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is a double major in International Affairs and Economics with minors in Spanish and Leadership Studies. She has conducted independent research on political behavior in southern Spain and on immigrant communities in the U.S., earning an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) grant to support her work. A passionate campus leader, Rowan serves as Chief of Staff for CU Student Government (CUSG), is a Presidents Leadership Class (PLC) Scholar, and volunteers with the Conference on World Affairs (CWA). She also received an IAFS Global Grant Scholarship to study abroad in Seville, Spain in Spring 2025.

What drew you to major in International Affairs and Economics, and how have they complemented each other in your studies?

For highschoolers, the question of “What do you want to do” is a common conversation starter; one that often assumes a clear, predetermined path. ��I partly chose to major in IAFS because it allowed me to stall that question—at least for a bit— while immersing myself in an interdisciplinary education. As an IAFS student, I have the autonomy to take classes across a wide range of topics: from public health and human rights to conflict and economics. During my sophomore year, I was paired with 91������ alumnus through a mentorship program. Throughout our conversations, he challenged me to shift my thinking from what I wanted to do to who I wanted to become. That reframing has influenced how I approach my time at CU. Studying International Affairs deepened my desire to help others, and adding an Economics major gives me a framework to realize these personal values. Understanding how to reduce poverty and expand access to economic opportunity is foundational to advancing global equity.

Can you share more about your experience as an IAFS Global Grants Scholar and your time studying abroad in Seville, Spain?

The IAFS Global Grants Scholarship eliminated a financial barrier that might have otherwise prevented me from gaining international experience. Before last semester, I rarely left the US—��and never for more than a week. With the grant’s support, I traveled to nearly 20 cities over the span of four months. In addition to having the opportunity to explore so many new places, Sevilla quickly became an ideal home base. It offered a cultural environment to improve my Spanish and immerse myself in a different way of life. Living in Spain provided a practical lens through which to understand regional, national, and EU-level political institutions. It was an experience which deepened my understanding of European relations in a cultural context.

You’ve been involved in two impressive research projects - one focused on political behavior in southern Spain and another on immigrant communities in the U.S. What sparked your interest in these topics, and what’s been the most challenging part of doing independent research?

The most difficult part of independent research isn’t the writing or data analysis: it’s asking the right question. A good topic is one that is both personally interesting and urgent, and once I identified the research process itself became exciting; I just had to pursue something that I was already curious about. To me, a compelling research question can balance both personal relevance and real-world significance. My work on far-right parties in Spain emerged from firsthand exposure to political anxieties while I was living abroad, and my research on immigration enforcement in the U.S. speaks to an issue that remains deeply important to future policy and discourse. Through these projects, I want to produce work that is not only important to me but also helps inform public understanding in a meaningful way.

You’ve been incredibly involved on campus - CUSG Chief of Staff, PLC Scholar, CWA committee chair, and more. What has been the most meaningful or impactful part of your leadership work at CU?

As an International Affairs student, it’s easy to think in terms of large, macro-level systems: interstate relations, global governance, international organizations. However, my leadership experience at CU has shown me that meaningful impact often occurs at a much smaller scale. Through roles like Chief of Staff and PLC mentor, I’ve been able to work with people and see the impact of my efforts up close. Personally, one of my most meaningful experiences was mentoring high school students in 91������ through PLC. Our discussions focused on topics such as self-advocacy, identity development, and college access. Throughout the progression of our discussions, I was able to watch students develop confidence in both their voice and their aspirations.��

Is there a class, professor, or moment during your IAFS journey that has really stuck with you?

I’ve always believed that it’s the professor who makes the class, rather than the other way around. My favorite courses have been taught by people who are deeply curious themselves. Professors like Dr. Kate Fischer, Dr. Alison Hatch, Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald, and PhD candidate Mate Szurop did more than teach classroom content; they modeled a way of thinking. I found their enthusiasm for their fields contagious, and their mentorship pushed me to care more about the topics and people I am studying.

What advice would you give to newer IAFS students trying to make the most of their time in the program?

Embrace the flexibility that student life offers. Rather than committing to a single academic, career, or life path —��use this period to learn about your interests and discover what excites you. International Affairs at CU offers the autonomy to take classes across many different areas of study, as well as participate in experiences such as internship programs, , and study abroad. These programs are often where theory becomes practice. Take advantage of all of it! More importantly, take the time to clarify your personal values early on. If you know what matter to you, decisions (both academic and otherwise) will start to feel less overwhelming.

What do you hope to do after graduation - and how do you think your IAFS and Econ background will shape your path?

Eventually, I hope to pursue a career in academia. My goal is to eventually become a professor, but before beginning a doctoral program I hope to take a year or two after graduation to gain hands on experience—whether that’s through the Peace Corps, , or a pre-doctoral fellowship like Fulbright. I’ve discovered that I’m most energized by being curious— by asking big questions that matter. IAFS and ECON have given me the analytical tools to ask these important questions well, and I hope my future career will allow me to answer them.

Just for fun: What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I love to try different forms of movement! I’ve enjoyed mainstream exercise for most of life, with a few outliers. From ages ten to fifteen I competed in competitive synchronized swimming, and in high school I walked a marathon with my two best friends. Right now, I am trying to get my yoga teaching certificate!