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People

Global Politics Fellows

Shari Franke

Shari is a senior from Springville, UT. She enjoys researching electoral autocracies, and is working specifically on opposition coalitions and transitions from authoritarian regimes.

Mark Ensign

Mark is a senior at BYU from Logan, UT, double majoring in International Relations and Chinese. He is interested in diplomacy, particularly within the context of U.S. relations with Taiwan and China.

Sage Williams

Sage is a junior from Murray, UT studying International Relations and Spanish. Her research project focuses on the impact of social and gender norms on the success of female politicians. Sage loves live music and the color green.

Mary Singer

Mary is a junior from Tolland, CT studying Political Science. Her work focuses on support for radical right populist regimes, specifically in Eastern Europe. When she's not researching, she loves listening to Taylor Swift, reading books, and spending time with her friends.

Rachel Stark

Rachel is a junior from Memphis, TN. She is an IR/German double major, interested in studying the international effects of revolutions, as well as conflict termination and national security.

Emma Hicken

Emma is a 4th year student from Chelsea, Michigan double-majoring in Political Science and Spanish. She is interested in the politics of Latin America and is currently researching the effects of US-backed regime change in that region.

Kendra Pinegar

Kendra is from Tucson, Arizona and is studying International Relations and Spanish. She graduates in April 2025 and is pursuing law school following graduation. She is interested in studying all things democracy, specifically how understandings of democracy influence subsequent support for democracy. She is also a big fan of college basketball.

Libby Reynolds

Libby is a senior from Sacramento, CA, majoring in International Relations with minors in Civic Engagement Leadership and German. Her research focuses on the rise of right-wing mobilization in Germany, examining demographic shifts and their impact on political dynamics. Libby is passionate about comparative politics, interfaith, and human rights. Outside of her research, she enjoys skiing, road biking, cooking, film, and reading (especially Steinbeck).