Below are the short bios of our Spring 2026 undergraduate ROCCA’teers!
Assistant Directors
Matt Swenson (he/him) is a senior at Vanderbilt double majoring in Human Organizational Development and Political Science. In the ROCCA Lab, Matt is working on behalf of Professor Ritter on the Bureaucratic Repression team, and is one of the assistant directors of the lab. Outside of ROCCA, Matt is a casework intern at the Tennessee Justice Center, and a member of both the Chancellor’s Scholars Program and 180 Degree Consulting. Following graduation in 2026, Matt plans to attend law school.
Stella Rodriguez is a junior majoring in Political Science, Psychology, and MHS. She is currently a member of Professor Ritter's Bureaucratic Repression team and is one of the assistant directors of the lab. Outside of the ROCCA lab, Stella is on executive boards for Vanderbilt Student Government, Women in Government, Chancellor’s Scholars, and Relay for Life..
Outreach Team
Owen Barnert is a senior studying Political Science. At ROCCA, he is part of Nguyen Ha’s team researching Civil Conflict. Outside of ROCCA he is part of the Vanderbilt Model UN team.
Aniruddh Marella is a senior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Economics with a minor in Data Science. His research with the ROCCA Lab spans cyber power and political economy. Beyond research, he is active in consulting, student media, and nonprofit advocacy, reflecting his broader interest in law, governance, and social change.
Anastasia Thumser is a senior majoring in Political Science with minors in Business and Medicine, Health, and Society. Within ROCCA, Anastasia is a part of the Bureaucratic Repression and Civil War Micro-Dynamics teams. Outside of the lab, Anastasia is a copy editor for the Vanderbilt Hustler.
Undergraduate Researchers
Leo Bignault studies political science and history in the class of 2028. For the spring 2026 semester, he will be working with Dr. Andrew Coe and Chloe Hale on their respective projects about nuclear nonproliferation and strategic sterilization. Leo holds positions on the executive board of the Alexander Hamilton Society, on Vanderbilt's Model United Nations team, and as a student worker at the Institute of National Security.
George Boardman is a senior majoring in Law, History, and Society and Political Science. He is currently working on Dr. Benson’s Alliance team and in Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression group. Outside of ROCCA, he is one of 6 junior inductees to Phi Beta Kappa, Editor-in-Chief for the Vanderbilt Historical Review, Treasurer of Undergraduate Moot Court, and VP of Pre-Law Programming for Phi Alpha Theta. He is also writing an honors thesis in history about U.S. diplomatic policy during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and, in his free time, George plays on the university Club Baseball team.
Luke Boudreaux is a current sophomore set to graduate in 2028 and is majoring in architecture, anthropology, and political science. His ROCCA projects include slowing down nuclear proliferation and admin/outreach. Outside of ROCCA, he is a manager for Vanderbilt Women’s Track & Field, co-events chair for Vanderbilt Architecture Society, committee member for Multicultural Leadership Council, and has ongoing research with Nashville’s Kurdish community.
Eliza Bufalino is a junior studying the Communication of Science and Technology, with minors in National Security and Spanish for the Professions. She is part of Professor Mangonnet's Indigenous Culture and Collective Resistance in Argentina team and PhD candidate Nguyen Ha's Infrastructure of Civil Conflicts team. Outside the lab, Eliza is involved with the Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security and serves on the board for Student Organizational and Community Building in Vanderbilt Student Government.
Sorin Căldăraru is a senior studying History and Mathematics. He works on Professor Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team and Lucas Borba’s How Space Shapes the State team. In his free time he enjoys photography and writing music and poetry.
Nellysa Chavez Blanco is a junior majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies. Within the ROCCA Lab, she works with PhD student Ha Nguyen’s Civil War Micro-dynamics Lab and Dr. Bjork-James’ Ultimate Consequences Lab. Outside of ROCCA, Nellysa is the Secretary for the Vanderbilt QuestBridge Chapter and has served as a member of Vanderbilt Student Government. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting and listening to music.
Delaney Doyle is a sophomore at Vanderbilt University majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Legal Studies. Within ROCCA, she serves as a team member researching National Security Statements and the Hundred Years' War. Outside the lab, she holds positions in Vanderbilt Student Government, Vanderbilt Historical Review, and Anchorthon, in addition to working two part time jobs.
Ari Drake is a member of the Class of 2027, double majoring in Mathematics and Economics with a minor in Data Science. He is working with Dr. Gannon on the Cyber Power project. Outside of ROCCA, Ari is part of the College Scholars program, an Interfaith Scholar, and on Student Alumni Board. Ari enjoys pickup sports and game theory.
Jacob Fisher is a junior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Political Science and History with a minor in Legal Studies. Within ROCCA, he works on the Military Interventions project with Professor Gannon and The Significance of Deaths in Bolivian Political Conflict project with Professor Bjork-James. Outside of the lab, Jacob is a student researcher at the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions and works for the Beagle Charitable Foundation, an environmental nonprofit, as a Program Coordinator for the Southeast.
Michael Giorgi is a junior at Vanderbilt University double majoring in Economics and Communication of Science and Technology with minors in National Security, Cognitive Studies, and Italian Studies. He is a member of the Military Capabilities Project with Professor Gannon and the China-U.S-Taiwan Relations Project with Professor Benson. Outside of ROCCA, he is an Army ROTC Cadet as well as a member of the Financial Modeling Club and the Immersion Cohort for the Institute of National Security.
Campbell Grimes (he/him/his) is a senior 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.
Camila Gonzalez is a sophomore majoring in Political Science with minors in Anthropology and Communication Studies. Within the ROCCA Lab, she works on Professor Brett Benson's China-U.S.-Taiwan Relations research project and Professor Carwil Bjork-James' Deaths in Bolivian Political Conflict research project. Camila is a Posse Foundation Scholar and is involved in Vanderbilt's Generation Action for Planned Parenthood, Association of Latino Professionals for America, and WRVU.
Kendall Hall is a senior 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 a part of the Vanderbilt Political Review. She is currently working on Dr. Gannon’s Military Interventions project and Mason Auten’s State Building team.
Pippi Hao studies Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Data Science, and she is expected to Graduate in 2028. Pippi is a part of Dr. Brett Benson's Chinese National Security and PhD candidate Guilherme Fasolin's Rural Development Latin America. Outside ROCCA Lab, Pippi is involved in Leveraging Emerging Voices in Economics Research (LEVER), Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal (VURJ), and Student Alumni Board.
Greta Hellebuyck is a member of the Class of 2028, majoring in Political Science and Law, History, and Society, with minors in Legal Studies and Culture, Advocacy, and Leadership. This semester, she is researching National Security Statements and Development following Domestic Conflict. Outside of ROCCA, she is a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, the Undergraduate Honor Council, Zeta Tau Alpha, and the Programming Board.
Sebastian Hériveaux is sophomore majoring in Political Science and African American & Diaspora Studies with a minor in Caribbean Studies. He is currently involved in Professor Ritter's "Bureaucratic Repression" team and Lucas Borba's "How Space Shapes the State" team. Outside of the lab, he is involved with Caribbean Student Association, Black Business Student Association, and the Vanderbilt Black Student Leadership Conference committee.
Ella Huang is a sophomore 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 part of Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression project and Prof. Benson’s Arms project. 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.
Jacqueline Huang is a senior majoring in Public policy and Economics and minoring in Business, Asian studies, and Data Science. She is on the Cyber Power team. Outside of ROCCA, Jacqueline is a lifeguard for the Vanderbilt Rec Center and a tutor for the Ingram Center.
Alícia Isasi is a junior studying Public Policy and Economics with a concentration in International and Foreign Policy. She is a member of Professor Bjork-James’ Ultimate Consequences project and team lead for Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression project. Outside of ROCCA, she serves as Editor in Chief of the Vanderbilt Political Review and Student Ambassador for ‘Dore for a Day.
Rishi Jani is a freshman, intending to major in Political Science & Spanish with a minor in National Security. He is a part of the nuclear proliferation team as well as the admin team. Outside of ROCCA, Rishi is apart of Vanderbilt Mock Trial, Vanderbilt Political Review, VINES, Vandy Dems and Vanderbilt Student Government.
Claire Jeon is majoring in Political Science and HOD, expected to graduate in 2028. Inside the lab, she is a part of the Military Capabilities team and the Rural Development in Latin America team. Outside the lab, she is involved in the Asian American Student Association, the Vanderbilt Asian Pre-professional Society, and the EnviroEquity Health Initiative.
Faisal Khreis is a senior 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.
Alvin Liu is a Freshman studying Political Science and Climate Study. Within ROCCA, Alvin is in Professor Ritter’s bureaucratic repression team and Administrative and Outreach team. Outside of ROCCA Lab, Alvin is the Freshman Representative of Vanderbilt University Fencing Club, a board member of Vanderbilt Justice Through Tech, and an active member of Men’s Club Ultimate.
Isabella Lefkowitz-Rao is a senior from Washington, DC majoring in history and psychology with minors in Spanish and Economics. With ROCCA, she’s currently working on the Bureaucratic Repression and Political Economy teams. Outside of the lab, Isabella participates in volunteer literacy tutoring and is a member of Vanderbilt Prison Project and Club Tennis.
Xiaotiao (Sherry) Ma is a sophomore (Class of 2028) majoring in Economics and Political Science, with minors in Business and English. She is currently part of Dr. Gannon’s National Security Strategies project team and PhD candidate Federico Lombisano’s Development after Domestic Conflict project team. Outside of ROCCA, she is involved with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), Anchor Marketing, and international student orientation through iLEAD.
Alma Mikkelson is a junior majoring in Political Science. Within ROCCA she is a member of the Bureaucratic Repression and Government Response to Natural Disasters research teams. Outside of ROCCA, she serves as a Residential Advisor for North House 3, is actively involved with STARS, enjoys playing her guitar, and never misses a chance to cheer on the Commodores.
Marvy Nessim is a sophomore at Vanderbilt double majoring in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies. In the ROCCA lab, Marvy is working with Professor Peter Schram on the Nuclear Deterrent Threat team and Chloe Hale on the Natural Disasters and Repression Team. Outside of the ROCCA lab, she is involved in MENA, Pre-Law Society, and the MLC.
Madelyn Pelletier is a member of the class of 2028 at Vanderbilt majoring in Math and Political Science. She is currently involved with Professor Benson’s Small Arms Trade Networks project and Lucas Borba’s Space and State project. Outside of the lab she enjoys being part of The Vanderbilt Review, reading, and playing music.
Sarah Popoff is a sophomore majoring in Human Organizational Development with a minor in National Security. In the ROCCA Lab Sarah is working with Professor Ritter on the Bureaucratic Repression team with a specific focus on Native American Land Allotment. Sarah is also part of PhD candidate Lucas Borba's Space and State team. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys volunteering at the local VA hospital and holds an executive position for her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Elliot Shani is a junior majoring in political science and physics. He is a member of the bureaucratic repression and nuclear proliferation research groups. Outside of ROCCA, Elliot is involved with Model United Nations, VPR, and the Society of Physics Students.
Clara Steer is a junior studying Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Business. She is passionate about international affairs and intends to pursue higher 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. She is also an active research assistant for the Center for Effective Lawmaking and the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions.
Elsa Steer is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Psychology with minors in Business and Latin American Studies. She is currently working on Dr. Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team and PhD candidate Lucas Borba’s Space and State team. Outside of ROCCA, she enjoys running and is part of the Alexander Hamilton Society and Vanderbilt Women in Government.
Alysa Suleiman (she/her/hers) is a senior majoring in Political Science; Law, History, & Society; and Communication Studies. Alysa enjoys studying human rights and press freedom. Within ROCCA, Alysa is a part of Dr. Emily Ritter’s Bureaucratic Repression team and Ph.D. candidate Alec Tripp’s Humanitarianism and Media Coverage in Immigration Crises team. Outside of the ROCCA Lab, Alysa edits for The Vanderbilt Hustler’s social media section and serves as president of Vanderbilt’s Pre-Law Society.
Selene Wang is a senior majoring in Political Science, Economics, and Mathematics. At the ROCCA lab, she works on the Cyberpower and Hundred Years’ War projects. Outside the lab, she is a member of VSVS and enjoys photography and hiking in her free time.
Evan Wong (he/him) is a freshman at Vanderbilt double majoring in Mathematics and Public Policy with a minor in Data Science. In ROCCA Lab, he is part of Dr. Benson's Chinese National Security and Dr. Bisbee's Adjustment Costs of Interstate Conflict project. Outside of the lab, he is involved in The Hustler and Vanderbilt Political Review.
Mario Wyman is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. He is on Dr. Gannon's National Security Strategies project and Dr. Bjork-James’ Ultimate Consequences project. Outside ROCCA, Mario is the VP of Finance of the Mock Trial club, and is involved in Relay for Life and Phi Delta Theta.
Raney Yang (she/they) is a senior 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 Bisbee’s Social Media and Politics Project and Professor Benson’s Taiwan/China/US Project. Outside ROCCA, Raney is involved in the Chill Lab, VSG, VSVS, and VUCD.
Royce Yang is a junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies and Music Performance. At ROCCA, he works with Professor Ritter on the Bureaucratic Repression project and with Professor Benton on the China-U.S.-Taiwan Relations project. Otherwise, you may find him running, reading, planning excursions, or trying to convince squirrels about the benefits of listening daily to Bach.