Meet the Teams
Core
James Arroyo OBE
Ditchley Foundation
James was previously director for data at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, charged with adapting the organisation to the digital age. Prior to that he was director for Europe in the FCO and served abroad in embassies in France and across the Near East. His intellectual interests include the impact of technology on society, business and government and the dynamics of insurgencies and terrorism. He read English at Cambridge University and is married to Kerry with two daughters.
James was previously director for data at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, charged with adapting the organisation to the digital age. Prior to that he was director for Europe in the FCO and served abroad in embassies in France and across the Near East. His intellectual interests include the impact of technology on society, business and government and the dynamics of insurgencies and terrorism. He read English at Cambridge University and is married to Kerry with two daughters.
Tim Luke
Barclays Capital
Tim is Vice Chairman for Barclays Capital’s Global Tech, Media and Telecom practice based in New York covering the US and Europe.
He rejoined Barclays having spent 3 years from May 2011 to July 2014 working as a Senior Adviser on Business, Trade and Innovation to the UK Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street. At Downing Street he focused on developing policies aimed at accelerating the growth of sectors such as technology, telecom and financial services.
Prior to Number 10, Tim worked for 18 years at Lehman Brothers/Barclays in New York and was Global Head Technology Equity Research and Number 1 ranked as an equity research analyst in communications equipment (data networking and wireless equipment) and semiconductors.
Tim is Vice Chairman for Barclays Capital’s Global Tech, Media and Telecom practice based in New York covering the US and Europe.
He rejoined Barclays having spent 3 years from May 2011 to July 2014 working as a Senior Adviser on Business, Trade and Innovation to the UK Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street. At Downing Street he focused on developing policies aimed at accelerating the growth of sectors such as technology, telecom and financial services.
Prior to Number 10, Tim worked for 18 years at Lehman Brothers/Barclays in New York and was Global Head Technology Equity Research and Number 1 ranked as an equity research analyst in communications equipment (data networking and wireless equipment) and semiconductors.
Duncan Clark
BDA China
Founder, investor and leading advisor on China’s dynamic technology and consumer sectors, Duncan is a recognized expert on the Internet and entrepreneurship in China. He has lived and worked in Beijing and Shanghai for more than 20 years.
An early advisor to leading China Internet entrepreneurs, Duncan is author of ‘Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built’, the definitive work on China’s e-commerce and technology giant, its founder Jack Ma, and the forces and people that propelled its rise. Published in 2016 in English by HarperCollins, ‘Alibaba’ was named a Book of the Year by The Economist magazine and short-listed for ‘Business Book of the Year’ by the Financial Times/McKinsey. Local language versions of the book continue to be released around the world, numbering over fifteen at last count.
Duncan is chairman of BDA China, a company he founded in 1994 after working as an investment banker with Morgan Stanley in London and Hong Kong. BDA is an advisory firm serving investors in high growth companies in the technology and consumer sectors in China and other Asian markets. BDA employs over 85 mainland Chinese professionals in Beijing.
A senior China policy advisor to institutional investors, corporations and governments, Duncan is also a cofounder or early stage investor of a number of technology ventures including AppAnnie, Student.com and Radish Fiction. He is an independent director of Bangkok Bank (China) in Shanghai, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society in New York and a member of the advisory board of the Pictet Digital thematic mutual fund, managed by Pictet Asset Management in Geneva. Duncan also serves on the international board of WildAid, the San Francisco non-profit whose mission is to end the trade of illegal wildlife products in our lifetime.
Duncan is a Visiting Senior Fellow of the Institute of Global Affairs at the London School of Economics; and a former Visiting Scholar at Stanford University. He previously served as Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, and was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to UK-China trade and investment.
A UK citizen raised in the UK, US and France, Duncan is a graduate of the London School of Economics.
Founder, investor and leading advisor on China’s dynamic technology and consumer sectors, Duncan is a recognized expert on the Internet and entrepreneurship in China. He has lived and worked in Beijing and Shanghai for more than 20 years.
An early advisor to leading China Internet entrepreneurs, Duncan is author of ‘Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built’, the definitive work on China’s e-commerce and technology giant, its founder Jack Ma, and the forces and people that propelled its rise. Published in 2016 in English by HarperCollins, ‘Alibaba’ was named a Book of the Year by The Economist magazine and short-listed for ‘Business Book of the Year’ by the Financial Times/McKinsey. Local language versions of the book continue to be released around the world, numbering over fifteen at last count.
Duncan is chairman of BDA China, a company he founded in 1994 after working as an investment banker with Morgan Stanley in London and Hong Kong. BDA is an advisory firm serving investors in high growth companies in the technology and consumer sectors in China and other Asian markets. BDA employs over 85 mainland Chinese professionals in Beijing.
A senior China policy advisor to institutional investors, corporations and governments, Duncan is also a cofounder or early stage investor of a number of technology ventures including AppAnnie, Student.com and Radish Fiction. He is an independent director of Bangkok Bank (China) in Shanghai, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society in New York and a member of the advisory board of the Pictet Digital thematic mutual fund, managed by Pictet Asset Management in Geneva. Duncan also serves on the international board of WildAid, the San Francisco non-profit whose mission is to end the trade of illegal wildlife products in our lifetime.
Duncan is a Visiting Senior Fellow of the Institute of Global Affairs at the London School of Economics; and a former Visiting Scholar at Stanford University. He previously served as Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, and was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to UK-China trade and investment.
A UK citizen raised in the UK, US and France, Duncan is a graduate of the London School of Economics.
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.