"My earliest interest in Asia was initially fueled by learning languages less-commonly taught in the United States: Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean. For me, each language is an intriguing puzzle that provides invaluable insight into the people who speak the language. After completing six language programs in four different nations across East Asia, I became intrigued by how language policies are both products and drivers for other interrelated systems, from domestic economies to regional geopolitics. At Georgetown University, I would like to continue to develop my expertise in language policy, particularly in cross-straits relations, and broaden my understanding of Chinese foreign policy in East Asia and beyond."

Concentration: Politics and Security

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Academic Background: Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and International Studies, University of Mississippi