Clementina Aboagye ’25
Major: International Relations
Minor: French
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Clementina grew up in Ghana, West Africa, as the oldest of four siblings. She immigrated to the United States in 2012. Her interest in law started early when she recognized that disparities paralleled in her Ghanaian and Bronx neighborhoods created legal injustices for individuals with lower socioeconomic status. With the dynamics of changing presidential administrations, Clementina became interested in immigration policy and immigrant rights. Clementina realized that lawyers have the power to be agents of change — a responsibility that needs introspective, empathetic, patient, and knowledgeable advocates. On campus, she works in Career Services and the Writing and Speaking Center. Clementina is the former co-president of the Black Student Union, and a member of the Debate Society, the African Student Union, and the hip-hop dance group, Melanated. Through Colgate's Geneva Study Group, she interned with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as a Human Rights Liaison Unit intern in the Division of International Protection. Clementina envisions a future career working with the United Nations focusing on international law and humanitarian aid.
Hadeel Al Qoronz ’25
Major: Biology
Minors: Sociology; Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.
Hadeel internalized her altruistic values from her family, which shaped her aspirations for a career dedicated to benefiting others. As Hadeel witnessed her family members grappling with chronic health issues, her interest in medicine and healing was sparked. At Colgate, Hadeel was a research assistant in Dr. Engda Hagos’ laboratory, where she investigated the role of Krüppel-like factor 4 in DNA damage and epigenetic changes. She also serves as the co-senior advisor of the Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students. At home, Hadeel worked as a patient care technician at a local hospital, served as the treasurer of Sankofa Reproductive Health and Healing Center, and interned at Aids Community Resources Health and Prevention Network. This past summer and fall, Hadeel participated in biomedical research at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the National Cancer Institute, where she studied how Neuropilin-1, a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in various cancer types, could serve as a therapeutic target for cancer. Together, these experiences motivate her to continue to contribute to new discoveries in health and science that merge her interest in health care and clinical research.
Jeffrey Arigo ’26
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Mendon, N.Y.
Inspired by physicians throughout his life, Jeff found an early passion for biology and how medicine integrated science to improve lives. As a medical technician, he developed a strong interest in pediatrics and was introduced to the field of health care improvement. Jeff further explored this area at the University of Rochester, where he contributed to a study focused on quality improvement initiatives in pediatric G-tube care and surgical education. Jeff volunteers at St. Andrew's Food Cupboard in Rochester, N.Y., supporting individuals facing food insecurity. On campus, he leads group problem sets for the biology department and was previously a community leader. He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and tutors high school students. Under the mentorship of Professor Engda Hagos, Jeff studies the role of the transcription factor KLF4 in ferroptosis, an iron-mediated form of cell death, and its implications in cancer biology. This summer, he will conduct pediatric oncology research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Recognizing the intersection of health care improvement and biomedical research, Jeff aspires to become a physician-scientist dedicated to compassionate patient care and the pursuit of innovative therapies that enhance patient outcomes.
Andrew Audas ’25
Major: Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
Andrew’s interest in law emerged during high school when laws and policies limited access to COVID-19 vaccines in his community. At Colgate, his courses have taught him how law and policy impact day-to-day life and have the power to create inequality. To explore this impact, Andrew interned at U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin’s District Office, where he assisted with constituent casework. This past summer, he received a James Madison Fellowship and wrote a research paper on international intellectual property rights and their structural injustices. To further this research, Andrew participated in Colgate's Geneva Study Group in the fall, studying international law and working in the Health, Intellectual Property, and Biodiversity Programme at the South Centre. On campus, Andrew works for the Writing and Speaking Center, helping students unlock their potential in academic work and overcome challenges with writing. Before he attends law school, Andrew intends to work as a paralegal to refine his legal writing skills.
Kyle Born ’26
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Wilmette, Ill.
Growing up with neurological disease in his family, Kyle became keenly aware of the associated symptoms and realities of the afflicted people around him. As the basis for his interest in medicine, Kyle decided to major in neuroscience. He began working in Professor Wan-Chun Liu’s lab during his first year at Colgate and continues to research the effects of light pollution on finch brain development. Outside the lab, Kyle plays guitar for children with cancer through the Colgate Key Notes program, volunteers at a local nursing home, and tutors students at Madison Central School. He also helps run Colgate’s Neuroscience Club and has a radio program. In recent summers, Kyle has worked at Feinberg Medical School’s neurology department, conducting a variety of surgeries and lab techniques with mouse disease models. Kyle hopes to practice in neurology, psychiatry, or general surgery, focusing on equal access for rural populations.
Chayce Canty ’27
Majors: Political Science; Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Chayce's passion for law has been deeply shaped by living in Atlanta and traveling abroad, where she has engaged with diverse legal systems, cultures, and perspectives on justice. Witnessing how different countries navigate migration, governance, and security has strengthened her commitment to the intersection of law and national security on a global scale. Chayce is the founder of Pair + Care through Colgate’s Thought Into Action incubator. She is also a Benton Scholar and an OUS Scholar, as well as a member of the Black Student Union, Pre-Law Society, Conduct Board, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. Currently, Chayce is participating in Colgate's Washington, D.C., Study Group, interning at Cornerstone Government Affairs with the OpsWatch team. There, she monitors political client grant and fundraising opportunities while taking courses on U.S. civil-military relations. Next semester, she will expand her global perspective by studying in Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the study of human rights and migration.
Grace Ciaravino ’26
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Endwell, N.Y.
Driven by a passion for science and patient care, Grace believes medicine is about establishing meaningful connections with patients. This journey began in high school through the New Visions Health Academy, where she gained nearly 200 hours of shadowing experience across 25+ medical specialties. At Colgate, she combines rigorous academic study with hands-on experience in research and clinical settings. As a research assistant in the Psychological and Brain Science Department, she studies co-song gesturing in zebra finches to uncover mechanisms of song-learning. Grace also works as a surgical orderly at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y., where she assists with patient positioning, operating room setup, and patient engagement to ensure optimal care. Grace serves as a captain of Colgate’s Division I Women’s Rowing team, fostering teamwork and perseverance, and as director of academic excellence for Delta Delta Delta, where she mentors peers and promotes scholarship. She aspires to integrate scientific inquiry with compassionate, patient-centered care to make a lasting impact in health care, potentially in orthopedics.
Gwen Eichfeld ’25
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Winnetka, Ill.
Gwen’s interest in health care stemmed from observing how science-based therapies helped her twin brother learn to regulate his behavior, engage socially, and perform everyday physical activities. In high school, she competed at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in computational biology and epidemiology and published her independent research. After her sophomore year, Gwen interned at the National Institutes of Health using CRISPR to research Timothy Syndrome, an ultra-rare human disease. Gwen was named a Goldwater Scholar and researched the molecular mechanisms of genes linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder through the Amgen Scholars Summer Program at Harvard University in her junior summer. At Colgate, Gwen has investigated cancer cells, the microbiome, circadian rhythms, and multiple sclerosis in the lab. She also competes as a scholarship student-athlete on Colgate’s Division I Women’s Ice Hockey team, which won the ECAC championship and played in the NCAA tournament in 2023. Off the ice, Gwen is a certified EMT and helped form Colgate’s first Neuroscience Club, where she served as president. Following graduation, Gwen will embark on a Watson Fellowship where she will travel to seven countries to learn from researchers, physicians, and patients tackling the treatment of rare diseases. She plans to pursue an MD-PhD program in neurosciences to develop and apply science-based approaches that will have the same positive impact on individuals and families as she has experienced.
Olwethu Ezell ’26
Majors: Political Science, Sociology
Hometown: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
As a first-generation South African immigrant, Olwethu is empowered by her country’s resilience in the fight against apartheid and has made racial and economic justice advocacy her lifelong practice. Olwethu is passionate about efforts that challenge policymaking and legislation that disproportionately impacts BIPOC and low-income communities. This passion was ignited when she began volunteering in arraignment court watch sessions, assisting Professor Chandra Russo in her work with the organization Showing Up for Racial Justice. In her role, she collaborates with other volunteers to eliminate the use of cash bail in cases of low-level, non-violent offenses. Last summer, Olwethu developed her passion for criminal legal reform as a research assistant intern on a collaborative project between UCLA Law School and JusticeLA. She is continuing her journey with Colgate’s Washington, D.C., Study Group this spring and interning in the U.S. Senate. Olwethu envisions a future career in politics that employs law as an avenue for sustainable, long-lasting change.
Camille Goodhart ’25
Major: Political Science
Minors: Philosophy; Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Tiburon, Calif.
Camille’s interest in the legal field began at a young age as she was inspired by her mother’s work as a lawyer. Before Colgate, Camille spent a gap year volunteering for Team Enough’s Youth Lobbying Collective for gun violence prevention. At Colgate, she joined the Hamilton Fire Department and trained to become a state-certified firefighter. She is now a student coordinator for the department and Colgate’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education. Camille serves as a lead link on Colgate’s orientation team, a senior admission intern, a Lampert Fellow, and a co-leader of Colgate High School Tutors. Camille worked as an advocacy, health, and education systems navigation intern for the Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center in Boston as part of the Manzi Fellowship and on a congressional campaign during her summers. She has been inspired by these experiences and saw first-hand the importance of effective legal advocacy in the pursuit of positive change for individuals and communities in need.
Ean Hill ’26
Majors: Classical Studies, German
Hometown: Bardstown, Ky.
Ean’s passion for law is imbued with his belief in the human soul. Growing up in rural Kentucky, he credits his exposure to the arts and humanities with his passion for learning and the law. Last summer, he completed a legal internship with the Munich-based law firm Rückel & Collegen solely within a German-speaking environment. Due to this, Ean had the privilege to work for the prosecution of Irmgard Fuchner in Germany’s last Nazi trial. The Furchner trial was extremely influential to his modus operandi, as it gave him the belief that every action, no matter how menial, has a right and wrong. Ean believes in the value of the humanities and recognizes the responsibility of the law to defend it. Following graduation, Ean plans to spend time abroad to improve his German before returning to the U.S. for law school. He hopes to pursue a career working in art restitution and international law, working to ensure public access to art and culture.
Joshua Israel ’25
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Jewish Studies
Hometown: Madison, Conn.
With two physician parents, Josh was introduced to the world of medicine at a young age. His passion for biology coupled with his vision to use knowledge to improve the lives of others solidified his interest in the field. Josh envisions himself as a physician at an academic institution, working as a teacher and researcher while also caring for patients. Josh’s passion for teaching started at Colgate, where he serves as a biology peer-led team learning leader. Outside the classroom, Josh competes and leads as a captain of the Division I Varsity Men’s Tennis Team and chairs the student-athlete Wellness Advocates. Over two summers, Josh conducted summer research at the Yale School of Medicine, most recently in the interventional oncology lab. There, he helped conduct a novel study investigating the immune response of liver tumors after immunotherapy and cryoablation in mice. Josh plans to develop his affinity for research, teaching, and patient care at a top medical school, which he will be attending directly after Colgate.
Elizabeth Joffrey ’25
Majors: Neuroscience, German
Hometown: Ithaca, N.Y.
From a young age, Elizabeth knew she wanted to study the brain. At Colgate, she has been heavily involved in academic research. She began this work by researching the effects of amino acid consumption and deprivation on house cricket feeding preferences. Following this study, she is now investigating the relationship between song-entangled beat gestures and song structure in zebra finches to understand the neural mechanisms underlying gesture production. Elizabeth has worked as a German coordinator for the world languages program and competes on Colgate’s Division I Women’s Lacrosse team. After her junior year, she worked at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College in the Department of Epidemiology researching the association between prenatal inflammatory biomarkers and child neurodevelopmental outcomes and researching treatment protocols for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome following COVID-19 infection. That same summer, Elizabeth competed on the Israeli Women’s National Lacrosse Team at the European Championships in Braga, Portugal, where the team won silver. Following Colgate, Elizabeth plans to pursue an MD-PhD to obtain a greater range of skills both to treat patients and conduct studies uncovering underlying mechanisms of neurological disorders.
Jenna Lacy ’25
Majors: Applied Mathematics, Molecular Biology
Hometown: Bothell, Wash.
Jenna is driven by a fervor for interdisciplinary exploration and the hands-on application of scientific principles. Her interest in research was sparked during an extended study group trip to Uganda to investigate antibiotic resistance in upper respiratory infections among children under five. This experience fueled her passion for scientific inquiry, inspiring her to pursue research opportunities at the National Institutes of Health. During the summer and fall semester, she worked in the pediatric oncology branch of the National Cancer Institute, studying neuroblastoma growth and plasticity. Jenna's research at the NIH also inspired her senior thesis mathematically modeling drug synergy based on cancer signaling pathways. On campus, Jenna channels her dedication to giving back to her local community by leading a mentorship group designed to empower young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, volunteering as an SAT tutor to make higher education more accessible, and actively serving as an EMT in Madison County. Following Colgate, she plans to attend medical school and continue exploring her interest in oncology.
Rachael Martinez ’26
Majors: Psychological Sciences; Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Chandler, Ariz.
Rachael's inherent thirst for knowledge, need for competition, and desire for community motivated her to attend Colgate. Engaging in the curricula of her two academic majors has allowed her to flourish as a student and recognize the unique strengths of a liberal arts education. Adjacent to the rigorous academics, Rachael enjoys playing on Colgate’s Division I Volleyball team where she embraces her holistic education as she learns and grows with the support system of teammates, coaches, staff, and alumni at Colgate. It is through this experience that Rachael has recognized her admiration for higher education and its intersection with the legal profession. She aspires to attend law school to study the current dilemmas of academia and their legalities, including topics such as the liberal arts curriculum debate; the dissemination of knowledge; discrimination claims; and the legal framework of higher education institutions and their regional distinctiveness. Rachael envisions using her law degree to work as general counsel to a higher education institution, to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education, or to lead a university. Following graduation, she has committed to pursuing her master’s degree at Durham University while playing an additional year of competitive volleyball before returning to the U.S. to attend law school.
Alta McQuillen ’26
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Global Public and Environmental Health
Hometown: Larchmont, N.Y.
Alta’s passion for medicine stems from her commitment to medical research and expanding health care access. Before Colgate, Alta joined the Giannakakou Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine and performed research on potential small molecule inhibitors of AR-V7 in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Last summer, Alta worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at a free health care clinic for uninsured and underinsured Black men. Along with two other volunteers, she oversaw clinic operations, coordinated care, and assisted physicians and nurses. This experience taught her the complexities of disease prevention and health care delivery. At Colgate, Alta performs biostatistics-based research in the biology department. In fall 2023, Alta performed research on the physiological factors affecting canine temperature regulation as a part of a collaborative project submitted for publication. At Colgate, she also mentors and tutors local elementary school students. Her experiences have fueled her determination to earn an MD-MPH, leading her to practice medicine in a way that advances the goal of providing equitable access to health care.
Cynthia Ortiz-Naranjo ’25
Major: International Relations
Minor: Economics
Hometown: Seaside, Calif.
With three younger siblings and a hard-working, single, immigrant mother, Cynthia sees first-hand the legal hurdles her community faces. At Colgate, Cynthia seeks to be fully engaged by competing internationally in the Spanish Debate Society, participating in an extended study in Namibia, and now studying away in Geneva, Switzerland. In Geneva, Cynthia is interning at Arigatou International as an advocacy and communications intern. Her recent summer internship at the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor in Newark, NJ, illuminated the injustices immigrants face due to insufficient counsel and laws that do not consider the unique lived experiences of each immigrant. This formative experience cemented her passion for legal advocacy and has driven her to the leadership of the Colgate Pre-Law Society. Following Colgate, Cynthia hopes to work in the legal field before attending law school.
Kelly Ribeiro ’27
Major: Psychology
Minors: Writing and Rhetoric; Political Science
Hometown: Lyndhurst, N.J.
Growing up as a first-generation Brazilian-American shaped Kelly’s understanding of the systemic challenges immigrant families face. Observing her family and community face legal and social obstacles has helped her recognize the broader systemic issues that affect immigrant families. This awareness led her to pursue law to address these inequalities and promote access to justice for underrepresented groups. While at Colgate, Kelly is an OUS scholar, an employer relations intern in Career Services, and conducts research on sleep psychology with the psychological and brain science department. She has gained hands-on legal experience through internships at a courthouse and at a law firm, where she conducted legal research and assisted with case preparation. Additionally, she serves as the president of Backpacks for Kids, a nonprofit that leads initiatives to support refugee families, which is supported through the Thought Into Action incubator. She hopes to pursue a career in law, advocating for immigrant rights and broader social reform to ensure that all communities, regardless of background, have access to justice and opportunity.
Archie Rook ’25
Major: International Relations
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Archie is a first-generation American raised in one of the country's most culturally diverse neighborhoods. His passion for law stems from his desire to use the justice system to protect the nation's most vulnerable populations. In high school, Archie volunteered in the Anchorage Youth Court, a restorative justice program that allows local youth to forgo misdemeanor charges and a record by participating in peer-led court proceedings and social rehabilitation. In the summer of 2021, he returned to this organization as the law and leadership program manager, raising awareness about the intersection of legal principles and local social inequities. After being named an Institute for Responsible Citizenship Washington program scholar and working to increase diversity in senior management and policymaking roles, Archie returned to Alaska and sharpened his skills working with a team at a personal injury firm. Archie has fostered a diverse, equitable, and inclusive college community through these experiences, and leadership roles in Colgate’s Student Government Association, Phi Kappa Tau, and the OUS/First-Gen Scholars Program. Before pursuing a career in civil litigation and human rights law, he hopes to assist the Alaska Supreme Court in addressing inadequate legal access in rural, underserved communities by becoming a community justice worker.
Ciara Sanders ’26
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Brewster, N.Y.
Ciara’s interest in law stems from her passion for advocacy. After interning for U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke as a congressional intern, Ciara gained insight into gender-based discrimination in America’s health care system. Inspired by legislation that defends women’s reproductive rights, she hopes to use the law to combat inequities that women face in other areas like the workplace, justice system, and education. On campus, she utilizes her position as a team leader of the Colgate Vote Project to encourage civic engagement and help students facing difficulties exercising their right to vote. In addition, she serves as vice president of the Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society and office ambassador in Career Services, where she can express her passion for service and helping others. In the future, Ciara hopes to continue advocating for and empowering women through the law.
Sarah Sexton ’26
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Greene, N.Y.
Growing up in upstate New York, Sarah witnessed many challenges and opportunities in rural health care, sparking her excitement to leverage a medical career to give back to these communities. Volunteering at Colgate has deepened her interest in and conviction for rural medicine. She volunteers at Roots & Wings with the Colgate Hunger Outreach Program, at the Morrisville Crouse Community Day Health Center with Colgate Caretakers, and as an EMT with Madison County. On campus, Sarah is a general and organic chemistry tutor, as well as a research assistant under Professor Jacob Goldberg, studying the incorporation of unnatural and fluorinated amino acids into proteins. Sarah leads and choreographs for the Colgate Dance Initiative and dances in the Colgate Ballet Company. Following Colgate, she plans to attend medical school and work to alleviate health care disparities in rural and underserved populations.
Whitney Smith ’27
Majors: Biochemistry
Minor: Art History
Hometown: Sherborn, Mass.
Whitney’s interest in medicine started early in childhood, but it wasn’t until she watched her father battle a rare form of cancer that it became her driving force. Whitney is passionate about the prospect of curing diseases and genetic conditions that previously would have been life-limiting through cutting-edge treatments in gene therapy and immunotherapy. At Colgate, she works as a biochemistry research assistant in Professor Peeler’s lab and enjoys helping other students as a peer tutor. During her internship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, she conducted clinical research in orthopedic trauma surgery. Whitney’s research will aid in the construction of an AI model to predict the discharge dispositions of geriatric hip fracture patients. Utilizing her minor, Whitney studied the effect of displays of human remains in museums on medical mistrust in minority communities. Outside of the classroom, she is an athlete on Colgate's Division I Varsity Track and Field team and represents her team as a wellness advocate. This summer, she will conduct clinical research in neonatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Ankita (Anki) Suri ’25
Majors: Peace and Conflict Studies; Film and Media Studies
Hometown: Princeton, N.J.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, desire to problem-solve, and passion for advocacy through media, Ankita uplifts creative voices on campus, primarily through the two creative ventures she founded — 13 Degrees Magazine and the Muse. She now serves as the editor-in-chief of the magazine, elevating unseen stories of expression from Colgate students, and leads Muse to provide a platform for student artists to sell their work. Ankita’s passion for law developed while participating in the Gotham Institute for Film and Media study group, where she saw the direct impact of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes on the industry. Translating her creative expertise to the legal side of media, she interned on the standards and practices team at NBCUniversal, ensuring compliance with FTC, FCC, FDA, and internal company standards. Ankita gained experience with industry deal-making and content regulation across production, broadcasting, cable, and streaming — including media campaigns for the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the Paris Olympics. Through research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, censorship, and law, Ankita’s academic work has been devoted to understanding obstacles to online civic engagement domestically and internationally. She is motivated to create change by applying her interdisciplinary skillset to policies regulating media and technology that encourage innovation while defending citizens' rights.
Annika Stimac ’26
Majors: Political Science, English
Hometown: Ellington, Conn.
Growing up in a farm town, Annika has been shaped by the idea that hard work and small efforts can change the world. The idea of helping people has always inspired her. Currently, she serves as the chief of intelligence for the Ukraine Accountability Project (UAP) for the Global Accountability Network, an organization dedicated to documenting and building legal cases against war crimes around the world. As a member of the UAP, she was a lead writer on its paper, ICC Jurisdiction Over Extraordinary Renditions from the Territory of States Parties, which led to the International Criminal Court issuing warrants for the arrest of Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova. Annika has also worked on a draft indictment of President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus and a white paper arguing for the creation of ecocide as an official crime, which have been circulated widely throughout the international political community. At Colgate, she enjoys tutoring kindergarteners, playing starting Scrum Half for the Women’s Rugby Team, as well as serving as the spirit committee director for the Student Activities Association and a member of the Budget Allocations Committee. She dreams of being a civil rights attorney.
Cristian Teruel ’26
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Having been born with heart disease, Cristian developed a fascination with cardiology at an early age. Witnessing the transformative and powerful impact his doctors had on him evoked a sense of responsibility to one day do the same for others. At Colgate, Cristian played varsity soccer until a medical retirement redirected his path. He became a student trainer for the team and further immersed himself in health care by working as an EMT for Madison County. He is also a Questbridge Scholar, a mentor for the pre-health pathways club, and works as a librarian assistant. Over the summers, Cristian has found joy in volunteering at local emergency rooms and working as an online tutor for organic chemistry. Cristian will serve as a Jim Manzi ’73 Fellow this summer at Boston Medical Center. Following Colgate, Cristian aims to obtain an MD-MPH to address health care disparities and advocate for underserved populations. He seeks to blend clinical expertise with public health initiatives, ensuring equitable access to quality care. Through medicine, Cristian has always seen a pathway to empower and uplift others, just as his own physicians once did for him.
Taylor Tobias ’25
Majors: Native American Studies, Religion
Hometown: Sturgis, S.D.
Taylor’s passion for legal advocacy stems from his extended study trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he worked at Kha’p’o Community School. This experience showed him how pervasive legal inequalities are, especially for Native People. He has a strong interest in understanding how tribal lawyers can impact policy such that Indigenous voices can be heard. At Colgate, Taylor pursues his passion for Indigenous advocacy through his academic work and research. He has focused his energy on illuminating the displacement and subjugation of Native People across American history and within the judicial system. Taylor has led a series of advocacy projects devoted to Native People, namely his extended newspaper work focused on the Dakota Access Pipeline and the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Taylor’s advocacy work has fortified his belief in the law’s capacity to elucidate Native voices and properly pursue justice. Following Colgate, Taylor will be attending law school to study tribal law.
Ingrid Vorbrich ’26
Majors: Religion, Molecular Biology
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Ingrid’s passion for reproductive justice stems from listening to the experiences underserved patients have with the U.S. medical system. She aims to change the practice of women’s medicine by becoming an OBGYN trained in a public health perspective. Through her majors, Ingrid seeks to understand diverse perspectives and interpretations of health and life, which will help her transform women’s medicine from a science-centric field to a holistic practice that accounts for people’s humanity and background. At Colgate, Ingrid is a training coordinator and EMT with Madison County and a leader of the HAVEN Ambassadors. She also hosts a radio show that combines her love of music and social justice by sharing unheard or underrepresented women’s stories. Ingrid’s work with third graders through the Seneca Sisters mentoring program helps her instill self-confidence, trust, and autonomy to break cycles of misinformation about women’s bodies. She interned as a Jim Manzi ’73 Fellow last summer with the OB/GYN department of Boston Medical Center to address health care disparities. This spring, Ingrid is studying abroad in India to learn about how different NGOs approach health challenges throughout the country and within different communities. Following Colgate, Ingrid intends to pursue an MD and possibly an MPH.
Alexa Watson ’26
Majors: Political Science, Philosophy
Hometown: Montvale, N.J.
Alexa’s interest in law is driven by a passion for exploring evolving legal and ethical questions and driving meaningful change. She seeks to address the evolving challenges that shape society, particularly at the intersection of law, technology, and civil liberties. As a James Madison summer research fellow last year, she explored the implications of artificial intelligence on the legal profession, examining how emerging technologies intersect with ethical responsibility and fairness. This experience reinforced her commitment to engaging with the complex legal landscape and being at the forefront of maintaining justice and fostering innovation in law. Beyond research, Alexa is dedicated to leadership and advocacy. As president of both the Women’s Network and the Pre-Law Society, she has worked to increase student involvement, foster interdisciplinary learning, and expand opportunities for students. Following Colgate, Alexa hopes to attend law school, where she will continue working to advocate for justice and innovation in the profession.
Brianna Wright ’25
Majors: Political Science, Psychology
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
Growing up in a predominantly Black area in Queens illuminated the legal system’s inequalities and shaped Brianna’s interest in how lawyers impact policy and reform. At Colgate, Brianna competes in the Debate Society. She researched alongside faculty to examine biases in policymaking and law, and in support of Professor Nina Moore’s new book, Toeing the Line: The Supreme Court, Race, and Affirmative Action. Brianna completed her psychological and brain sciences thesis this fall, The Proof is in the Precinct: Examining the Role of Masculinity, Police Training, and Rhetoric in Shooter Bias, in addition to an honors thesis in the political science department. During her summers, Brianna interned with a political consulting firm, and then as an investigative intern at the Civilian Complaint Review Board’s Racial Profiling and Biased Policing Division in Manhattan. She worked on cases of alleged police brutality and discrimination centered on people with protected identities, conducting legal research and field investigations and attending trials. Last summer, Brianna jointly interned with the New York Legal Assistance Group and Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe, working on civil rights, immigration, and employment law cases. After graduation, she will return to the firm as a practice analyst. Brianna intends to pursue a dual degree to focus on litigation, civil rights, and public policy.