Meet the Teams
Core
Will Shao
Cofounder & President
Stanford University
Major in Classics
Minor in International Relations and Modern Languages
Will Shao is a junior at Stanford University majoring in Classics and minoring in International Relations and Modern Languages. Originally from New York City, Will has spent a significant amount of his life abroad in Asia and the U.K. as a music scholar at Eton College. In the Summer and Fall of 2019, Will worked at the Ditchley Foundation in the U.K. as a research intern, focused on issues around the use of technology in higher education. In summer 2020, he will be interning at the Association of Diplomatic Studies and Training in Washington, D.C. Will spends his free time playing the violin and saxophone, as well as sailing.
Stanford University
Major in Classics
Minor in International Relations and Modern Languages
Will Shao is a junior at Stanford University majoring in Classics and minoring in International Relations and Modern Languages. Originally from New York City, Will has spent a significant amount of his life abroad in Asia and the U.K. as a music scholar at Eton College. In the Summer and Fall of 2019, Will worked at the Ditchley Foundation in the U.K. as a research intern, focused on issues around the use of technology in higher education. In summer 2020, he will be interning at the Association of Diplomatic Studies and Training in Washington, D.C. Will spends his free time playing the violin and saxophone, as well as sailing.
Kasha Akrami
Cofounder & President
Stanford University
Double Major in Management Science and Engineering
Kasha is a junior at Stanford University majoring in Management Science and Engineering. His interests and experiences run the range between business, government, and technology. After his freshman year, Kasha interned for Congresswoman Diana DeGette, the successful gubernatorial campaign of Congressman Jared Polis, and the law firm Davis Graham & Stubbs. This past summer, he interned for the venture capitalist Tim Draper and the family office of the Gungdon Group. In addition to these experiences, Kasha is particularly passionate about launching and managing organizations that expand on his interests and connect likeminded individuals. A few to highlight include launching/directing the Scouting Program of Draper Associates, the GovTech Network, and (during high school) Sierra Project Foundation (https://sierraprojectfoundation.org).
Stanford University
Double Major in Management Science and Engineering
Kasha is a junior at Stanford University majoring in Management Science and Engineering. His interests and experiences run the range between business, government, and technology. After his freshman year, Kasha interned for Congresswoman Diana DeGette, the successful gubernatorial campaign of Congressman Jared Polis, and the law firm Davis Graham & Stubbs. This past summer, he interned for the venture capitalist Tim Draper and the family office of the Gungdon Group. In addition to these experiences, Kasha is particularly passionate about launching and managing organizations that expand on his interests and connect likeminded individuals. A few to highlight include launching/directing the Scouting Program of Draper Associates, the GovTech Network, and (during high school) Sierra Project Foundation (https://sierraprojectfoundation.org).
Gaby Rich
Vice President
Princeton University
Major in Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
Minor in East Asian Studies
Gaby Rich is pursuing a concentration in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a certificate in East Asian Studies. She is currently studying Japanese, and she hopes to write her senior thesis on economic and political development in East Asia. In her spare time, she enjoys organizing conferences, practicing graphic design, reading good fiction, and listening to music of every possible variety.
Princeton University
Major in Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
Minor in East Asian Studies
Gaby Rich is pursuing a concentration in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a certificate in East Asian Studies. She is currently studying Japanese, and she hopes to write her senior thesis on economic and political development in East Asia. In her spare time, she enjoys organizing conferences, practicing graphic design, reading good fiction, and listening to music of every possible variety.
National Board
Research Team
Catherine Kim
Double Major in Applied Mathematics and Creative Writing
Minor in Philosophy and Computer Science
My name is Catherine Kim. I graduated from Vanderbilt University in December 2019, where I majored in Applied Mathematics and Creative Writing and minored in Philosophy and Computer Science. During my final semester in college, I founded Vandy Tech & Society Club to bring together students who were interested in exploring the increasingly complicated interactions among technology, humanity, and society. (We had some very cool events such as dual-prof dinners!) I'm currently working as a Software Engineer for Amazon Robotics in Boston. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to Audiobook, learning more about Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, cooking, and watching MOOCs. I also plan to sign up for a beginner's painting class and adopt a cat once the Pandemic is over :)
Minor in Philosophy and Computer Science
My name is Catherine Kim. I graduated from Vanderbilt University in December 2019, where I majored in Applied Mathematics and Creative Writing and minored in Philosophy and Computer Science. During my final semester in college, I founded Vandy Tech & Society Club to bring together students who were interested in exploring the increasingly complicated interactions among technology, humanity, and society. (We had some very cool events such as dual-prof dinners!) I'm currently working as a Software Engineer for Amazon Robotics in Boston. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to Audiobook, learning more about Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, cooking, and watching MOOCs. I also plan to sign up for a beginner's painting class and adopt a cat once the Pandemic is over :)
Joyce Er
Duke University
Double Major in Computer Science and Public Policy
I am a senior at Duke University and incoming software engineer at Microsoft. At Duke, I'm completing a double major in Computer Science and Public Policy. I strongly believe in the importance of both understanding technology and caring about its impact on individuals, communities, and nations. Beyond my technical interests in developer tools, operating systems, and computer security, I'm deeply passionate about all issues at the intersection of government and technology, from digital government and governance to consumer rights in a digital age. In my free time, I advocate for the arts at Duke, draw, and read.
Double Major in Computer Science and Public Policy
I am a senior at Duke University and incoming software engineer at Microsoft. At Duke, I'm completing a double major in Computer Science and Public Policy. I strongly believe in the importance of both understanding technology and caring about its impact on individuals, communities, and nations. Beyond my technical interests in developer tools, operating systems, and computer security, I'm deeply passionate about all issues at the intersection of government and technology, from digital government and governance to consumer rights in a digital age. In my free time, I advocate for the arts at Duke, draw, and read.
Mishaela Robison
Stanford University
Double Major in Psychology and Communication
Mishaela is a junior at Stanford double majoring in Psychology and Communication. She’s incredibly interested in the psychological impact of social media as well as the overlap between politics and digital media. In the summer she will be an intern at the Brookings Institution.
Originally from Kentucky and North Carolina, Mishaela is fascinated by the different political climates across the nation. In her free time she likes to travel, solve puzzles, learn new things and talk about Disney.
Double Major in Psychology and Communication
Mishaela is a junior at Stanford double majoring in Psychology and Communication. She’s incredibly interested in the psychological impact of social media as well as the overlap between politics and digital media. In the summer she will be an intern at the Brookings Institution.
Originally from Kentucky and North Carolina, Mishaela is fascinated by the different political climates across the nation. In her free time she likes to travel, solve puzzles, learn new things and talk about Disney.
Shruti Juneja
University of California, Berkeley
Double Major in Political Science and Economics
Shruti Juneja is a senior at Cornell University, where she is double majoring in Information Science and Government and minoring in Business. She is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. In her free time, she enjoys binging TV shows on Netflix, working on crossword/Sudoku puzzles and spending time outdoors.
Double Major in Political Science and Economics
Shruti Juneja is a senior at Cornell University, where she is double majoring in Information Science and Government and minoring in Business. She is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. In her free time, she enjoys binging TV shows on Netflix, working on crossword/Sudoku puzzles and spending time outdoors.
Conference Team
Kristina Danos
University of Michigan
Major in Data Science
Kristina is a student at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Data Science through the College of Engineering and minoring in Entrepreneurship. Her interest in Data Science comes from the application of analytics and programming to several growing industries. While at Michigan, Kristina conducted biomedical research on the development of new anti-epileptic, anti-tinnitus drug compounds before focusing on connected and automated vehicles. Through a program at Mcity, she worked with a startup specializing in solid-state LiDARs and perception software to evaluate various sensor applications. This past summer Kristina switched gears to intern in India for a corporate social responsibility foundation aimed at improving the health and nutrition of women and children in underdeveloped areas. Inspired by this international experience, Kristina strives to create a space where tech innovation, policy, and social impact align. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching standup comedy, and playing tennis.
Major in Data Science
Kristina is a student at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Data Science through the College of Engineering and minoring in Entrepreneurship. Her interest in Data Science comes from the application of analytics and programming to several growing industries. While at Michigan, Kristina conducted biomedical research on the development of new anti-epileptic, anti-tinnitus drug compounds before focusing on connected and automated vehicles. Through a program at Mcity, she worked with a startup specializing in solid-state LiDARs and perception software to evaluate various sensor applications. This past summer Kristina switched gears to intern in India for a corporate social responsibility foundation aimed at improving the health and nutrition of women and children in underdeveloped areas. Inspired by this international experience, Kristina strives to create a space where tech innovation, policy, and social impact align. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching standup comedy, and playing tennis.
Connor Tsikitas
University of Notre Dame
Major in Political Science
Hey! I’m Connor Tsikitas, and I am a political science major at the University of Notre Dame. I am interested in studying the Middle East and Europe in particular, including the Arabic and French languages, as well as economics and the future of technology in our world. I am an Army ROTC Cadet as well, and I plan to serve as an active duty Officer upon my graduation. I am also passionate about community service; I make an effort to volunteer for those in need on weekends and over the summer each year, and I am involved with faith and service events in my dorm community. Other than that, I am also an editor for “Beyond Politics,” the political journal at Notre Dame, and I am a member of the Bengal Bouts Boxing Club, which raises money for Holy Cross missions in Bangladesh each year.
Major in Political Science
Hey! I’m Connor Tsikitas, and I am a political science major at the University of Notre Dame. I am interested in studying the Middle East and Europe in particular, including the Arabic and French languages, as well as economics and the future of technology in our world. I am an Army ROTC Cadet as well, and I plan to serve as an active duty Officer upon my graduation. I am also passionate about community service; I make an effort to volunteer for those in need on weekends and over the summer each year, and I am involved with faith and service events in my dorm community. Other than that, I am also an editor for “Beyond Politics,” the political journal at Notre Dame, and I am a member of the Bengal Bouts Boxing Club, which raises money for Holy Cross missions in Bangladesh each year.
Michelle Boulos
UC Berkeley
Major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
California born and raised, Michelle is a second year Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) student at UC Berkeley. She constantly tinkers with her mind and her hands, working on projects at the intersection of social impact and technology; among them, creating IoT device applications for domestic violence, performing data analytics for human rights crises, or simply tweeting and reading about the complicated history of technology and society. Michelle finds inspiration for her projects at hackathons, on social media, and by listening to the diverse perspectives and experiences from people she meets. When her mind isn’t over analyzing data privacy concerns, you may find her talking a crowd’s ear off, connecting to her Coptic Egyptian roots through music and tea, or filling her online shopping cart with the latest trends.
Major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
California born and raised, Michelle is a second year Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) student at UC Berkeley. She constantly tinkers with her mind and her hands, working on projects at the intersection of social impact and technology; among them, creating IoT device applications for domestic violence, performing data analytics for human rights crises, or simply tweeting and reading about the complicated history of technology and society. Michelle finds inspiration for her projects at hackathons, on social media, and by listening to the diverse perspectives and experiences from people she meets. When her mind isn’t over analyzing data privacy concerns, you may find her talking a crowd’s ear off, connecting to her Coptic Egyptian roots through music and tea, or filling her online shopping cart with the latest trends.
Finance Team
Ava Mincheva
University of California, Berkeley
Double Major in Political Science and Economics
Ava is a political science and economics double major at UC Berkeley with concentrations in comparative politics and international trade respectively.
Originally from Bulgaria, she moved to the United States in 2005 and has been living in the Bay Area ever since. She hopes to enter law school soon after graduating. In her spare time she likes to study linguistics, remodel her living space, and spend as much time with her family as possible.
Double Major in Political Science and Economics
Ava is a political science and economics double major at UC Berkeley with concentrations in comparative politics and international trade respectively.
Originally from Bulgaria, she moved to the United States in 2005 and has been living in the Bay Area ever since. She hopes to enter law school soon after graduating. In her spare time she likes to study linguistics, remodel her living space, and spend as much time with her family as possible.
Sourabh Chakraborty
Cornell University
Double Major in Computer Science and Social Knowledge
Sourabh Chakraborty is a student at Cornell University double majoring in Computer Science and a self-designed major in Social Knowledge. He is conducting research on political discussion on social media for his undergraduate thesis, and has also organized speaker events and community discussions for CS students through Cornell’s Association of Computer Science Undergraduates. He is interested in how the Internet has shaped people’s ability to communicate their beliefs and knowledge and find out about new information, as well as more broadly how social norms and legal principles evolve with the creation of new technology.
Double Major in Computer Science and Social Knowledge
Sourabh Chakraborty is a student at Cornell University double majoring in Computer Science and a self-designed major in Social Knowledge. He is conducting research on political discussion on social media for his undergraduate thesis, and has also organized speaker events and community discussions for CS students through Cornell’s Association of Computer Science Undergraduates. He is interested in how the Internet has shaped people’s ability to communicate their beliefs and knowledge and find out about new information, as well as more broadly how social norms and legal principles evolve with the creation of new technology.
Thomas Connor
University of Notre Dame
Major in Political Science and Economics
My name is Thomas Connor and I am a rising senior studying political science and economics at the University of Notre Dame. I am an avid ultimate frisbee player and love playing the guitar in my free time.
Major in Political Science and Economics
My name is Thomas Connor and I am a rising senior studying political science and economics at the University of Notre Dame. I am an avid ultimate frisbee player and love playing the guitar in my free time.
Media Team
Libby Messman
University of Notre Dame
Double Major in Political Science and Philosophy
Minor in Computing & Digital Technologies
Libby Messman is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in Computing & Digital Technologies. At Notre Dame, Libby is involved with the mock trial team, student senate, and works as a campus tour guide.
Double Major in Political Science and Philosophy
Minor in Computing & Digital Technologies
Libby Messman is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in Computing & Digital Technologies. At Notre Dame, Libby is involved with the mock trial team, student senate, and works as a campus tour guide.
Michelle Lee
University of Washington
Major in Medical Anthropology and Global Health
Michelle Lee is a rising senior at the University of Washington, majoring in Medical Anthropology and Global Health. At UW, she is president of the Bioethics Student Organization, and is also working on a departmental honors research project focused on how anti-chinese sentiment has fragmented the United States’ COVID-19 response. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and looking for new spots to photograph around Seattle.
Major in Medical Anthropology and Global Health
Michelle Lee is a rising senior at the University of Washington, majoring in Medical Anthropology and Global Health. At UW, she is president of the Bioethics Student Organization, and is also working on a departmental honors research project focused on how anti-chinese sentiment has fragmented the United States’ COVID-19 response. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and looking for new spots to photograph around Seattle.
Kevin Kharkov
George Washington University
Major in Computer Engineering
Kevin Kharkov is a rising Sophomore at George Washington University who is majoring in Computer Engineering. At GW he is a member of DC Through a Lens and does graphic design and website development work for various people/clubs at the university.
Major in Computer Engineering
Kevin Kharkov is a rising Sophomore at George Washington University who is majoring in Computer Engineering. At GW he is a member of DC Through a Lens and does graphic design and website development work for various people/clubs at the university.