Undergraduate Researchers

Below are the short bios of our Fall 2024 undergraduate ROCCA’teers!

Assistant Directors

Nikki Weitzenhoffer (she/her/hers) is a senior at Vanderbilt majoring in art history with a minor in history. In the ROCCA Lab, Nikki is working on behalf of Professor Ritter on the Bureaucratic Repression team, and is one of the assistant directors of the lab. She is also President of the Vanderbilt History of Art Society, Vice President of the National Patient Advocacy Foundation, a staff editor for the Vanderbilt Historical Review, and a frequent volunteer! Nikki hopes to pursue a career in art law following graduation in 2025.

Joe Udina is a Senior in the Political Science Honors Program with a minor in Business. He is currently assigned to Professor Gannon’s Military Capabilities project along with his role as Assistant Director of the Lab. Outside of the Lab, Joe is the Head Resident of West House, Senior Managing Editor for the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal, Secretary of Vanderbilt’s Undergraduate Moot Court Team, and a Teaching Assistant in the Business Minor program. His interests include fishing, archery, hiking, and cycling.

Outreach Team

Duaa Faquih is a senior studying Political Science, Psychology, and minoring in Human and Organizational Development. Within the ROCCA lab, she serves as the Outreach director and is conducting research with Dr. Ritter within the Bureaucratic Repression team. Outside the lab, she is involved with the Muslim Students Association and can be found manning the front desk at Stevenson or playing with her cat.

Nathan Bornstein (he/him/his) is a member of the class of 2026 majoring in Political Science and Asian Studies with a minor in Business. He is part of the outreach team, and Professor Anoll’s Social Movements & Childreading team. Outside of ROCCA, Nathan is the Vice President of the Japanese Cultural Association, part of Tamid, enjoys hanging out with his friends, and loves scuba diving.

Milena Rusu (she/her/hers) is a sophomore international student born and raised in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. She is majoring in Economics with minors in Business and GSS. Milena is part of the Bureaucratic Repression and Military Interventions Projects. She is passionate about philanthropy work around women’s rights, serving on the Board of the Global Fund for Children.

Nour Abida is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Law, History, and Society. Within the ROCCA Lab, she works with the Outreach Team and is conducting research with Dr. Schram on his Nuclear Deterrence Project. Outside the lab, she is the Vice President of Internal Operations for Mock Trial and the Co-Vice President of Political Involvement for Women in Government. She is also involved in Model UN, College Scholars, and The Hustler and enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and playing with dogs.

Taisiia Kostiuk is a sophomore studying Political Science and French & European Studies. Within ROCCA, she is working on a Military Interventions project with Professor Gannon. Taisiia is also involved in a College Scholars program, a Global Engagement Fellowship in a center for languages, Tour Guides, and Undergraduate Admissions.

Susan Yenke is a Junior studying Political Science, Human and Organizational Development and minoring in business. Within the ROCCA lab, she conducts research with Professor Gannon within the Military Capabilities team, and serves as a member of the Outreach team. Outside the lab, she is a Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar and serves on its board, is involved in TAMID and Vanderbilt Pre Law Society.

Rebecca Kim (she/her/hers) is a senior studying Economics and minoring in Data Science, Business, and Chinese. In the ROCCA lab, she is a part of the Outreach Team. Outside of the lab, she is part of VSG and the Asian American Student Association.

Shreya Konkimalla is a senior studying Political Science and Economics with a minor in Data Science. Currently, she is working on the NSF Grant Team with Professor Dorff. Outside of ROCCA, Shreya is involved in the South Asian Cultural Exchange, AKPsi, and College Scholars program.

Adam Ahmed is a junior studying Philosophy and Economics. He is currently working on the Bureaucratic Repression and Cyberpower teams. Outside of ROCCA, Adam is involved in Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity and Vanderbilt Student Government. In his free time, Adam enjoys weightlifting and playing video games.

Kay Allen is a Senior studying Political Science and class of 2025. She is apart of Race Riots with Professor Ritter and Military Capabilities with Professor Gannon. Outside of ROCCA, Kay Vice President of Moot Court and competes on the AMCA Oral Arguments team. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and going to concerts around Nashville.

Owen Barnert (he/him/his) is a junior studying Political Science. Within ROCCA, he is part of of Bureaucratic Repression and Public Opinion about Nuclear Policy. Outside of the lab, he is part of Vanderbilt’s Model UN team.

George Boardman is a junior (graduating Spring 2026) majoring in Law, History, and Society and Political Science. He is currently working on Dr. Benson’s China, Taiwan, and the United States team and in Dr. Gannon’s Cyberpower group. Outside of ROCCA, he is Director of Submissions for the Vanderbilt Historical Review, a competitor on the Moot Court oral arguments team, and a National Security fellow at the Institute of National Security. In his free time, George plays on the university Club Baseball team.

Yuelin Jin (she/her/hers) is a junior who will graduate in May 2026. She is majoring in economics, and minoring in data science and art. In the ROCCA lab, she is part of Professor Bisbee’s social media and politics team and Professor Benson’s alliance team. Outside ROCCA, she is involved in ILEAD and enjoys music and art.

Alessandra Salvini is a sophomore double-majoring in Human Organizational Development and Political Science. In the ROCCA Lab, Alessandra is currently serving on the Nuclear Deterrent Threat team and the National Defense team. Outside of the ROCCA Lab, Alessandra is a staff writer and photographer for the news and photography sections of The Hustler, she is a member of Women in Government, and serves on the Vanderbilt Programming Board Speakers Committee. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, hiking, and traveling.

Celeste Dorantes (she/her/hers) is a Public Policy and Political Science student graduating in the spring of 2025. She is working on Professor Bjork-James’ Ultimate Consequences team and PhD student Alexander Tripp’s team on Colombian Humanitarianism and Media Coverage of Immigration Crises. Outside of ROCCA, Celeste is the Senior Advisor of Vandy Votes and the Publicity Chair of the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS). In her free time, she enjoys baking, running, and hiking.

Campbell Grimes (he/him/his) is a sophomore double majoring in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Data Science. He is currently working with Dr. Emily Ritter on the Race Riots team and Dr. Andres Gannon on the Military Capabilities team. Outside of ROCCA, he is a member of Vanderbilt’s Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity and the Financial Modeling Club. In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors, watching sports, and playing chess.

Ethan Hsieh (he/him/his) is a freshman majoring in Economics and minoring in Data Science. He is also thinking about double majoring in Political Science or Public Policy Studies and minoring in Mathematics or Political Economy. In the ROCCA Lab, he is working along with PhD candidate ChaeEun Cho on the Economic Sanctions team and with Prof. Talibova on the Legacies of Violence team. Beyond the lab, he actively engages as a member of the Student Alumni Board, Vanderbilt University Chinese Students and Scholars Association, and serves as a NextSteps Ambassa’dore.

Matt Swenson (he/him/his) is a junior at Vanderbilt University, double-majoring in Human and Organizational Development and Political Science. In the ROCCA Lab, Matt works on Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team as well as Sydney Todorov’s Nuclear Policy project. Outside of the ROCCA Lab, Matt is a legal intern at Pfizer, a project manager for 180 Degrees Consulting, and a member of both the Chancellor’s Scholars Program and the VSG Environmental Affairs Committee.

Brian Jung (he/him/his) is a sophomore (class of 2026) majoring in Economics and minoring in Data Science. He is a member of Professor Ritter’s Race Riots team and ChaeEun Cho’s Sanctions Coalitions team. Outside of ROCCA, he is involved in research with the Data Science Institute on the Grants Self-Service Project.

Connie Kang is a junior at Vanderbilt studying Economics and MHS with minors in Data Science and Business. She is working on Professor Benson’s military alliance team, as well as with Professor Gannon on military capabilties. Outside of ROCCA Lab, Connie is part of Vanderbilt AASA, the EBI College Council, and Vanderbilt Student Government.

Alysa Suleiman (she/her/hers) is a junior majoring in Law, History, & Society and Communication Studies with a minor in Spanish. Within ROCCA, Alysa is a part of Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team. Outside of the ROCCA Lab, Alysa is a Fall 2024 Buchanan Library Fellow, edits for The Vanderbilt Hustler’s social media section, and serves as vice president of Vanderbilt’s Pre-Law Society. She also enjoys photography and creating cinematic videos for the culinary club on campus.

Ayse Keles (she/her/hers) is a sophomore majoring in Political Science & Economics with a minor in Data Science. In the ROCCA Lab, she is a part of the Military Capabilities project with Dr. Gannon and the Race Riots project with Dr. Ritter. Outside of ROCCA, she is a part of the Vanderbilt History of Art Society and has a deep attachment to her film camera.

Faisal Khreis is a junior majoring in Political Science, Spanish, and Law, History, and Society. Within the ROCCA lab, he is involved with Doctor Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression project. Outside of the ROCCA lab, Faisal is involved with the Model UN team, a nonprofit tutoring organization, Vanderbilt’s Student Government, and research with the History Department.

Lilly LeJeune (she/her/hers) is a senior graduating in December of 2024. She is studying English (creative writing) and political science. Within ROCCA, Lilly is a member of Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team and Dr. Benson’s East Asia group. Outside of ROCCA, she is a member of VandyWrites and the English Majors’ Association.

Mariia Marchuk (she/her/hers) is a junior in the College of Arts and Science studying Public Policy, Economics, and Data Science. Within ROCCA, Mariia is a part of Arms Trade and Civil Conflict and Legacies of Violence projects. Outside of the lab, Mariia is involved in the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Vanderbilt Student Government, and I-FAM student group.

Alex Mormorunni (he/him/his) is a senior Political Science and Asian Studies double major. He is currently a member of Professor Benson’s Alliances group and Professor Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression project. Outside of ROCCA, Alex loves to write and watch Bay Area sports. He is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Vanderbilt Political Review and a copy-editor for the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal.

Imaad Muwahid (he/him/his) is a junior double majoring in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Data Science. Having worked as a student researcher at the lab for over a year, he is currently working with Dr. Andres Gannon on the Military Capabilities team. Outside of ROCCA, he competes at inter-collegiate tournaments as a member of Vanderbilt’s Debate Team and is a volunteer consultant at Vanderbilt’s Students Consulting for Non-Profits Organization. In his free time, he loves watching sit-coms, trying out new restaurants, and inviting people to visit Sri Lanka!

Kendall Hall is a Junior from Austin, Texas studying public policy and data science. She has a strong passion for international affairs and the activities within federal and state legislatures. Outside of the ROCCA Lab, she is a member of the Vanderbilt Varsity Swim Team and is apart of the Vanderbilt Political Review. She is currently working on the Military Interventions project with Dr. Gannon and the Alliances project with Dr. Benson.

Cari Norton (she/her/hers) is a freshman from Chicago, IL. She is studying political science and religious studies. She is involved with Military Capabilities and Civil War Dynamics. She is also a member of VandyVotes, Alexander Hamilton Society, and Alpha Delta Pi.

Jeneta Nwosu (she/her) is a freshman in the College of Arts and Science pursuing a major in Economics with a minor in Data Science. She is part of Dr. Benson’s Small Arms Trade Networks project and Dr. Gannon’s Military Interventions team. Outside of the lab, Jeneta edits satire for the Slant, muses about music for the Amp, and crushes crosswords.

Jiarui Zhang is a senior in the class of 2025. His majors are Economics and Mathematics. In ROCCA, he is a part of Arms Trade and Social Media projects.

Mihir Ram (he/him/his) is a junior at Vanderbilt majoring in Mathematics and Political Science and minoring in Data Science. At ROCCA, he is part of Professor Bjork-James’s The Significance of Deaths in Bolivian Political Conflict Team, as well as Professor Larson’s Reducing Prejudice toward Refugees Team. Outside of ROCCA, he enjoys playing tennis and is an avid supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers.

Anthony Rodas (he/him/his) is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and Law, History, & Society with a minor in Sociology. He is currently involved in Professor Gannon’s National Security Strategies team and Alec Tripp’s Humanitarianism and Media Coverage in Immigration Crises team. Outside of ROCCA, he is a research assistant for the LAPOP Lab. After graduation, he plans to attend law school to study international human rights.

Brian Jung (he/him/his) is a junior (class of 2026) majoring in Economics and minoring in Data Science. He is a member of Professor Bisbee’s Social Media and Politics project and Professor Benson’s Arms project. Outside of ROCCA, he is involved in research with the Economics department and works as a grader for the CS/DS 1100 course.

Shae is a senior majoring in Political Science. She is a part of the Public Opinion about Nuclear Policy team with PhD Candidate Sydney Todorov.

Tala Saad is a Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar in the class of 2027 where she is double majoring in Human and Organizational Development and Political Science. This semester, she is working with Professor Gannon’s Cyber Power team and Professor Ritter’s Race Riots team. Outside of ROCCA, she is a research assistant at Vanderbilt’s Youth and Society Lab, a member of Vanderbilt’s Undergraduate AMCA Oral Argument Team, and a Community Engagement and Volunteer Leader with AmeriCorps.

Jenny Yang is a junior majoring in Economics with a minor in Data Science. She is a part of Professor Benson’s China-US-Taiwan Relations team and Lucas Borba’s How Space Shapes the State team. Outside the lab, Jenny serves as an International Student Orientation Leader, writes for The Vanderbilt Hustler, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Isabella Lefkowitz-Rao is studying psychology and history and is planning on graduating in Spring 2026. Originally from Washington, DC, she’s working on the Bureaucratic Repression and Civil War MIcro-dynamics projects. Outside of ROCCA, she is also a member of Club Tennis, Vanderbilt Prison Project, and the Commodore Debate Society.

Alexandra Sniezek is a current Junior studying Mathematics and Data Science. She is a current undergraduate research assistant for the ROCCA Lab, on the National Security Strategies team as well as the Social Media and Politics team. Outside of ROCCA, Alexandra enjoys hiking, painting, and exploring Nashville with her friends.

Yuan Shi (she/her/hers) is a junior majoring in Economics and Mathematics and minoring in Business. She is currently working on Professor Gannon’s Military Capabilities project and Professor Benson’s Small Arms Trade Networks and Political Violence project. Outside ROCCA, she enjoys outdoor sports and voluntary activities.

Gianna Golino, a sophomore set to graduate in 2027, is pursuing a major in Economics with a minor in Business. Within ROCCA, she is a part of Dr. Benson’s Alliances team. Beyond her involvement with the ROCCA Lab, she actively participates in the Vanderbilt Women in Business (WIB) organization and serves as a member of the university’s Moot Court team.

Noah Sosinsky is a sophomore majoring in Public Policy and Mathematics, with a minor in Data Science. He is part of Dr. Benson’s alliance team and Dr. Bjork-James’ Ultimate Consequences project. Outside of ROCCA, he writes for the sports section of the Hustler and plays a healthy amount of Mario Kart.

Ava Cole is a junior majoring in Math and Economics with a Legal Studies minor. She currently works on Professor Gannon’s cyber security project and Sydney Todorov’s nuclear policy project. Outside of the lab, Ava is part of the women’s club soccer team and loves to try new restaurants in Nashville.

Cari Norton is majoring in Political Science, Religious Studies, and European Studies at Vanderbilt University. She is currently working on the Space and State project and the Micro-dynamics of Civil War as team lead. Cari also serves as Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi and Treasurer for the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal. Outside of school, her interests include baking, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Lexi Kay is a senior studying Political Science and Human and Organizational Development, with a minor in Psychology. Within ROCCA, she is a part of Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression Team and the Public Opinion of Nuclear Policy Team. Outside of ROCCA, Lexi is a member of the Vanderbilt Dance Team and loves running!

Raney Yang (she/they) is a junior majoring in Political Science, Psychology, and Cognitive Studies with a minor in Child Psychology and Mental Health. Within ROCCA, Raney is a member of Professor Scharm’s Nuclear Deterrent Threat Project and Professor Benson’s East Asia Project. Outside ROCCA, Raney is involved in Chill Lab.

Libby Meade is a sophomore studying Viola Performance and Political Science. Within ROCCA, she is working on Dr. Gannon’s Military Interventions team as well as Mason Auten’s State Building team. Beyond research, Libby is involved in Vanderbilt’s Synesis Journal and Nightingales in the Wings.

Jacqueline Huang is a junior majoring in public policy and economics and minoring in business, Asian studies, and data science. She is on the NSF grant and the National Security Strategies teams. Outside of ROCCA, Jacqueline is a lifeguard for the Vanderbilt Rec Center and a tutor for the Ingram Center.

Ella Huang is a first-year student at Vanderbilt University, expected to graduate in 2028, majoring in Human and Organizational Development and French Horn Performance with a minor in Legal Studies. She is an active member of the arms and NSF grant teams in the ROCCA Lab, contributing to research on military alliances, small arms trade networks, and political violence. Outside of the lab, Ella is involved in Vanderbilt Women in Government, mock trial, and The Hustler, where she writes for the Opinions section. She also performs with the Vanderbilt University Orchestra and enjoys exploring the intersection of music and storytelling through her creative projects.

Yotam Peer is a sophomore double-majoring in Public Policy Studies and Economics. He is a member of Dr. Ritter’s “Bureaucratic Repression” team and Dr. Gannon’s “Military Capabilities” team. Outside of the lab, Yotam is involved with Dialogue Vanderbilt, Vandy Votes, and Tour Guides.

Ayse Keles (she/her/hers) is a sophomore from Istanbul, Turkey majoring in Economics & Political Science with minors in History of Art & Data Science. In the ROCCA Lab, she is a part of the Military Capabilities project with Dr. Gannon and is the team lead for the Adjustment Cost project with PhD student Mitchell Moen. Outside of ROCCA, she is a member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity and has a deep attachment to her film camera.

Sorin Caldararu is a junior studying History, Math, and Creative Writing. He is researching National Security Strategies with Professor Gannon and How Space Shapes the State with Lucas Borba. In his free time he enjoys film photography, writing music, playing guitar, and hosting his weekly radio show on WRVU.

Joey Ravikoff is a freshman from the Bronx, New York. An undecided major in the College of Arts and Sciences, he is part of Dr. Benson’s Alliances team and Dr. Gannon’s Military Capabilities team. Outside of ROCCA, he is a member of Vanderbilt’s Mock Trial team, Scholars of Finance, and TAMID Group.

Nadeem Zaman is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in political science and a minor in legal studies. He is assigned to the military capabilities project of ROCCA led by Dr. Juan Andrés Gannon as a research assistant. Outside of ROCCA, he is the Vice President of the Undergraduate Political Science Association, Director of Finance of BridgeUSA’s Vanderbilt chapter, and a senator in the Vanderbilt Student Government Senate, among other activities. Following Vanderbilt, Nadeem hopes to go to law school and eventually become a corporate lawyer.

Aimee Permpoonwiwat is a sophomore majoring in Climate Studies and Public Policy. Within ROCCA, she is part of the environmental and electoral politics in Latin America project. Outside the lab, Aimee is a member of the Vanderbilt Debate Team, Chair of Community Outreach for Chancellor’s Scholars, Secretary of SPEAR, and Co-President for the Thai Student Association.

Alícia Isasi is a sophomore studying Public Policy and Economics with a minor Data Science. She is part of Professor Bjork-James’ Ultimate Consequences team and Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team. Outside of ROCCA, she is the Managing Director of the Vanderbilt Political Review and a member of ‘Dore for a Day.

Clara Steer is a sophomore studying Political Science with minors in Business and Legal Studies. She is passionate about international affairs and intends on pursuing further education through law school. Clara is currently researching with Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team, as well as Alec Tripp’s Humanitarianism and Media Coverage in Immigration Crises team. Outside of ROCCA, she is part of the Women in Government student organization and a writer for the Vanderbilt Political Review.

Claire Jeon is majoring in Political Science and HOD with a minor in Legal Studies, expected to graduate in 2028. Inside the lab, she is a part of the Military Capabilities team and the Social Movements & Childrearing team. Outside the lab, she is involved in the Asian American Student Association.

Alma Mikkelson is a sophomore majoring in Political Science. Within ROCCA she is a member of the Bureaucratic Repression and Institute of National Security research teams. Outside of ROCCA she’s involved in STARS, loves playing her guitar, and is always ready to cheer on the Commodores.

Royce Yang is a sophomore majoring in political science while minoring in music performance and legal studies. He is currently working on the China/Taiwan/US Relations project with Professor Benson and the Adjustment Costs of Interstate Conflict project with Mitch Moen. Occasionally, he can be observed curating an extensive collection of Bach, providing squirrels with semi-professional portraits, or attempting to identify helicopters around the Medical Center based on their noise.

Riley Kibelbek is a sophomore majoring in Public Policy Studies & Political Science from Charlotte, NC. She is working on Dr. Ritter’s Race Riots team and Dr. Adam’s Institute of National Security team this semester. Outside of the ROCCA lab, you can find her volunteering as an Operations Coordinator for Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt, playing for Vanderbilt’s Women’s Club Volleyball Team, and working at Vandy Blenz.

Marvy Nessim is a freshman at Vanderbilt double majoring in Economics/History and Cognitive Studies with a minor in Legal Studies. In the ROCCA lab, Marvy is working with Professor Ritter on the Race Riots team and Professor Peter Schram on the Nuclear Deterrent Threat team. Outside of the ROCCA lab, she is involved in MENA, Pre-Law Society, and Volunteers for Health.

Kendall Hall is a Junior from Austin, Texas studying public policy and data science. She has a strong passion for international affairs and the activities within federal and state legislatures. Outside of the ROCCA Lab, she is a member of the Vanderbilt Varsity Swim Team and is apart of the Vanderbilt Political Review. She is currently working on Dr. Anoll’s Social Movements and Childbearing project and the How Space Shapes the States project with Lucas Borba.

Parker Rothbart is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and minoring in Human and Organizational Development, Data Science, and Legal Studies. In the ROCCA lab, she is working with Dr. Cassy Dorff on the LLM Media team and Dr. Andres Gannon on the Military Interventions team. Outside the lab, Parker is the Treasurer of Vandy Votes and a member of the Political Involvement Committee for Women in Government. In her free time, she enjoys reading, golfing, and rock climbing.

Selma Alhajjaji is a freshman studying Biomedical Engineering. In the ROCCA Lab, Selma works on Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team, and Professor Anoll’s Social Movements and Childrearing team. Outside of ROCCA, Selma is involved with the Muslim Students Association, Society of Women Engineers, and the Biomedical Engineering Society.

Nina Liu is a junior at Vanderbilt University, expected to graduate in 2025, majoring in Public Policy Studies and Sociology. She is part of the ROCCA Lab’s NSF grant team, and is working on another project focused on environmental and electoral politics in Latin America. Outside of the lab, Nina loves dancing, and she is the Public Relations Chair for the Vanderbilt Ballet Theatre. She also enjoys photography and painting.

David You is a freshman majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. He is part of Professor Gannon’s Military Capabilities Team and Professor Benson’s China-US-Taiwan Relations team. Outside of ROCCA, David is involved with Vanderbilt Debate, the Veritas Forum, and the AHS.

Dalton Malmin is a freshman studying Mathematics and Economics, with a minor in Data Science. He is currently working on the Military Capabilities team with Professor Gannon and the Race Riots team with Professor Ritter. Outside of the lab, he is involved with the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal and LEVER. In his free time, he enjoys practicing BJJ, backpacking, and watching movies.