We are so excited to introduce our fall interns!! They’re an awesome group of students, and they’ll be writing about a wide variety of topics, from refugee crises to education to the global food supply.
Sydney Rehder, UNC-Chapel Hill
My name is Sydney Rehder and I am excited to join the Novel Hand team as a Writing & Research Intern this fall! I am a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, double-majoring in Political Science and Contemporary European Studies. Once I graduate, I plan on pursuing the Transatlantic Masters program at UNC, studying EU policy and the transatlantic relationship. I am from Durham, NC and I spend my free time playing ultimate frisbee, cooking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
As a Writing & Research Intern, I hope to focus on human migration and refugee crises, especially in Europe. I want to explore the changing policy regarding migrants and the causes for the influx of migrants in the modern era. I am excited to use this experience at Novel Hand to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which I can positively impact refugee policy. I am grateful to be a part of the Novel Hand community and to learn and grow with a group of people who are passionate about creating a better world.
Lila Dunn, UNC-Chapel Hill
I’m Lila Dunn, and I’m so happy to be writing as a Writing and Research intern with Novel Hand! I’m currently a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and I’m majoring in Music with a concentration in Voice Performance, as well as majoring in Political Science. I’m hoping to attend graduate school in Music after graduating this spring. I’m originally from Mendham, NJ. When I’m not in class, you can most likely find me cooking new foods or spending time with my dog, Reagan.
I’m really interested in exploring issues like education and access as a Writing and Research intern. I’m excited to learn more about issues like these and others, and to synthesize what I’ve learned in my writing. Throughout this fall, I hope to discover ways to make an impact on educating our youth and combat some of the issues in our education system. I can’t wait to get started, and to learn about such a wide variety of issues with the Novel Hand team!
Victoria Berry, Belmont University
Hey everyone! My name is Victoria. I’m originally from Mason, Ohio! Currently, I attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where I study Global Leadership Studies and Spanish. My studies are interdisciplinary, meaning that the courses I take are housed in different departments (business, political science, religion, history and the humanities, psychology, and more). Studying under various disciplines has given me a unique perspective on global social justice issues. I have also spent time as a literacy and ESL tutor, which has exposed me firsthand to gaps in our education system. When I’m not in class, you can find me writing at a coffee shop, spending time outside, or exploring with friends.
I am so excited to join the Novel Hand team. Humanitarian impact is at the core of what is important to me and is the reason for why I study Global Leadership. I am especially passionate about immigration, refugees, and education. I want to explore the biggest challenges immigrants and refugees face in trying to integrate into American society, and I want to find out how each one of us can be a more supportive neighbor. I am also interested in understanding the reasons for, and the impacts of, inequalities in education. I am so excited to be a part of the team!
Izzy Norman, UNC-Chapel Hill
My name is Izzy Norman and I am one of the latest additions to the Novel Hand team. I was born and raised in Concord, North Carolina, a suburb outside of Charlotte. I am in my third year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I am working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a double minor in Sustainability and Food Studies. After graduation, I hope to pursue a degree in environmental law and policy. I love to spend my free time outdoors, whether that be exploring new hiking trails, paddle boarding with friends, or walking my Goldendoodle!
As a Writing and Research Intern, I plan on delving into the forces that shape our global food supply, with an emphasis on agribusiness, food security, climate change, social justice, and technological innovation. I hope to provide a holistic overview of the current regulatory framework underscoring our interactions with food, as well as concrete steps that can be taken to create a more equitable and sustainable food network for all. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that spreads awareness about humanitarian issues and incites its readers to take action.
Regan Mies, Columbia University
My name’s Regan, and I’m excited to join the Novel Hand team as a fall Writing & Research Intern! I grew up in Minnesota and am currently a junior at Columbia University, double-majoring in Political Science and German with a primary subfield of International Relations. On campus, I’m a senior staff writer for our student-run online news publication, an avid member of running club, and a contributor to a campus policy think tank, Roosevelt. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at a local elementary school, exploring NYC, and reading books that have not been assigned as coursework.
While at Novel Hand, I hope to explore humanitarian issues like refugee rights, sustainability and conservation, and education access. I’m excited to use Novel Hand as a platform for learning and discussion outside of the classroom, and I can’t wait to engage with Novel Hand’s many passionate contributors and readers! I believe that change stems from active learning, active listening, and an openness to new ideas, values that the Novel Hand community embraces.
Eleanor Tyson, UNC-Chapel Hill
Hi everyone! I’m Eleanor Tyson and I am so excited to be joining the team as a Writing and Research Intern this fall! I grew up in Winston Salem, North Carolina and I am currently a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel hill. I am double-majoring in Public Policy and Political Science and considering a minor in Environmental Justice. On campus I am a part of the UNC Women in Economics club and the Social/Society Events Chair of the National Society of Leadership and Success. In my free time I enjoy running, painting pictures of nature, and attempting to master cooking with my friends.
I’m excited to join Novel Hand as an intern and to engage with readers and other contributors about important humanitarian issues. I am interested in writing about the intersection of justice, the environment, and health, with a focus on policies about the environment and disadvantaged people. I want to explore the future implications of COVID-19 vaccine distributions and how this connects to humanitarianism. I look forward to working with the team!
Elina Carpen, UNC-Chapel Hill
Hi everyone! My name is Elina Carpen, and I am thrilled to be joining the Novel Hand team as a writing and research intern! I am originally from Greensboro, North Carolina and am currently a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am pursuing a double major in Political Science and History with a minor in sustainability studies. After obtaining an undergraduate degree I hope to study environmental law or get a masters in European governance. On campus I am a member of HYPE, a student led organization that works to tutor and mentor children from low income and minority communities. I am also involved with the Carolina Forum for Ethics and Diplomacy, and work for the School of Government. When I am not working you can find me reading, running, hiking, or doing anything active!
During my time at Novel Hand, I hope to focus on sustainability and environmental justice, as well as immigration and international relations. I hope to be able to explore the interconnections between environmental policy and social justice, as well as immigration policy in the United States. Through this process I hope to be able to inform others and myself about topics with in sustainability and immigration that may be less frequently considered and find ways to make an impact individually. I am excited to be part of a team who advocates for the humanitarian values that represent myself.
Clare Larsen, Columbia University
Hello! My name is Clare Larsen, I hail from Los Angeles, CA, and will be joining the Novel Hand team as a Writing and Research Intern this fall. I am a junior at Columbia University studying Political Science and Visual Arts and am captain of the Women’s Swim team. I hope to eventually pursue photojournalism, as I believe it functions as a perfect junction between art and pertinent issues. I love storytelling and story-listening, and I believe photography to be one of the most visceral forms of journalism.
At Novel Hand, I look forward to exploring the intersection at which issues meet. For example, how does the justice system converse with the environment? What is an environmental refugee? And what kind of judicial obstacles do they face? I’m most excited to learn more about my interests, but also to explore my blind spots!
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