Kiflemariam named Ralph Bunche Summer Scholar

Cornell College senior Ariam Kiflemariam, who is double-majoring in politics and ethnic studies, is one of 12 students from across the country who participated in the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute at Duke University this summer.

The institute, named for Ralph Bunche, the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and sponsored by the American Political Science Association, is for students pursing academic careers in political science. The program works to strengthen their writing, research, and analytical skills, as well as connect them with leading political scientists.

Institute director Paula McClain, Professor of Political Science, and Professor of Public Policy and African and African American Studies at Duke University, teaches classes along with other colleagues from Duke University. Students complete a research project and have the chance to present their findings at the APSA’s annual meeting. Kiflemariam was one of only 5 students asked to present her research at the meeting, which will take place Aug. 28-31.  It is entitled “Black Political Engagement and the 2012 Election: What Predicts Black Political Engagement and Participation?”