childhood and adult illiteracy across the world. As an English major, she is passionate about everyone being able to read and write at a level suitable to their own age.

Yukary Lozada is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a concentration in International Justice from Montclair State University, a minor in Criminal Justice and a certificate in human trafficking. Her interests in research involve social justice and human rights associated with immigration and Latin America. As a non-citizen of the United States, she has experienced discrimination, which fueled her passion for social justice. She joined the Global Center of Human Trafficking to help foster a better understanding on this topic. Her aim is to provide holistic scholarly perspectives to prevent abuse, help educate the public and advocate for those whose rights are violated.

Jacob Roby is pursuing his bachelor’s in Political Science from Montclair State University. His research interests include the effects of ideology and indoctrination on large populations, as well as rehabilitation efforts to restore health to recovering victims of totalitarian regimes. He is also a Research Assistant at Yorktown Institute, where he studies issues in national security, naval strategy, and great power rivalries.

Pursuing her bachelors in linguistics at Montclair State University, Inoris Esquea stands out as a passionate crusader for human rights, leading the charge against hunger, poverty, and in support of refugees. Beyond her academic journey, she translates her commitment into impactful deeds, lending her energy to local homeless shelters and embodying the change she wishes to see. Inoris embodies the synergy of linguistic insight and unwavering activism.

Emma Geoghegan is studying Policy Studies at Montclair State University with minors in Sociology and Pre-Law Studies. Her research interests include environmental justice and women’s rights issues in North America. She also works with The Borgen Project to spread awareness on global poverty issues.

Nashita Chowdhury is Pershing her bachelors in Political science from Montclair State University with a minor in Public Policy and Globalization and Security. Her research interests include human rights issues here in the US and around the world. More specifically, women’s rights, refugee crisis around the world due to global events, and the prison system’s crisis. She recently completed an internship for Probation here in NJ.

Tyler Wild is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from Montclair State University with a minor in History. Her research interests include human rights issues within gender identity, focusing on women’s issues. She is also a freelance dancer and dance instructor in the NYC/NJ area, where she implements her studies into all her work.

Dayan Turasz is a senior at Montclair State University, currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Public and Professional Writing with a minor in Computer Science. He recently completed his Media Production internship with Christ Church USA. His interests lie in finding ways to combine technical skills and creativity in order to give back to the community.

Davis Brandell is a student at Montclair earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology. His academic path is intended to get him ready for a future profession in human resources. In addition to his academic interests, he has a strong enthusiasm for social concerns including food and clothing insecurity, as well as the subjects of health and wellness. He has been actively involved in his community efforts throughout my life, including rummage sales, soup kitchens, and food banks. These opportunities have given him the ability to better understand the effects of social issues, and the necessity to work collectively to address them.

James Dillon is a Senior at Montclair State University pursuing a bachelors degree in political science. Throughout his career at Montclair State, James has been fascinated with data science, international relations, as well as American politics. It is James’ belief that through the study of data science we can better understand the will of constituents and people around the world to create greater equity for all.

Lavinia Pires Oliveira is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Montclair State University with the intent to attend law school following her graduation. Her research interests include international policies concerning climate change as well as civil rights studies in the US. In her first year at Montclair State, she worked on four research projects regarding the above topics including one to teach students about how the US government decides whether to allow laws to be federal or state.

Pamela Abua is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in jurisprudence law and society in the hopes of continuing her education to become a lawyer. Some of her interests include doing research in the field of business, economics, AI technology, and sociology.

Richard Nyankson is passionate about the ethical ways of medicine and will be pursuing his bachelor’s in Medical Humanities with a minor in Psychology from Montclair State University. His research interests include the Opioid epidemic, Ethical and unethical aspects of medicine. He is also fond of how the human mind works. He volunteers with city hall and youth programs that help young kids enjoy their summer while improving their academic skills.

Lily Greenberg is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Anthropology from Montclair State University. She has a strong interest in historical and contemporary research of social justice in the United States. She plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in English following her graduation.

Mohammod Rahman is currently a sophomore at Montclair State University pursuing his bachelor’s degree. His interests include the research of solving political and international crises such as the effects of warfare, food insecurity, and quality of living, as well as enhancing global diplomacy, integration of different cultures, law and technology, and the study of major historical events on the global scale which has shaped the current situation of the world today. Aside from being an intern, he is also a university peer mentor for students and is involved with the Political Science Club and the South Asian Student Association at Montclair State University.

Amal Aref holds bachelors in History from Montclair State University. Her past research include human rights issues and Pinkwashing in Israel-Palestine. She was a Junior Researcher in Spring 2023.

Kylie Martin is a junior at Montclair State University. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence, law and society with a minor in sustainability science. Upon graduating she plans to attend law school, focusing on environmental law. Her previous research includes international animal rights topics, more specifically the importance of bees as pollinators and the creation of laws to protect them. She was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Spring 2022.

Justin Valentin received his bachelors in Justice Studies, with a concentration in International Justice, from Montclair State University. He is pursuing a graduate degree in Social Research and Analysis from his alma mater. Justin is currently in the process of two employment opportunities within the legal field and law enforcement. His past research included far-right extremism in the U.S. Armed Forces, radicalization efforts on online platforms, and how individuals could be radicalized by media outlets. Justin’s previous research included the deterioration of LGBT rights and freedoms in Eastern Europe and the United States. He was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Spring 2023.

Sviatlana Antonenka holds a bachelors in Psychology from Montclair State University. She is an office manager at Body Tuning PT, New York. She participated in research on Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) collaborations in the the Global South. Sviatlana was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Fall 2022.

Yousra Babikir is an honors student pursuing a bachelors in psychology from Montclair State University. She is a Research Assistant at MSU’s Autism and Neurodevelopment Lab. Her past research includes examining collaborations between Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) organizations and activists in African nations and across the Global South. She was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Fall 2022.

Judith Ferreira is currently pursuing a bachelors in Justice Studies with a concentration in Justice Systems and Paralegal Studies at Montclair State University. In addition, she is pursuing minors in Psychology and Justice and Family Studies. She is a full time student expected to graduate in Spring 2024. Her past research explores Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) issues within Latin America and focuses on collaborations between the Global South. She was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Fall 2022.

Tiffany Rodriguez is compeleteing her Bachelors degree at Montclair State University. She has a legal techonology certificate from NSLT. She is currently working on a co-op research on the unspoken side-effects of pregenancy. Her past research include human rights issues in Latin America, particularly focusing on Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) collaborations in the Caribean and the Global South. She was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Spring 2023.

Valerie Saporito received a bachelor’s in History from Montclair State University and is soon to be pursuing a master’s in Museum Studies. She holds two temporary jobs as a Head Counselor at the Montclair History Center (MHC) and as a tutor with Huntington. She also volunteers at the MHC, as well as with the National archives transcribing documents. She is set to be an educator at the MHC for the upcoming school year. Her research with WJR included LGBTQ+ collaborations throughout the Commonwealth countries of the Global South. She was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Fall 2022.

Jean Horton is completing her Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science from Montclair State University. During the Summer of 2022 she was part of the inaugural Wilson Junior Researcher cohort, contributing to an international project on LGBTQ collaborations across the Global South.

Miles Schroeder is a student at Montclair State University currently pursuing a bachelors in Public & Professional Writing and Paralegal Studies. He works on the Youth Community Advisory Board at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He was a Wilson Junior Researcher in 2022.

Jacob Pawlyk is a Senior at Montclair State University and will graduate with a Bachelors in Philosophy in Fall 2023. He currently works as an Insurance Broker at E.B. Cohen Insurance & Risk Management. Jacob’s past research experience includes an examination of country conditions in Latin America to support asylum seekers in court hearings. He has also conducted in depth research into LGBTQ culture and activism in Latin America and the MENA region. He plans to pursue a Masters in Political Science. He was a Wilson Center Junior Researcher in Summer 2022.

Peter Rodrig-Zoppo III holds a master’s in Law and Governance from Montclair State University and is currently beginning his career in education as a substitute teacher in New Jersey. He is expected to further his academic and research career in 2024 as a doctoral candidate in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Peter’s past research includes human rights issues in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Global South, focusing on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) collaborations. He curated and documented Cold War archival data for the Woodrow Wilson Center, where he was a Wilson Junior Researcher in Summer 2022.