Meet our Interns

Bryan Cruz

Bryan Cruz is third year undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida and is pursuing a BA in Political Science with a focus on International Relations, as well as a minor in Latin American studies. Bryan is currently the secretary of the International Relations Club, and vice-president of the Philosophy Society Club at UCF. Outside of academics, he has a hobby drawing and enjoys musical theater.

Ranya Eid

Ranya Eid is a Saudi student at UCF, where she’s pursuing her BA in Political Science International Relations track with a minor in Intelligence and National Security, and Diplomacy certificate. She is a previous student senator at UCF, and she is currently writing her own political thesis in the college of honors. In her free time, she goes to the gym and hangs out with her friends and family.

Roxanne Trombetta

Roxanne Trombetta is a senior at UCF, majoring in International and Global Studies and minoring in National Security and Intelligence. She is from the Philippines, however has been in the United States for more than five years now. Last Fall, she studied politics in Cape Town, South Africa. Here at UCF, she aids International Students in their transition into American culture as a Global Ambassador. After she receives her degree, she plans on attending law school. Her interests outside of international relations include cooking, traveling and reading.

Anne Hunihan

Anne Hunihan is an undergraduate at the University of Central Florida. She is pursuing a degree in International and Global studies, with a minor in Russian studies. In the future, she hopes to attend graduate school in order to further her studies. In her free time, she likes to read and go to the beach.

Dima Taher

Dima Taher is a senior at UCF and is pursuing a BA in Political Science pre-law track with a minor in Intelligence and National Security and a certificate in Diplomacy. Her goal is to study International commercial law in pursuit of becoming a lawyer. Dima is fluent in French, Arabic, and English. Throughout college Dima has been an active member of several student clubs with her recent membership being with the International Relations Club at UCF. Outside school, She likes to hang out with family and friends, play tennis, or travel.

Alexi Sadaka

Alexi Sadaka moved from Lebanon 3 years ago and is in his fourth and last year at the University of Central Florida. He is double majoring in Political Science and Economics, and can speak English, Arabic and French. He is looking to pursue a Master’s program that combines both his undergraduate degrees and plans on working in Washington, D.C. once he’s done with his education, either with the government or in a think tank. In his free time, he follows domestic and international politics and likes to watch sports and TV shows.

Rebecca Sanchez

Rebecca is a transfer student from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras. She is currently in her last year in UCF studying Biomedical Sciences, and plans on pursuing a career in medicine. She is part of the Puerto Rico Research Hub. Her interests include politics and environmental issues. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys doing volunteer work, dancing, photography, and watching series.

Isabella Chamorro

Isabella is in her third year at UCF pursuing a degree in International and Global studies accompanied by a double minor in Spanish and Middle Eastern Studies. Her interests are in politics and human rights advocacy. After receiving her bachelors degree she hopes to attain her masters degree in Global Thought at Columbia. In her spare time she likes to collect stamps, listen to podcasts and play with her dog Fenway.

Lee Ajisafe

Lee Ajisafe is a senior in high school, and is the treasurer of UNICEF club and University High School’s chorus program. After high school, Ajisafe hopes to pursue a career in government or international economics. Ajisafe’s interests include painting, reading and playing violin.

Maanav Jariwal

Maanav Jariwala is currently in his senior year of high school. He is an officer for the Best Buddies club, secretary of the HOSA club, and has bowled for the JV bowling team the past two years. His interests falls in learning more about diverse cultures and current political events. Upon graduation, he hopes to major in Political Science or Human Biology and to pursue in Law or Medicine. In his free time, he loves to read the “New York Times”, read business/fiction/non-fiction books, Bowl, play Basketball, and watch YouTube.

Aaron Rosenthal

Aaron Rosenthal is a double major in History and Political Science-International Relations and
Comparative Government track. He is in his fourth year and plans to graduate in May 2019. He hopes to move to Washington after he graduates and work either as a regional analyst in the Intelligence Community or acquire a position related to foreign policy, preferably in a research role. In his free time, Aaron enjoys reading articles about current events and foreign policy analysis.

Ben Fahsbender

Ben is now in his senior year at the University of Central Florida studying Political Science, International Relations track pursuing a minor in Diplomacy as well as a certificate in National Security and Intelligence. He is currently examining different areas of the world for his interests. He likes to read, study various languages, regularly attends International Relations Club(IRC) meetings and enjoys staying physically active in his free time.

Philip Balikowski

Phil is now entering his junior year at the University of Central Florida, having spent the previous year studying abroad within Chengdu, China. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in International and Global Studies, with minors in Intelligence and National Security and General Computer Science. Outside the PMBF Program, Phil is also a Justice on the Student Government Association Judicial Council and a Global Ambassador within UCF Abroad.

Youri Chang

Youri Chang is currently in her senior year of high school. She is the treasurer of the Math National Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta), secretary of the National Honor Society, and has ran four years of varsity cross-country. Her interests include current events and Middle Eastern culture and politics. Upon graduation, she hopes to major in Political Sciences in hopes of pursuing International Human Rights Law. She enjoys reading, baking, and watching movies in her free time.

Bryan Castillo

Bryan is currently a Junior at the University of Central Florida studying Political Science- International Relations and Comparative Government Track while also pursuing a minor in Terrorism studies. In school Bryan is also the Director of Public Relations with the International Relations Club at UCF, and outside of school he is currently serving with the U.S. Army. He hopes to acquire a position that would allow him to work in the field, preferably in the realm of Counter-Terror or Defense. In his free time, Bryan enjoys playing sports, exercising or sitting back and watching a movie.

Nissrine Benallal

Nissrine Benallal is a senior at Rollins College. She is majoring in International Relations, with a minor in Middle East and North African Countries. Prior to attending Rollins College Nissrine who is originally from Morocco, was a student at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. As a Realtor in Florida, Nissrine is making good use of her language skills: Arabic, French, English and Spanish. She is very interested in the Political Psychology research field and its effect on Arab-American relationship.