New Student Profiles
Spring 2012
Richard Barlow holds a bachelor’s degree in applied biology from the University of Hertfordshire and is a manager at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals. With a background in the sciences and experience in filmmaking, Richard is seeking opportunities to broaden his intellectual horizons. The GLS program, he tells us, offers a “veritable smorgasbord of academic delicacies, with the potential to experience new viewpoints and learn from some of the best in their fields.”
With a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China), Huanhuan Bi has, most recently, been a private investor and an animal protection volunteer. Having experienced continuing sex discrimination in her country and with a profound belief in the value of education, Huanhuan’s life goal is to improve the accessibility of education and employment to women in her country. She comes to the GLS program to combine the humanities and sciences, so as to become an effective communicator and educator.
Shannon Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in history from NC State University, with a particular interest in colonial America, the relationship between African Americans and revolutionary liberty rhetoric, and the implications for present day. She comes to the GLS program to “explore themes that relate to boarder questions concerning human rights” as she progresses on her path to a PhD in history and African and African American studies.
Claudia De La Cruz has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Armstrong Atlantic State University and is now assistant international student/scholar advisor at Duke. Her goal, in coming to the GLS program, is “to find her voice... to allow her to share thoughts and ideas confidently... and to enrich her intellectual life and be challenged.” In addition, earning a MALS degree, she tells us, will better position her to further her career.
Dionne Greenlee holds a master of public administration degree from UNC Charlotte, a bachelor’s degree in public health from UNC Greensboro, and a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC Charlotte. She is learning outreach/continuing education program coordinator with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke. Dionne “envisions the GLS program paving the way for her to become what she’s always aspired to be – a top-notch researcher, writer and documentarian” and hopes to ultimately earn a PhD.
With a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies from Al-Azhar University (Cairo) and a master’s degree in literature from Jamia Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia (Delhi), Manzarul Islam is Imam of Masjid & religious director at the Islam Association of Cary, NC. Islam comes to the GLS program to “begin the second chapter of his intellectual journey by bringing together his knowledge of the [Islamic] tradition with Western perspectives and methodologies in the humanities and social sciences... to contribute to... dialogue and understanding.”
Myles Leighton has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University and is a research associate at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, along with several consulting and software entrepreneurial ventures. He comes to the GLS program “to consolidate his knowledge and professional skills in a flexible, yet focused environment... and the most natural fit for his career track.”
Jessamyn Rubio holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and visual communication from UNC Chapel Hill and is information designer/developer with the leadership education program at Duke Divinity School. While admittedly “results-driven” and committed to enhancing her professional skills, Jessamyn recognizes a need broaden her view, to “better connect to other people and new perspectives... to move outside her professional area.” She comes to GLS with both personal and professional objectives: to strengthen her thinking, writing, and analytical skills and to become immersed in a challenging academic environment to nourish her creative abilities.
Christine Shaner holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Johns Hopkins University and is currently a hostess with Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. Hoping to eventually work in service to women’s empowerment in North Africa, Christine recognizes the need for balance in life. She comes to the GLS program for its flexibility “that will prepare her to make informed decisions concerning future graduate work... and provide her with opportunities to learn and connect, so to be more useful to her fellow human beings.”
With a bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry from Shanxi University (China), Jimin Tan’s first job was teaching English. This experience has sharpened her interest in exploring the humanities and social sciences and she comes to the GLS program for its interdisciplinarity -- to “explore a wide range of subjects before specializing” and to gain professional research and analytical thinking skills
Paul Triulzi holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kettering University and is owner/technology consultant with Quest Research & Design Company. Having not had the experience of a liberal education in his undergraduate years, Paul comes to the GLS program for “the opportunity to broaden his scope of knowledge and the flexibility to focus in areas of interest... in the context of an intellectual paradigm paced for the returning student.”
Fall 2011
Katelyn Bastert holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Duke University. Her undergraduate education whetted her appetite for continued study and intellectual challenge, and she comes to GLS to “gain further insight into the versatility of the world,” with a particular interest in non-Western countries and cultures. A student-athlete during her undergraduate years, Katelyn’s on-campus social science research led to a sustainable composting system for campus eateries. She is a recipient of the Wallace Wade Scholarship, honoring students who have excelled in a major sport while a Duke undergraduate and who continue graduate studies at Duke. Katelyn hails from Carthage, IL.
With a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of California–San Diego, Alexandra Boyce seeks a career in international development with the goal of promoting global equality. She comes to GLS to pursue an interdisciplinary curriculum that will allow her to address this interest through a combination of current global affairs, history, and sociology. Alexandra’s hometown is Poquoson, VA.
Margaret Brill has a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University and a bachelor’s degree in history from London University (UK). She is now a librarian with Perkins Library at Duke University. Multilingual in English, French, German and Latin, Margaret has lived and traveled throughout the world. While her first love is history, her interests are vast and she comes to GLS to “explore a broader range of subjects, including art history, music and literature.”
Currently working in quality assurance and regulatory compliance with Duke Clinical Research Institute, David Charron holds a master’s degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management and a bachelor’s degree in applied biology form Ferris State University. Having pursued past education in a linear fashion with a defined objective, he’s come to GLS to “enjoy the ride... with the openness of an explorer [challenged by] new ideas, approaches and ways of thinking.”
Samantha Cunningham holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and is currently an administrative assistant with the Academy of Moore County. Having been stimulated in her undergraduate classes to delight in learning and think critically, Sam sees in GLS “the perfect doorway to new challenges” and the opportunity to continue to “push her boundaries.”
Having recently graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in public policy studies, Amy Fryt was a student-athlete and co-captain for varsity track and field. She comes to GLS to further her interdisciplinary studies as she prepares for a career in “advocating for healthier youth through political activism and community outreach.”
After graduating from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science, and running on the varsity track team, Mary Giardina spent several years in post-Katrina New Orleans working with middle school students. Now a compliance intern with Duke University Athletics, Mary hopes to tailor her GLS curriculum to enable her to “blend her love of education and mentoring and athletics into a career involving student athlete advising and community outreach.”
Leigh Goller holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and directs the office of internal audits at Duke University. After a career that has taken her from public accounting to airlines to motorsports to software, and now higher education, Leigh enters GLS to “satisfy a deeply personal need to explore a broader range of topics in a liberal arts environment, to achieve meaningful interactions with classmates and faculty, and to reward herself with an interdisciplinary educational and intellectual experience that helps her grow.”
Kyle Hill holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Duke University, where he was a student-athlete. He credits his experience on the football team with honing leadership and time-management skills and providing opportunities to reach out to the Durham community. Kyle comes to GLS to improve his analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills. He hails from Orlando, FL.
With a bachelor’s degree in communications from Clemson University, Cheznee Johnson’s career has spanned Georgia and South Carolina public broadcasting, Coca Cola Co., and pharmaceuticals. Today she is manager of global communications, with Merck & Co., Inc. Cheznee brings to GLS an understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures, stemming from extensive travel and having grown up in Nigeria and rural South Carolina. She’s entered GLS to satisfy a desire for “knowledge and intellectual growth... and to enhance her critical thinking and analytical skills.”
An active US Army officer, Jeremy Lawhorn holds a master’s degree in diplomacy from Norwich University and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Old Dominion University. Having served and traveled extensively through Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East, Jeremy has gained, first-hand, a profound understanding of foreign cultures. He is attracted to GLS for its interdisciplinary perspective which he believes “will help prepare him for a productive career in support of our diplomatic missions around the world.”
David Lee holds a master’s degree in international studies from Seoul National University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of Southern California. David comes to GLS for its interdisciplinary approach to best support his interest in energy issues, as well as to sharpen his critical analysis and communication skills.
William LeFevre is Executive Director of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University and holds a master’s degree in public horticulture from the University of Delaware and a bachelor’s degree in landscape design from the University of Connecticut. Committed to “public gardens and the way in which horticulture brings people together and improves quality of life,” Bill’s enthusiasm for lifelong learning has brought him to GLS.
Sharon Mellis holds a bachelor’s degree in English and religion from Nyack College. Having continued intellectual exploration on her own since graduating from college, Sharon is drawn to GLS “to explore deeper and farther, to pull back the veil.” She plans to focus on philosophy and literature, and, upon completion of her MA in Liberal Studies degree, hopes to pursue a PhD in philosophy.
With a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in history from Benedictine University, Uzma Nazeer has taught social studies in middle and high schools. Most recently she’s been curriculum director at the Daarul Uloom School. As Uzma prepares to return to the classroom, she seeks to “broaden her horizons to embrace a more global perspective and strengthen her core.” These goals have brought her to GLS from Peoria, IL.
Jonathan Needham holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Duke University, where he was a student-athlete. With a double major in cultural anthropology, Jon has explored the political climate of the Middle East and gained an appreciation for the significance of globalization. He hopes to “expand his knowledge in global studies through his graduate work” in GLS. Jonathan’s hometown is Melrose, MA.
Matthew Offner holds a master’s degree in applied linguistics from Texas Tech University and bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature from North Carolina State University. He teaches Spanish and Portuguese at St. David’s School and ESL-writing at North Carolina State University. A world traveler who has hiked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, Matthew is entering GLS to satisfy his “insatiable desire to engage the world, glean wisdom from others, try new things, and meet people of all backgrounds.”
With a bachelor’s degree in French education from North Carolina Central University, Danielle Payton teaches French in the Durham Public Schools. From GLS, Danielle hopes to “study multiple subjects to become knowledgeable about all facets of a culture... to grow as both an educator and lifelong learner, to serve and give back to her community.”
Stefanie Rudolph holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College. With an extensive career in publishing, she’s now a client service manager with eWay Direct. Stefanie comes to GLS to “further herself professionally while satisfying her personal and professional needs.”
With a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University, Kate Senger is director of basketball operations for women’s basketball at Duke University. She’s come to GLS to “become more knowledgeable in areas not directly related to the world of sports... and to develop the right tools to assist her students and advance her own career.”
Tim Sloan holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and is a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He’s entered GLS “to learn more about everything... to explore subjects of his varied interests without being pigeonholed into one particular discipline.”
Don Stephenson has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Appalachian State University. President of Cary Oil Company, Don is joining GLS “for the sheer joy of learning... to reach beyond his daily world of balance sheets, income statements and investment analysis to examine philosophy, history, great literature and art.”
Anna Szajnert-Klein holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Lodz (Poland). She is a case manager and substance abuse counselor with Annas Resources. Through the GLS interdisciplinary curriculum, Anna hopes to pursue her interests in religious studies, Jewish history and culture, liturgical music, and their psychological aspects.
A composer of contemporary concert music, Roberto Toscano has a master’s degree in music composition from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree in music composition from the Berklee College of Music. He is currently chairman of the Nova – Composers Association, which promotes the creation and performance of new music. Roberto centers his compositions around interdisciplinary themes, and he’s come to GLS “to fortify his knowledge in areas outside of music composition.”
Nancy Wahyaneetah holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and English education from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in holistic health from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. She spent many years teaching middle and high school in the Durham Public Schools and the American School in Tehran. Today, in conjunction with her directorship of the Cherokee Spirit Retreat & Learning Center, she is “dedicated to traditional Native teachings, holistic healing, and community building.” Nancy comes to GLS for “academic and scholarly resources to achieve a successful writing career.”
Mu Wang holds a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature from Peking University. During the course of her undergraduate years, she’s been a reporter for her campus newspapers, using the opportunity to develop reporting skills that have won her journalism awards. With her passion for journalism, her “life-long goal is to dedicate herself media reforms... to make the world more transparent, more just, and better.” She comes to GLS to “help her broaden her vision and understanding of the world.” Mu is relocating from Beijing for the GLS program.
Todd Woodard is a Lieutenant with the North Carolina Highway Patrol and Chief Warrant Officer with the North Carolina National Guard. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Roger Williams University. A lifelong learner both personally and professionally, Todd is embarking on the MA in Liberal Studies degree “to open up new ideas and gain education beyond his current specialization... to view issues, concerns and life in general through others’ perspectives to allow for greater insight.”