Tell us about your work placement experience.

I have enjoyed my workplace. I have had the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by knowledgeable faculty. Our Principal Investigator, Professor John Graham, has had an extensive background in my areas of interest—working as a White House Advisor in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Dean of the O'Neill School and Founder of the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis. This has allowed me to soak in knowledge during my time in my workplace. When I entered my workplace, our working group had two upperclassmen students (now graduated) who helped me adjust to high-level research, college life and finding my areas of interest. Throughout my workplace, I have felt continuously supported.

What is something you have learned through your work?

Conducting high-level academic research as a first-year student has allowed me to strengthen my analytic & analysis-based skills, academic writing and comprehension of advanced topics. These skills have been able to help me in the classroom and throughout internships.

How will being a part of the Cox Scholars Program help you in the future?

The Cox Scholars Program has already helped me secure my future. During my first year on campus the Cox Scholarship exposed me to many different opportunities through our Research Workshops. The experience that the program gives you by facilitating research opportunities was invaluable. Having research experience as a first-year student allowed me to get involved earlier on campus and gave me the resume experience to secure a summer internship for both my first and second year.

What is your favorite memory as a Cox Scholar?

My favorite memory was the Cox Scholar was the Cox Scholars Program Symposium. I enjoyed learning about what people do in their different placements. I realized the wide range of placements across different areas and industries I got to connect with many different Cox Scholars and realized just how many Cox Scholars were on campus.

What do you do outside of the Cox Scholars Program?

Beyond the Cox Scholars Program, I am a member of the Board of Aeons which is a 12-member research and advisory board that works alongside the President of Indiana University to tackle pressing on-campus issues. This has given me the opportunity to conduct institutional research on issues that are important to myself and members of the student body. I am the Treasurer for the Black Student Union and previously served as the Vice President of the Black Student Union's Freshman Action Team where I have worked to uplift black students on campus through educational and social programming. I am also a member of a Kelley business fraternity, Mu Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Inc, where I have been able to sharpen my business acumen while connecting with other people of color in the business industry.