New Student Profiles - Archive

Fall 2010

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, Shadé Abd-Shakur has been a teacher with the Durham Public Schools and Teach for America. She discovered in her teaching that “as she taught, she learned” from her students and from herself. With her GLS degree, Shadé plans to enter the non-profit community to use her “knowledge, experience, and skills to better the lives of others.”

May Ali holds a degree in medicine from Ain Shams University in Cairo. Having been a practicing physician and now full-time mother, May comes to GLS in her quest to find a way to support those who “may be underserved or face social and monetary hardships.” She hopes her education here will “complement her previous studies and fill in the gaps, offering both depth and breadth in personal and academic enrichment.”

With a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and communications from Western Michigan University and a master’s in library science from NC Central University, Judy Allen Dodson is curatorial assistant with the Specials Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries. She is committed to the “ongoing conversation between the library and the community,” preserving accuracy in American history, and making it accessible to generations to come. She is attracted to GLS for the opportunity to share ideas and learn from others.

Ijaz Arif holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, Pakistan. He is now a principal engineer with Verizon Business. In his GLS studies, Ijaz hopes to explore political science, theology, philosophy, history, and sociology, fields in which there are few Muslims. He hopes to bring the Islamic point of view to these discussions.

Julie Beauvais is director of communications at Kimley-Horn and Associates and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Indiana University Bloomington. With a career in advertising for both advertising agencies and corporations, Julie is ready to explore new areas of interest, specifically cultural topics and urban studies.

With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UNC Chapel Hill, Chrissy Beck is advertising director/assistant general manager with The Chronicle, Duke’s daily newspaper. Her motivation for entering the MALS program is largely her 10-year old son, for whom she wants to “model life-long learning habits,” as well as “simply turn her brain back on.” In addition, she plans to use her GLS experience to prepare her for whatever will come next in her career.

Tia Brueggeman has a bachelor’s degree in politics and Asian studies from Mt. Holyoke College. She’s come to the GLS program specifically for its interdisciplinary curriculum and the opportunity to take the International Development certificate. From experiences living abroad in Europe and Asia, Tia has developed a specific interest in the economic impact of Chinese immigration into Europe, which she hopes to further explore in her Final Project.

With a bachelor’s degree in English from Mt. Holyoke College, Kimberly Yarbrough Carpenter comes to GLS to pursue what she characterizes as “two of her strongest interests: African and African American studies and creative writing.” She is “interested in telling stories that are transformational,” and anticipates taking advantage of learning opportunities in Duke’s theater, women’s studies, English, and African and African American studies departments.

Leonor Clavijo is administrator assistant with the NC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social communications and journalism from Universidad Autonoma de Occidente. Profoundly influenced by the unrest of her native Colombia, she has pursued a career in journalism, helping people tell their stories. Now she’s come back to academia to “obtain a deeper understanding of Latino immigrants and their needs,” to better serve the Hispanic immigrant community.

A history teacher at Cary Academy and, this summer, a teaching assistant with the Duke Talent Identification Program, Knick Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in history from East Carolina University. Taking great pride and joy in his role as an educator, Knick hopes to “transfer the knowledge and awareness he gleans from his graduate studies to his students...that, to the extent he becomes more knowledgeable, they will too.”

Greg Fennell holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts. Now a production control clerk with ITT Systems Division Corp., he has recently returned from Iraq serving with the NC Army National Guard. Greg has a particular interest in English literature and history and comes to GLS to hone his writing and analytical skills in pursuit of the ultimate goal of a PhD in English Literature.

Gretchan Frederick, with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Kenyon College, has most recently been a Spanish teacher and head field hockey coach at Mercersburg (PA) Academy. With GLS’ interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity to complete the Latin American and Caribbean Studies certificate, Gretchan hopes to “deepen her own knowledge base to become a more effective and well-rounded teacher as well as to help her students make connections across academic disciplines.”

Director of development and external relations at Duke’s Nasher Museum of Art, Kristen Greenway holds a master’s degree in human geography and English from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. She comes to GLS with both professional and personal motives: to become more a part of, and therefore better understand, Duke, to become better educated and be able to “talk about art,” and “to push her mind” as she pushes her climbing and sailing body.

Recently retired from the Carolina Arthritis Center, Betty Harmon holds a medical degree from East Carolina University, a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from NC State University, and a bachelor’s in education from UNC Chapel Hill. She is excited by the prospect of learning for the joy of it, to tap into “who she really is – the explorer who seeks more experiences ... and a mind free to soar.”

Kevin Jones comes to GLS with a bachelor’s in psychology from Duke University. He hopes that his education in the program and participation in a stimulating and challenging “social context” will support his goal to pursue a PhD in social psychology.

Brenda Lara holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Texas, and has, most recently, been a donations processor with Christian Community Action. She comes to GLS to better prepare her for a career with humanitarian organizations.

Natalya Machnaigh’s recently-completed bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College served to whet her appetite for more study and her interest in Graduate Liberal Studies. For her final project, she began work on an edited anthology of exile literature—American exile writing spanning fiction, poetry, memoir, and autobiography. Taking advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of GLS, Natalya hopes to continue her research and complete the anthology.

Thea Neal holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. Her avid interest in other countries and cultures has been nurtured through study abroad programs in Liège, Belgium and Dublin, Ireland. After she earns her MALS degree, Thea plans on joining the Peace Corps and documenting her European travels.

Chris Rwabukamba comes to GLS with a bachelor’s in public policy from Duke, where he was a varsity football player. Chris brings a unique international perspective to the program—having been born in Kigali, Rwanda and grown up in Ontario, Canada. From MALS, he hopes to hone his writing and critical thinking skills to better prepare him for life in the corporate world.

A varsity football player at Duke, Matt Pridemore holds a bachelor’s in public policy. Having acquired analytical tools for public policy in his undergraduate studies, Matt hopes to complement those skills in graduate school as he pursues his interest in financial policy.

Anne-Caitlin Procopio holds a bachelor’s degree in theater from Meredith College and a bachelor’s in acting from Marymount Manhattan. She is now interview coordinator at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. She comes to GLS to “broader her horizon beyond her theater/acting degree” and be exposed to “new ways of thinking and learn about cultures worldwide.”

With a bachelor’s degree in geology from Lawrence University, James Rose has been a journalist, a stay-at-home father, and, now, a middle-school teacher at the Carolina Friends School. An admitted “professional generalist who gets lost on the way to looking something up,” Jim comes to GLS to widen and expand his intellectual focus, to better tell his and others’ stories.

Now working in the Office of the Dean of Students in Duke’s Student Affairs office, Dan Scheirer has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Northeastern University. While his position has allowed him to put his sociology education into practice, Dan comes to GLS for its variety of courses and a “versatility that will enable him to explore his interests in social science and higher education and discover new ones.”

Claudia Shiell holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Pontifice Catholic University in Lima, Peru. Having taught language and literature to a diverse group of students for many years, she’s the program director with Spanish for Fun. Claudia comes to GLS to become a more effective teacher, “to infuse her teaching with passion, commitment and a sense of possibility.”

With a bachelor’s degree in French from Washington University in St. Louis and an abiding interest in all aspects of theater, Deirdre Shipman is now an administrative assistant with Duke’s theater studies department. From her GLS experience, Deirdre hopes to “be challenged to examine her beliefs” as she “re-enters the world of open-ended inquiry.”

Gab Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in English from NC State University and is director of communications with Cherry Huffman Architects. She has been actively involved in the community through the Alliance of AIDS Services Carolina, the local mentoring organization Partners, an artists support organization Art Now, and SPARKcon creative festival. From her GLS experience, Gab hopes to refine her critical thinking and leadership to become a more effective community leader.

Sarah Stacke has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Appalachian State University. A free-lance photographer with many exhibitions to her credit, Sarah’s goal is to develop her photography to “help people tell their stories.” To that end, she plans on designing her GLS coursework to combine its interdisciplinary curriculum with a focus in African and African American studies and collaborations with Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies.

David Woodworth comes to GLS with a master’s degree in history and bachelor’s degree in the humanities, both from Bob Jones University. He is a sales associate with Nordstrom. His passion for learning has driven him to the program, from which he hopes to develop his writing and critical thinking skills. He also hopes his GLS education will “expand opportunities to do something he loves: teach.”

With an avid interest in interdisciplinary study of different cultures, histories, and customs, Sumaiya Zaman earned a bachelor’s degree in global cultures, with emphases in Latin American studies and African/Caribbean studies, from the University of California-Irvine. She further pursued these interests with a three-month internship with the NGO BRAC (formerly Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sumaiya comes to GLS to continue her studies in globalization and national identity.

Spring 2011

Michelle Hanes comes to GLS with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington and a certificate from Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies. With a strong personal commitment to companion animal issues and the plight of homeless pets, Michelle hopes to combine her creative energy with her animal advocacy through documentary film and the analytical and storytelling skills she expects to hone through her GLS studies.

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration for North Carolina Wesleyan University, Hamid Hotaki is fluent in at least six languages and has worked in a variety of technology companies, in real estate, and, after high school, had his own pizza restaurant. Committed to helping others, he has recently organized donations of used clothing for distribution in his native Afghanistan.

Melody Hunter-Pillion holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from NC State University. Now media relations manager with Rex Healthcare, Melody spent many years in broadcast journalism with WTVD ABC11 News. She comes to GLS in search of answers to “What’s next? How can I take the experience and skills I’ve honed and continue to grow ... and contribute to my community and my own fulfillment?”

Wendy Kamdin brings a unique diversity of experience to the GLS classroom – growing up in southern India and earning a bachelor’s degree in English/communications studies from California State College Bakersfield. At yet another fork in the road, by which she chronicles her life, Wendy comes to GLS “to immerse herself in the intellectual stimulation a rigorous education can provide ... and spend time in the company of other interesting, thinking, reasoning adults.”

With 25 years in the Air Force, Bridgid MacSeoin has travelled the world in support of the Air Force emergency management and disaster preparedness capability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland, and, since leaving the military, Brigid has been pursuing an interest in oral history and audio documentaries. She comes to GLS to explore “great universal themes of just and unjust war, the nature of peace, violence, sacrifice, belonging and sacrament that her fledgling documentary projects are leading her toward.”

Abigail Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in English and biology from Rice University and an MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She now practices pediatric surgery and transplant surgery at Duke University Medical Center. She comes to the GLS program in hopes of honing the interdisciplinary perspective and critical thinking skills to more effectively manage the ethical and practical, as well as medical, issues inherent in treatment for life-threatening conditions.

A biology teacher with the Charlotte-Mechlenburg Schools, Laura Ruble has a bachelor’s degree in biology from UNC Chapel Hill. Recently she spent two years teaching in South Korea, an experience that “allowed for informal exploration of topics beyond science,” and which she is eager to continue in the GLS program.

Now the gardener at an historic private estate, Cheryl Traylor has attended UNC Chapel Hill. An avid and disciplined reader and writer, Cheryl credits both talents as her “tools for understanding and communicating with the world around her.” She hopes that her GLS studies will “not only make her better informed, but allow her to touch the lives of others in a positive way.”