Class of 2016
Rachel Arrey, Religion and Political Science
Rachel is a Religion and Political Science double major from San Antonio, Texas. Her main areas of interest are Engaged Buddhism and multifaith work. She a representative on Multifaith Council and has studied abroad in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Bernice Chan, Ethnic Studies
Bernice Chan is an Ethnic Studies Individual Major from Brooklyn, New York. They are passionate about being an activist scholar and strives to use research for social change. Their research interests include critical race theory, theorizing revolutionary activism, and the history of social movements. As a Fellow who strives to be a scholar in Ethnic Studies, they constantly ruminate about how to make academic research truly accessible to the public and research’s role in advancing social justice. Bernice also conducts research at the Wellesley Centers for Women with Dr. Linda Charmaraman investigating the impact of social media use and stereotyped media portrayals on young women of color. In the MMUF program, the other MMUF scholars and their dedication to tackling racial disparities and leading lives of change constantly inspire them. They are also grateful to have the opportunity to work closely with her mentor Kenzo Sung.
Cassandra Flores-Montaño, Women's and Gender Studies
The Mellon program has granted me access to a network of young scholars with a desire to conduct research. They, along with my mentor, Professor Irene Mata and Dr. Cameron have provided me with support and guidance as I learn about and engage with the research process. I love having the opportunity to research the rich history of political organizing in the Chican@ community. The research process has also familiarized me with the work and names of other Chican@ scholars. Being aware of their contributions makes me extremely excited to think about my future as an academic.
Christiana Joseph, Anthropology
I am surveying and interviewing students to learn more about the prevailing attitudes about mental health among current Wellesley College students. My research is meant to identify how Wellesley College students approach mental health and the idea of seeking mental health counseling and treatment with regard to the following cultural associations: ethnic and racial backgrounds and religious and spiritual traditions. I hope to work in academia in the anthropology department with a concentration on religious experiences in mental healthcare. I love that the Mellon program allows us the opportunity to conduct our own research and work as a cohort towards mutual goals.
Grace Park, American Studies and Political Science
Grace is an American Studies and Political Science double-major from Los Angeles, California. She is interested in studying racial politics and the political participation of minority communities in the United States. Grace is particularly interested in examining the after effects of the Los Angeles Riots of 1992 in Los Angeles City politics. She hopes her research will evolve into a fascinating senior thesis.
Claudia Yau, Philosophy
Tamar Davis, Sociology