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Welcome Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher to IAFS!

Eileen Brown — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher to IAFS! Eileen Brown Fri, 08/01/2025 - 09:00

We’re thrilled to welcome Professor Jeffrey Nonnemacher to the IAFS faculty this fall! In the 2025-2026 academic year, Prof. Nonnemacher will be teaching courses in both IAFS and the 91�� Honors Program on globalization, European politics, and political parties. A 91�� alum himself, Jeffrey earned his B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science where he wrote two honors theses (one for each major) in his senior year. As an undergraduate at CU, his favorite spots in 91�� were The Sink and 91�� Baked (when it used to be just off Pearl Street). He went on to complete his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh after graduating from CU in 2019. Nonnemacher has always been fascinated by following elections from a young age, and in college this fascination expanded from the US to Europe as well. His research focuses on political parties, elections, the radical right, and inequality - especially in Europe - and his work has been published in West European Politics, European Union Politics, and the British Journal of Political Science among others.

In his free time, he enjoys watching his favorite shows including a continuous loop of Parks and Rec, The Office and Community, exploring the mountains throughout the Western US, and playing with his dog Rocky. He has visited every national park in the lower-48 plus Hawaii, with his favorite being Glacier, Mt. Rainier, and, of course, Rocky Mountain. Next summer, he plans to spend a month in Alaska exploring the state for the first time.

Looking for a unique take on an IAFS 4500 Senior Seminar topic? Once Spring 2026 courses are published later this fall, look for Prof. Nonnemacher's Senior Seminar - IAFS 4500: The Post-Cold War World: Sports and International Affairs. The class is informed by his enjoyment of sports, especially hockey and the Avalanche, and in true scholarly fashion, an appreciation for the global implications for uniquely international leagues like the NHL.

Please join us in welcoming Prof. Nonnemacher back to 91�� and to IAFS!

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IAFS Student Spotlight: Rowan Hillhouse on Research, Leadership, and Study Abroad

Eileen Brown — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:08:11 +0000

IAFS Student Spotlight: Rowan Hillhouse on Research, Leadership, and Study Abroad Eileen Brown Fri, 08/01/2025 - 08:08

Rowan Hillhouse 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 Mike Kercheval 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, CU in DC, 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, AmeriCorps, 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!

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91�� #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight!

Eileen Brown — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 20:31:35 +0000

91�� #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight! Eileen Brown Mon, 07/28/2025 - 14:31

[91�� Today] 91�� is ranked No. 2 in the nation for graduates serving as Peace Corps volunteers, with 39 alumni currently serving around the world. Read more about the Peace Corps, including the volunteer spotlight with IAFS/JWST Alumna Julia Leone!

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Exploring Germany and Beyond: Cheyenne Frey’s Global Grants Journey

Eileen Brown — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 21:59:28 +0000

Exploring Germany and Beyond: Cheyenne Frey’s Global Grants Journey Eileen Brown Mon, 07/21/2025 - 15:59

From the first glimpse of Regensburg’s medieval stone bridge to hiking castle ruins and swimming in alpine lakes, Cheyenne Frey’s study abroad adventure in Germany has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a Global Grants Scholarship recipient for the 2024–25 academic year, Cheyenne embraced every opportunity to immerse herself in German culture, explore Europe, and grow as both a student and global citizen.

A Memorable Start in Regensburg

Cheyenne began her exchange at the University of Regensburg in fall 2024, quickly falling in love with the city’s rich history and breathtaking architecture. “My first impression of the city was of its medieval beauty, including the iconic stone bridge and Porta Praetoria, a landmark dating back to the Roman Empire,” she shared in her October update. Her first month was filled with exploring the Altstadt (old town), visiting the cathedral, and diving into language studies through an Intensive Language Course. Her hard work paid off, earning her a place in the advanced B2.1 German group. Cheyenne’s coursework ranged from language and culture classes to a film course that explored German history through cinema - a class that became one of her favorites.

Winter Adventures and Cultural Immersion

By the end of fall semester, Cheyenne had fully settled into life in Regensburg. She spent her semester break traveling with friends, visiting cities like Nuremberg and Dresden, and even venturing beyond Germany to the south of France and Prague. One of her most memorable experiences was celebrating the holidays at Germany’s famous Christmas markets. “The lights, food, and decorations were so special and such a fun experience,” she wrote.

Spring Highlights and Family Visits

Spring brought warmer weather and new experiences. Cheyenne enjoyed relaxing afternoons by the Danube River and participating in local traditions like Maidult, Regensburg’s annual May folk festival. “It reminded me of the state fairs we have in the U.S., with rides, vendors, and food tents,” she recalled. May was also marked by a special visit from her mom, with whom she explored nearby towns and hiked to castle ruins in Kallmünz, enjoying sweeping views of the Bavarian countryside.

Summer Travels and Farewell to Regensburg

Cheyenne’s summer was filled with outdoor adventures, including a trip to Berchtesgaden, a picturesque mountain town near the Austrian border. There, she hiked, swam, and visited Salzburg, Austria - Mozart’s home city - along with the stunning Königssee Lake (photo). As her year abroad came to a close, Cheyenne reflected on her time in Germany with gratitude: “I know leaving Regensburg will be bittersweet. I’ll miss the friends I’ve made here and the pace of life I’ve adopted. I’m so grateful for this scholarship and for the opportunity to study abroad in Germany and experience so much.”

With finals completed and her family visiting to help her transition home, Cheyenne is excited to return to 91�� for her senior year - though part of her heart will remain in Regensburg.

IAFS Students - Thinking of studying abroad? Learn about the Global Grants Scholarship!

Alumni - Want to support IAFS students as they study abroad? Learn about the Global Grants Fund!

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World Population Day - July 11, 2025

Eileen Brown — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

World Population Day - July 11, 2025 Eileen Brown Fri, 07/11/2025 - 07:00

Why Population Trends Matter in International Affairs

In 2022, the world’s population reached 8 billion - a major milestone in human development. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted, “The milestone is an occasion to celebrate diversity and advancements while considering humanity's shared responsibility for the planet.”

World Population Day, recognized each year on July 11, offers a chance to step back and consider not just how much the world has grown, but how population trends shape the future we’re building together. While we often talk about population in numbers, these issues are fundamentally about people - the ways we move, live, learn, and respond to global challenges like climate change, public health, and inequality.

In 91��’s International Affairs Program (IAFS), population dynamics are a key part of understanding the forces driving today’s most pressing global issues. From urban growth and aging populations to reproductive rights and migration patterns, students explore how demographic trends intersect with questions of peace, security, and justice around the world.

Population Studies Across 91��

91�� is home to several programs and research centers focused on population issues, including:

Population Program at the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)
This interdisciplinary program supports research and training in population-related topics such as migration, aging, fertility, and health - often with a strong international focus.
CU Population Center (CUPC) at the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)
CUPC is a leading hub for population research that promotes collaboration between CU faculty, students, and global partners. The center supports undergraduate and graduate research and offers fellowships, internships, and events related to demography, policy, and development.

Related IAFS Courses

Many courses in the IAFS major/minor explore population issues from multiple disciplinary angles. A few examples include:

IAFS 3000 – Special Topics in International Affairs: Humanitarianism
IAFS 4500 – Global Issues in International Affairs: Migration & Refugees
SOCY 3002 – Population and Society
PSCI 4283 – International Migration and Policy
ECON/GEOG 4292 – Migration, Immigrant Adaptation and Development

Students are encouraged to speak with IAFS advisors to learn which population-related courses best fit their focus region or thematic interest area.

Why Population Matters in Global Affairs

Population trends are not only academic - they have immediate policy implications. As students in IAFS examine…

Climate change and environmental displacement…
Global migration and refugee flows…
Health equity and reproductive rights…
Education, employment, and urbanization…
Aging societies and intergenerational challenges…

…it becomes clear that demography is a powerful lens through which to understand global change.

As we recognize World Population Day, it’s a good reminder of how interdisciplinary education plays a key role in preparing the next generation of leaders, researchers, and advocates to take on complex global challenges.

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Paid Fall 2025 Internship with Congressman Crow's Office - Apply by 7/18

Eileen Brown — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:52:15 +0000

Paid Fall 2025 Internship with Congressman Crow's Office - Apply by 7/18 Eileen Brown Tue, 07/08/2025 - 13:52

[Congressman Crow Internship Page] Applications for fall 2025 internships in Congressman Crow’s District and D.C. office are open until July 18, 2025. Congressional internships provide an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to learn about the legislative process. Candidates must be willing to commit to working at least 10 weeks for a minimum of 15 hours per week and will be paid a stipend of approximately $15/hour.

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Fall 2025 Cuba Global Intensive Program

Eileen Brown — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:35:05 +0000

Fall 2025 Cuba Global Intensive Program Eileen Brown Tue, 07/08/2025 - 11:35

Fall 2025 IAFS 3000: Politics & History of Cuba

This is a standard 3-hour, upper division International Affairs course in the Fall/2025 semester, after which time the class will travel to Cuba for an intensive 10-night/11-day education abroad program. The travel dates will be from December 26, 2025 to Jan 5, 2026. The course is usually capped at approximately 15 students.

Contact Dr. Grant Cohen to learn more about the Fall/2025 Global Intensive course and post-semester Education Abroad travel program to Cuba on Cuban Politics, History, and Society. Dr. Cohen will explain the cost, dates, what you can expect to experience on the program, as well as the controlled registration process to sign up.

This global intensive program is speciﬁcally geared toward, and prioritizing, students of the International Aﬀairs (IAFS) program.

IAFS Students: This Global Intensive course and Education Abroad travel program can satisfy:

Off-Campus Experience Requirement OR Latin American Geographic Concentration (IAFS Majors)
Capstone Requirement (IAFS Minors)
As always, please check in with your advisor with any questions about requirements!

If you’re interested, you must email Dr. Grant Cohen ASAP.

Sample Highlights:

Spend 10-nights/11- days in Cuba exploring the following destinations: Havana, Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, Santa Clara and Vinales. Learn about Cuban politics, US-Cuban relations, economics, history, and society directly from local experts to everyday people.
Meet with local experts, such as: entrepreneurs, economists, historians, gender and race experts, architectural experts, a former member of the Cuban Congress, and everyday local families. Visit Old Havana, salsa class, the Revolution Plaza, the National Museum of Fine Arts, a cigar factory, Che Guevara's statue/mausoleum, and private jam sessions with influential Cuban musicians.
Visit the site of the Bay of Pigs invasion (Playa Giron), Cienfuegos, Che Guevara's statue and mausoleum in Santa Clara, and spend three nights in Trinidad, a beautiful, fun, historically signiﬁcant town in the Sancti Spiritus region, a major area for sugar production. Finally, visit Vinales, the beautiful countryside and Cuba’s main tobacco growing region located a few hours from Havana.

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Navigating the Tide: Global Responses to Large Scale Migration - 7/17/25

Eileen Brown — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:59:20 +0000

Navigating the Tide: Global Responses to Large Scale Migration - 7/17/25 Eileen Brown Wed, 07/02/2025 - 15:59

[DCFR] Join the Denver Council on Foreign Relations' Young Professional's Committee for a discussion about how countries around the world handle large scale migration into their borders.

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Bastile Day French Fest - July 11-13

Eileen Brown — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:54:45 +0000

Bastile Day French Fest - July 11-13 Eileen Brown Wed, 07/02/2025 - 15:54

[RMFACC] Celebrate French culture, cuisine, and creativity at this three-day outdoor festival in Cherry Creek North. Hosted at Fillmore Plaza, Bastille Day French Fest transforms the plaza into a lively French village -complete with markets, live music, culinary tastings, fashion, and family-friendly fun. It's a celebration of France’s global influence, right in the heart of Denver.

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World Refugee Day 2025 - 6/20/25

Eileen Brown — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:58:16 +0000

World Refugee Day 2025 - 6/20/25 Eileen Brown Mon, 06/16/2025 - 10:58

Register for the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau Showcase in Celebration of World Refugee Day 2025! This powerful event features stories from the newest members of the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau. Their stories highlight resilience, courage, and hope, strength, and so much more.

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news

Welcome Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher to IAFS!

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IAFS Student Spotlight: Rowan Hillhouse on Research, Leadership, and Study Abroad

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91������ #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight!

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Exploring Germany and Beyond: Cheyenne Frey’s Global Grants Journey

A Memorable Start in Regensburg

Winter Adventures and Cultural Immersion

Spring Highlights and Family Visits

Summer Travels and Farewell to Regensburg

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World Population Day - July 11, 2025

Why Population Trends Matter in International Affairs

Population Studies Across 91������

Related IAFS Courses

Why Population Matters in Global Affairs

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Paid Fall 2025 Internship with Congressman Crow's Office - Apply by 7/18

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Fall 2025 Cuba Global Intensive Program

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Navigating the Tide: Global Responses to Large Scale Migration - 7/17/25

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Bastile Day French Fest - July 11-13

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World Refugee Day 2025 - 6/20/25

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91�� #2 for Peace Corps Volunteers - Plus IAFS Alumna Highlight!

Population Studies Across 91��