Undergraduate Researchers

Shazia Akhtar

I am a senior undergraduate student, majoring in Marketing at the Kelley School of Business. This is my first time with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity, and I have been able to explore research related to themes of freedom, migration, and identity. Currently I am working with my faculty mentor on a project that examines the evolution of passports, its influences through historical contexts, and what meaning passports hold now. Outside of my research and coursework I spend my time advocating for International Student Rights and creating art.

Trinity Barnes

I am junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, majoring in Psychology and Spanish with minor in Black Cinema and certificate in Clinical Psychology. This is my first year at the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society and I have been fortunate to work with my mentor and explore my interest related to social psychology. Specifically, this has included studying cross-gendered interracial interactions. This research interest emerged as a desire to work with underrepresented populations by understanding how their different identities may affect their mental health. Throughout my time with CRRES, I have had the opportunity to combine my research interests, directly apply them to my future career goals, and be supported by Dr. Dorianne Green, my mentor. It is because of this and the strong relationships I have built that I hope to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In my free time I love watching movies and participating in the Latinx dance team at IU called Paso a Paso.

Jahlea Douglas

I am a junior at the School of Education, majoring in Counseling and Student Services with a minor in Human Sexuality. This is my first year working with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity and I am interested in exploring how sex and sexuality experiences relate to race. Currently, I am working on a project that explores what advice people give to those involved in interracial relationships. I also serve as a teaching intern helping undergraduate students gain basic academic skills needed to thrive during college. Upon graduation I hope to attend graduate school to study counseling psychology. Outside of research, I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors.  

Wisdom Ibikunle

I am a senior at the College of Arts & Sciences, majoring in Chemistry and Sociology with minors in History and Psychology. This is my first year with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society. In addition to my time at CRRES, I am a member of the College of Arts & Sciences Diversity and Inclusion Advisory and Action Committee (DIAAC), the Hoosier Scholar Ambassadors program, and serve as the Co-President of the U Bring Change to Mind a student organization dedicated to the de-stigmatization of mental illness. I am passionate about improving health equity and education for people of color and bring their concerns to forefront. Currently, I am working on a project that focuses on how college students of color utilize and perceive mental health services. I hope to use this research to gain insights in effective strategies that lessen racial disparities in accessing care. Upon graduation I hope to pursue a PhD or MD-PhD in Sociology. In my free time I love to cook, bake, visit museums, and watch historical documentaries and dramas.

Mofe Koya

I am a junior at the Kelley School of Business, majoring in Public Policy Analysis and Law, Ethics, and Decision Making. This is my third year working with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity and I have learned so much about literary and qualitative research. In addition to my role at CRRES, I am part of the Hutton Honors College where I am both a member of the Funding Board and serve as the Director of Marketing. Moreover, I also provide support, professional development skills, and interview preparation to my peers within the Kelley School of Business by working as part of the Undergraduate Career Services Center. In my free time I enjoy watching TV shows or documentaries, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with family and friends.

Bella Melrose

I am a senior at the Kelley School of Business, majoring in Law and Public Policy with a focus in civil engagement and intersectional inequities. This is my second year with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society and the decision to join CRRES was an easy one. During my time with CRRES and my faculty mentor I have gained experience on quantitative methodologies related to US American hyper-partisanship, demographics of registered voters and associated risk factors in US American society. Upon graduation, I am set to work in the public sector prior applying for law school. Outside of my time with CRRES and IU I enjoy spending time with my friends, listening to music, reading classical novels, or playing with my three pets.

Poorabi Nanda

I am a junior double majoring in Political Science and History, with double minors in World Political Systems and Geography. This is my first year with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society, I have worked with my faculty mentor as part of the Latinx Political Research Lab tackling research questions within the realm of immigration, issue activism, immigrant political incorporation, and public health behaviors among Latinx adults in the US. In their efforts to better understand the way policy contexts impact the level of fear and hope cues used to spur political action among immigrant activists, the team will also conduct interviews with local immigrant organization leaders in the Midwest. Given my passion for international relations, I have also enjoyed being a member and executive board member of the Indiana Model United Nations (IndianaMUN) and serve as President of the Eleanor Roosevelt Society (ERS). In my spare time I enjoy hiking, singing, and reading contemporary fiction. I look forward to applying to PhD programs in Political Science in Fall 2023.