Lizzie Campbell

Charlotte, NC

Education: University of Edinburgh, International Relations

Host Family: Craig and Lisa Wood

Job Host: UVA Darden School of Business

Mentor: Laurel Bennett

Lizzie is a recent graduate from the University of Edinburgh where she received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. While pursuing her degree, Lizzie discovered a passion for human rights and refugee advocacy through hands-on research opportunities within the School of Social and Political Science. Through her participation in various research projects, she refined her abilities to lead teams and meet hard deadlines while also developing a love for people and working collaboratively. She recently served on the leadership administration team at Seafarer, a world class sailing and boating program for girls based in eastern North Carolina. Outside of work, Lizzie aspires to continue her travels with a goal of visiting all seven continents one day. She enjoys skiing with friends (snow and water!), exploring new hiking trails, and cooking a new recipe.

Jacob Conrod

Suffolk, VA

Education: College of William & Mary, History and Philosophy

Host Family:  Jim and Anne Newman

Job Host: The Blue Ridge Center

Mentor: Guiming Xiao

Jacob is a recent graduate of the College of William & Mary, where he studied History and Philosophy. While working on his degree, he developed an effective record as a verbal and written communicator, and honed his ability to analyze and synthesize information quickly. He is a motivated and innovative researcher who wrote and defended an honors thesis in History, graduating with High Honors, and also secured an interview with the former US Defense Secretary on behalf of W&M’s international studies journal. Alongside these individual projects, Jacob became an efficient collaborator by serving as a teaching assistant and as a leader on various executive committees and editorial boards. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

James Dixon

Birmingham, AL

Education: Washington and Lee University, International Politics with minor in Classics and Data Science

Host Family: Frank and Nancy Berry

Job Host: Quad C

Mentor: Carlton Dixon

After graduating in May 2023 from Washington and Lee with a major in International Politics and minors in Classics and Data Science, James embarked on a year-long journey as a Fulbright grantee with the U.S. Department of State in Taiwan. While in Taiwan, he navigated cultural differences and a language barrier to improve English education in rural classrooms, serving as a cultural ambassador for the United States by engaging in dialogue, and language exchange, fostering bonds that transcend geographical boundaries. As an undergrad, he developed his leadership abilities and explored his professional passions by serving as the captain of the varsity men’s track team, executive director of Washington and Lee Student Consulting, and class representative to the Executive Committee of the Student Body. In his free time, James gets lost in books, seeks out live music, and enjoys finding new trails to run on.

Lainey Flanagan

Williamsburg, VA

Education: Messiah University, Elementary Education

Host Family: Mark and Laurie Mandichak

Job Host: Trinity Youth Ministry

Mentor: Becca Garber

Lainey is a recent graduate of Messiah University where she majored in Elementary Education with a certification in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). As a collegiate swimmer, she was awarded All-District Honors, selected for the first team in her conference, and won several conference gold medals. For two years she served on the leadership team at Summer’s Best Two Weeks, a sports and outdoor adventure camp, where she specialized in program management and relational development. Lainey is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for students, leveraging their experience to inspire and educate the next generation. In her free time, Lainey enjoys hunting down the best coffee shops in town and connecting with friends.

George Graham

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

Education: Northwestern University, Biology

Host Family: Leonid and Vera Volodin

Job Host: UVA Pediatrics

Mentor: Dr. Michael Catalino

George graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Biology, concentrating on Human Health and Disease, and a minor in Statistics. During his undergraduate years, he gained an advanced understanding of cellular biology and human physiology and engaged in several clinical and laboratory research opportunities. Planning to pursue a career in medicine, George loves the investigative side of scientific discovery. He also enjoyed mentoring his peers through Reformed University Fellowship, as well as coaching middle and high school students in life, faith, and athletics. Outside of work, he is always ready to play any pick-up sport, especially basketball, but if he’s not out on the court he is probably deep in a game of chess.

Sarah Peyton Hart

Indianapolis, IN

Education: Wheaton College, English Literature

Host Family: Stu and Sharon Scott

Job Host: Think Again UVA

Mentor: Sarah Hutchinson

Sarah recently graduated from Wheaton College where she studied English Literature and Psychology. While in college, she served on several leadership committees and has proven to be both a fast and adaptable learner and vision-caster. She is an eager initiator and hard worker with a gift for detail, organization, and effective communication. In her role as a writing center consultant, she applied her creative problem solving and thoughtful storytelling skills to effectively market and refine creative and technical writing. She also had the opportunity to study in Orvieto, Italy where she immersed herself in the arts, history, and culture of small-town Tuscany. Most recently, she counseled an outdoor intensive leadership development program at Camp Brookwoods in New Hampshire. Sarah loves all things outdoors, attending plays and concerts, and reading and writing in local coffee shops.

Anna Katherine Ireland

Jackson, MS

Education: University of St. Andrews, Classics

Host Family: Elizabeth Sinclair

Job Host: UVA Sociology Department with Dr. Brad Wilcox

Mentor: Vivian Robinson

Anna Katherine is a recent graduate of the University of St Andrews’ School of Classics, focusing on Ethics and Rhetoric. Professionally, she loves organizing both people and things. She has proven to be an adaptable team player, a quick thinker, and has a reputation for getting things done. She thrives in public-facing roles and is a well-spoken people person who excels at effective communication both at the front of the classroom and over the phone. Outside of work, Anna Katherine loves spending time hiking, kayaking, and traveling. When she is not on some great outdoor adventure, she can be found reading a good book, exploring a new restaurant, or baking cookies.

Faith Jung

Alexandria, VA

Education: Virginia Tech, Food Science and Technology

Host Family: Greg and Ginny Sieminski

Job Host: Fringe

Mentor: Sarah McWhorter

Faith Jung is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech, and is pursuing a career in digital marketing and design. While an undergrad, she served on multiple executive boards and a media team, which honed her leadership, conflict resolution, and organizational skills. By hosting weekly events, organizing service opportunities, and managing content creation, she fostered meaningful community while engaging her artistic eye. Faith has moved fourteen times in her life, spanning seven states and three countries. This global adventure inspired her love for traveling to new places and exploring cultures. In addition to her travels, Faith likes going on long walks, creating video blogs and fashion content for social media, and baking delicious treats for her friends and family.

Mason Kindel

Bismarck, ND

Education: North Dakota State University, History

Host Family: Mark and Jorie DeBoer

Job Host: Livingston Law Group

Mentor: Steve Pennock

Mason Kindel went to North Dakota State University where he was a member of the varsity Track & Field and Cross Country teams. He graduated with a degree in History and a minor in Criminal Justice and developed a passion for restorative justice. During his undergraduate years, he gained experience as a senatorial intern in Washington, DC, where he managed constituent inquiries. Mason also worked at a federal halfway house, supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration. He has developed strong skills in research, client relations, and problem-solving. Mason’s journey is fueled by a desire to pursue a law degree, with the ultimate goal of advocating for justice and making a difference in the lives of others. In his free time, you’ll likely find him running, hiking, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Andrew Kwasny

Chagrin Falls, OH

Education: Clemson University, Industrial Engineering and Business Administration

Host Family: Tim and Courtney Starr

Job Host: Glyphic Software

Mentor: Joseph Zegel

Andrew graduated from Clemson University in 2021 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Business Administration. In this time, he served as the Student Body Vice President, liasoning between University leadership and the 20,000-person student body to oversee student affairs and advocate for students across all areas of campus. After graduation, he moved to Charlotte, NC and started working as a technology consultant within the data and analytics practice at Ernst & Young (EY). Over the past couple of years, Andrew has developed skills in client relations, problem solving, data visualization and strategy, and storytelling. In his free time, you’ll find him seeking out new experiences or doing something active with friends. He enjoys travel, running, and playing/watching sports of any kind. He also enjoys getting frustrated with New York Times crossword puzzles when he can’t solve them and needs to get hints.

Caroline McLellan

Topsfield, MA

Education: Grove City College, Philosophy

Host Family: Ken and Terry Elzinga

Job Host: MartinWren Law Firm

Mentor: Lacy Zegel

Caroline recently graduated from Grove City College where she studied Philosophy and Graphic Design. While in college, she served in various leadership roles, including starting and running the Philosophy Society and serving on the leadership team for the campus chapter of International Justice Mission (IJM). Caroline’s interest in philosophy combined with her passion for advocating for the most vulnerable in her community prompted her to explore a career in law. Recently, she worked alongside a child advocacy lawyer as a legal intern. Her experiences honed her ability to solve problems, think critically and creatively, and communicate effectively. Caroline also studied at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for a semester, furthering her appreciation for culture and love of travel and adventure. In her free time, she enjoys making pottery, playing music, and exploring the outdoors.

Corban Morley

Charlotte, NC

Education: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Exercise and Sports Science

Host Family: Ken and Jen Bilchick

Job Host: UVA Medical Center Rehabilitation

Mentor: Brian Cullaty

Corban is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he obtained a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. While at UNC, Corban participated in several key research and learning opportunities that provided him with an extensive knowledge of human physiology and a deeper understanding of the effects of physical fitness and exercise. Outside of the classroom, Corban gained valuable practical experience when he interned with a Charlotte-based physical therapy company. Given this experience, Corban plans to attend physical therapy school in the near future. In his free time, Corban is passionate about backpacking and exploring the mountains. He also loves playing, watching, and talking sports with his friends and family, and is especially fond of UNC basketball and Carolina Panthers football.

Dawne Virts

Lovettsville, VA

Education: Christopher Newport University, Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology

Host Family: Jason and Amber Inofuentes

Job Host: Pantops Family Medicine

Mentor: Christine King

Dawne is a recent graduate of Christopher Newport University where she studied Biology and grew in her love of medicine and caring for others. Outside the classroom, Dawne worked as a teaching assistant in the upper level Anatomy and Physiology Lab, collaborated with faculty on a psychology research project, and participated in the Human Cadaver Lab with a select group of pre-health students. After graduating, Dawne worked as a medical assistant at a primary and urgent care clinic where she engaged her passions for relationship-building and service. Dawne plans to become a Physician Assistant and provide high-quality and holistic patient care in underserved communities. In her free time, Dawne enjoys being outdoors and staying active through running, weightlifting, playing pickleball, and exploring the U.S. National Parks.

Russell Williamson

Memphis, TN

Education: Rhodes College, Economics

Host Family: Stan and Kim Tolman

Job Host: UVA Department of Economics with Dr. Ken Elzinga

Mentor: John Thier

Russell is a recent graduate from Rhodes College with a major in Economics and a minor in Spanish. With experience in data analytics and market research, he is an investigative thinker who is fascinated by the way statistics can be presented to tell a story. His experience in economic research has enabled him to communicate detailed analytics in understandable terms. During his time at Rhodes, he served as the president of Campus Outreach, where he planned and coordinated events for his campus to foster community. He also spent two years as a starter on the men’s golf team, where he developed valuable leadership skills. He has a passion for aviation and is an active pilot. In his free time, Russell can be found on the golf course, and he is an avid snow skier, hunter, and fisherman.