Current Student Perspectives

Dariana Tavarez

Dariana Tavarez, a May 2026 graduate, combines her studies in International Relations & Global Studies with minors in French, African Diaspora Studies, and History. Through the Culture, Media, and the Arts track with a focus on Latin America, she explores how language, history, and cultural identity intersect, from French phonetics to indigenous Taíno heritage as a form of cultural resistance in modern art. Her Maymester 2025 program, Multiculturalism in Jordan, has further broadened her cross-cultural experience. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in International Relations, with the ultimate goal of bringing her academic and global experience back to Puerto Rico to contribute to the community that has always been her foundation. 

• Extracurriculars / Internships:  She served as a team leader for the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of the American States, where she led her team in representing Peru. On campus, she is also involved with Students of East Africa and Hook'd Magazine. Her professional experience includes three internships at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, in the Consular section (2023), the Financial Management Center (2024), and the Health Unit (2024).

Tell me a little bit about your background and the culture/environment you grew up in:  

• "My journey has taken me from the coastline of Chile to the heart of Kenya, but my internal compass has always been tuned to the rhythm of salsa and the song of the coquí. That spirit of the island of Puerto Rico is one of resilience and passion, and it has taught me how to adapt, connect, and find a sense of community no matter where I am. I thrive on exploring how different cultures interact, a curiosity that fuels my academic work. Whether diving into French phonetics' nuances or researching how indigenous Taíno heritage is used as a form of cultural resistance in modern art, these aren't just separate interests; they're all part of my fascination with how language and history shape identity."

Chakavak Ebrahimi

Chakavak Ebrahimi, a Spring 2027 graduate, combines her studies in International Relations & Global Studies with a Business Foundations Minor, Urban Teachers Minor, and a German Certificate. With a focus on the Middle East and the Culture, Media, and the Arts track, Chakavak has tailored her studies to reflect her commitment to language, culture, and youth mentorship. She is currently completing her IRG Capstone on China's influence on South African economy and development pre- and post-COVID-19. Driven by a goal of lifelong advocacy, Chakavak envisions a future of teaching, traveling, and exploring all of her passions before pursuing a career in trademark law.

• Extracurriculars / Internships: Chakavak serves as a Legal Intern for Gasana Law Firm and a Teaching Intern at Connally High School in Pflugerville, while also working as a Communications Assistant at Continental Auto Service. Previously, she interned at the Legal Resources Centre in Durban, South Africa and worked in digital marketing at Studio41 in Austin. On campus, she is involved with IRG Council's Study Abroad Committee, YoungLife/YoungLives, ISACO, UT Women in Global Affairs, and Kids Ministry at The Well Church.
• Scholarships / Fellowships: Recipient of the IRG Council Study Abroad Scholarship (Summer 2025), School for International Training's Top Scholarship (Summer 2025), and served as a Global Ambassador for the Texas Global Certificate of Global Engagement. 

What are you most proud of? 

• "[...] Maintaining a strong connection to my culture, I am especially proud of the independence I have developed over the past few years. Through solo traveling and just growing into who I am in college, I have pushed myself far outside of my comfort zone. I have arrived in new places not knowing anyone and built community, routine, and confidence from the ground up. Those experiences showed me that I am capable of adapting and thriving in unfamiliar environments."

Nidhi Hebbar

Nidhi Hebbar, a Spring 2026 graduate, combines her studies in International Relations & Global Studies with Plan II Honors, the National Security and International Business (NSIB) minor, and a German Language Certificate. With a track in International Political Economy and a focus on Western Europe, her academic path is largely focused on the intersection of global markets, governance, and cross-cultural communication. Born in Basel, Switzerland, and originally from Karnataka in South India, Nidhi has lived across Mumbai, New Jersey, Bangalore, North Carolina, and Texas; she is proficient multiple languages, including Kannada, German, and Hindi, and describes these experiences as “a useful tool for engaging with others." 

• Extracurriculars / Internships: As a Student Administrative Assistant at the Oden Institute of Computational Engineering and Science, Nidhi has gained hands-on experience at one of UT's leading research centers. She is also an active member of Central Texas Model United Nations (CTMUN), IRG Council, and Texas Political Consulting (TXPC), balancing policy engagement with campus community involvement.

• Scholarships / Fellowships: Recognized as a UT Austin Global Studies Fellow

What are you most proud of? 

• "I am proud of my solo travels and solo hikes throughout Germany, because I love engaging with nature, cultural experiences, and challenging myself to become more independent."

Kseniya Portnaya

Kseniya Portnaya, a May 2026 graduate, combines her studies in International Relations & Global Studies with a double major in Art History, along with minors/certificates in Chinese, History, and Art Management. Her interest in Modern Contemporary East Asian Art and its Impact on
Global Relations has been paired well with her track in Culture, Media, and the Arts and her regional focus of Asia. Her coursework and research reflect her interest in the unique blend of Art History and International Relations, particularly in analyzing the influence of art on global society throughout history. Portnaya believes that understanding historical trends is one of the most effective ways to learn about people and society as a whole; art history shows her the past, and IRG gives her the current context to understand it.

• Extracurriculars / Internships: Kseniya completed her IRG Capstone, Ready Made in China: Art, Authenticity and Capitalism. She works as a Curatorial Department Assistant at The Contemporary Austin, where she calculates carbon emissions of the global traveling exhibition “Nature never loses.” She also serves as a Membership Intern at the Blanton Museum of Art, providing administrative support and assisting with advanced planning for museum membership. On campus, she is Secretary General of Crisis Operations for CTMUN and a member of the CMA committee of the IRG Council. 
• Scholarships / Fellowships: Recognized as a COFA Arts Administration Fellow.

What are you most proud of? 

• Proud of making the decision to add the IRG double major because she finds it equally as valuable as her Art history major and has given her more academic opportunities.

Manon Buckner

Manon Buckner, a May 2026 graduate, combines her studies in International Relations & Global Studies with Asian Studies, Mandarin Chinese, and the National Security and International Business (NSIB) minor. Her coursework and research portrays her interest in the intersection of economics and security, particularly in how global diplomacy is influenced by U.S.-China trade relations. 

• Extracurriculars / Internships: As a Program Coordinator for the Intelligence Studies Project, Manon worked closely with faculty and peers on initiatives connecting policy research and national security. She also contributed to campus life through Texas Political Consulting and Zeta Tau Alpha, where she balanced professional engagement with community involvement.
• Scholarships / Fellowships: Recognized as both a Brumley Next Generation Scholar and a Clements Center Undergraduate Fellow, Manon demonstrates a commitment to shaping her professional life.  
• Study Abroad: Her Korea May Term 2025 program, America in the Pacific, allows students the “opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of the U.S. alliances in Korea and Japan”.  

What are you most proud of? 

• “I’m proud that I made the most of the IRG program—learning from incredible peers and faculty, and taking on opportunities that pushed me to grow as a student and researcher.”

 

Paavni Chokshi

Paavni Chokshi, an esteemed student in International Relations (IRG) and Global Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, has built her college career around leadership, service, and a sincere dedication to making the world a better place. Paavnis passion for IRG is rooted in her upbringing and aspirations, which for her, started at a young age. Inspired by her father’s unrealized dream of becoming a lawyer, she found herself encouraged to never give up on her own dreams – which became law and global issues.  She has pursued an academic track in International Security, Spanish, and European Studies. Additionally, Paavni has paired her IRG major with a Business minor, Business Spanish certificate, & a Paralegal Certification from the University of Houston. 

Paavni completed year-long research as part of the IRG Honors Thesis Program. Her thesis, The Rise and Fall of Sweden’s Feminist Foreign Policy (2014–2022): Assessing the Broader Impact of Sweden’s Leadership in Advancing Gender Equality, dives into Sweden’s approach to foreign policy and its global impact. 

On campus, Paavni has served as Co-President of the IRG Council and Vice President of the Indian Cultural Association. Her contributions do not stop there, as she has contributed work toward increasing civic engagement through Hook The Vote and has contributed toward inclusivity as DEI chair of Absolute Texxas. Beyond leadership, her involvement further extends into service-based work, including volunteering with Akshaya Patra for 8+ years, tutoring at De Zavala Elementary, and volunteering at UT’s Microfarm. 

Working as an Student Associate for Texas Leadership Education and Development, Paavni has facilitated numerous workshops and coordinated programs. Additionally, her time has been spent working internships, such as working for Representative Colin Allred’s Congressional Campaign through the Democracy Summer Program and a legal internship with Patel and Associates. Before college, Paavni secured over $7,500 in government funding to establish rolling libraries as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. 

Recognized for her leadership and service, Paavni was one of the twelve students selected as a recipient for UT Austin’s Dean’s Dozen Award for 2025—an award given to seniors, masters, and doctoral students who have made a meaningful impact on the university community and students' experiences. Furthermore, Paavni is also a recipient of the Toyota Financial Services Making Life Easier Scholarship, a 4-year scholarship given to students who demonstrate above and beyond academics, leadership, and commitment to community service. Her experiences reflect her hard work and passion toward her long-term goal of attending law school.

 

Leslie Martinez : 

Leslie Martinez is a dynamic senior in International Relations and Global Studies (IRG) at the University of Texas at Austin, with a fervent passion for understanding the intricacies of global affairs. Her journey into IRG was fueled by a desire for comprehensive knowledge across various disciplines without being tethered to a single area of study. She has pursued a diverse academic track, encompassing International Security, Spanish, and European Studies, allowing her to explore a broad spectrum of subjects.

On campus, Leslie is an active member of several organizations, each reflecting her commitment to both academic enrichment and community service. She serves on the IRG Council, where she connects with peers navigating similar academic paths. Additionally, she is involved in Phi Delta Phi, a law school organization, where she not only fosters connections with fellow students but also engages in LSAT workshops and volunteers for various social and environmental causes.

One of Leslie's standout experiences lies in her involvement with Seals, a group dedicated to expanding American literacy. Through this organization, she volunteers at local ESL programs, assisting individuals in overcoming language barriers and fostering a sense of inclusion within the community.

Beyond her coursework, Leslie has delved into the Bridging Discipline Program (BDP), pursuing a certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice. Her engagement in this program extends beyond the classroom, as she completed an internship at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, focusing on human trafficking policies. Furthermore, her capstone project analyzing anti-trafficking frameworks in Italy, Australia, and Japan underscores her dedication to advocating for global change.

Leslie's interest in law stems from her early life experiences and academic pursuits. Her desire to pursue law school, particularly in the fields of Human Rights Law and Immigration Law, has been shaped by personal encounters and academic exploration. Drawing from her familial roots in Mexico and her involvement in human rights studies, Leslie is driven to make a meaningful impact in the legal sphere.

For fellow IRG students, Leslie offers invaluable advice, emphasizing the importance of connecting with professors, exploring diverse academic tracks, and engaging in extracurricular activities beyond the scope of career aspirations. Her own journey, marked by internships both domestically and abroad, as well as enriching study abroad experiences in Paris and Madrid, serves as a testament to the transformative power of global engagement and interdisciplinary learning.

In essence, Leslie Martinez embodies the spirit of a global citizen, driven by a fervent curiosity to understand and address complex international issues, while actively contributing to her community and fostering positive change on a global scale. 

Connor Sale

Connor Sale, a distinguished senior in International Relations and Global Studies (IRG) at the University of Texas at Austin, epitomizes the archetype of a versatile scholar deeply immersed in the complexities of global dynamics. His journey into IRG was guided by a desire for intellectual flexibility and exploration, allowing him to tailor his studies to his diverse interests. With majors in Government, Italian Studies, and European Studies alongside IRG, Connor has crafted a robust academic portfolio that reflects his insatiable curiosity.

On campus, Connor is deeply engaged in student leadership roles, serving as a Co-President of the UT IRG Council and the Social Media Director for Always Texas, a spirited service organization dedicated to community outreach. Through the IRG Council, Connor spearheads initiatives focused on academic enrichment, professional development, and social engagement, fostering a vibrant community for fellow IRG students to thrive.

Connor's academic pursuits extend beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his European Studies Capstone, where he delved into the intricacies of the Scottish independence movement's impact on UK politics. Collaborating with esteemed professors, Connor honed his research skills and discovered a newfound passion for exploring separatist movements, laying the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors.

In addition to his academic endeavors, Connor has embarked on impactful internships, including his role as a Social Media Intern at Education USA - Albania through the Virtual Student Federal Service program. His experience in promoting international education underscores his commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

A highlight of Connor's undergraduate experience was his participation in the Contemporary Global Challenges in Paris study abroad program, where he immersed himself in foundational IRG courses and international organizations. The experience not only broadened his academic horizons but also solidified his desire to pursue graduate studies in Paris.

As a Research Assistant at the Politics of Race and Ethnicity Lab, Connor contributed to a groundbreaking project exploring legislative developments in Southeast Asia. His recommendation for fellow IRG majors to actively seek research opportunities underscores his belief in the transformative power of academic inquiry and mentorship.

For aspiring IRG majors, Connor offers sage advice: embrace opportunities for engagement, seek out mentorship, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the IRG community. By immersing oneself in diverse experiences and forging meaningful connections, Connor believes that IRG students can chart a path to success and fulfillment in the ever-evolving global landscape.

Aruna Muthupillai

Year: Freshman
Major: International Relations & Global Studies, Plan II
Track: Science, Technology, and the Environment
Area Study: Asian Studies
Language: Chinese
Study Abroad: I don't have one lined up, but I'm thinking I could go to Beijing.

Interests: The intersection with climate policy, especially the bilateral relationship between the US and China that will impact how the global world addresses our climate future.

Extracurriculars: Central Texas Model United Nations, IRG Council, The Daily Texan, Inter-Collegiate US-China Journal

What are you most proud of?: The things that I did in high school that have helped me be academically and financially free here.

Advice: At UT, IRG is unique in that you get a lot of freedom with the major, because you can easily double major. You don’t have to focus on just one thing. And the major helps you better understand the world around you.

To find more or contact, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruna-muthupillai-947960117/

Year: Senior
Major: International Relations & Global Studies
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Track: Culture, Media, & the Arts
Area Study: Middle Eastern Studies
Language: Arabic
Study Abroad: CIEE, Amman, Jordan (Fall 2022)

Interests: How Islam ties into the culture, customs, and the evolution of it as a religion and studying abroad.

Extracurriculars: Real Estate Center, Epsilon Nu Tau (Entrepreneurship Fraternity), Heman Sweatt Center for Black Males, Forty Acres Founders, The Launchpad Capstone: Studying abroad, but particularly black men and their experiences abroad, where they study why they choose to study there. The project explored how they are perceived by the people in that country when they study and what this experience has on like, how they come back, and how they're changed how they're different, or what they take away from this experience.

Capstone Advice: Make the research about you. Don't shy away from writing things that are personal to you, or that you already know about. And I also say have an open mind to what you might find in the data. “I personally would not recommend anyone take the Capstone before they study abroad.

What are you most proud of?: Founding a fraternity, that was a huge achievement for me. And along the way, I got to meet so many other entrepreneurs and people who like to think like me.

Advice: Don't give up keep trying and believe. Entrepreneurship is way more about what you can build and it's so much more of a personal journey and personal growth.

Campus Relaxation/Study Recommendations: Inlet next to Architecture building- it has palm trees, it has chairs, and it’s always very quiet. Life Sciences Library. 5th and 6th floor of the Norman Hackerman Building. The MindBody Labs.

To find more or contact, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkirshon/

Year: Junior
Major: International Relations & Global Studies (formerly Journalism)
Track: International Security
Area Study: Middle Eastern Studies
Language: Arabic
Study Abroad: School for International Training, Amman, Jordan - Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East (Fall 2023)

Interests: International development project implementation and programming to make the actual missions of organizations happen and come to life. Policy proposal I wrote for BrumleyNextGen Scholars.

Extracurriculars: Central Texas Model United Nations, International Affairs Society, Women in Foreign Affairs, Brumley Next Generation Scholars

What are you most proud of?: An article that I wrote with in my internship in Malala Fund, “How young woman are making sure Uyghur genocide ‘will not be forgotten’.” I was able to interview these three young woman, these three amazing, powerful young women who are who were speaking out and who were speaking out on their own way on the issue of the Uyghur genocide that's happening in China.

Advice: Every single skill is transferable. And even if it doesn't seem like you're on the right path, you're always always on the right path. Just keep going.

Campus Recommendations: Jackson Geosciences Building, RLP porch, outside Texas Alumni center.

Quotes:

“One thing I love about my major is how it's how we can take classes from a variety of other departments at UT.”

“It like makes it feel as if we're not closed to just one school, and one school of thinking, one school of thought, and instead being exposed to a variety of different things.”