I conducted an intelligence research project examining the national security and economic risks of China's control over critical mineral supply chains. I developed the Pettit Mineral Index to track six strategically important minerals across U.S. and Chinese markets, identifying a 4.3-times aggregate price gap between comparable materials. I analyzed how Chinese export controls could affect Western U.S. industries, including defense, semiconductors, aerospace, and clean energy, and translated market data into intelligence judgements and policy recommendations.

In this research paper, I examined why gun buyback programs continue to be widely used in Rochester, New York, despite limited evidence that they significantly reduce gun violence. Using Rochester as a case study, I analyzed gun violence trends, compared outcomes with Buffalo and Syracuse, and applied urban regime theory to examine the political incentives behind these programs. I argued that gun buybacks persist because they provide policymakers with a visible, low-risk response to public concerns while helping maintain governing coalitions and partnerships.

The project strengthened my skills in qualitative research, comparative policy analysis, data interpretation, and applying political theory to real-world policy challenges.

For my honors tutorial assignment, I conducted a comparative political analysis examining how China’s post-Deng leaders used economic development to reinforce, rather than weaken, the Chinese Communist Party’s political dominance. Drawing on modernization theory and the leadership of Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping, I analyzed how market reforms, economic growth, technological advancement, and political consolidation contributed to a more sophisticated form of authoritarian governance.

The project strengthened my skills in comparative politics, political theory, historical analysis, international research, and academic writing.

I developed a policy memorandum evaluating options to address pressures on the U.S. asylum and immigration system at the Southern Border. Written for a simulated Senate Judiciary Committee audience, the project assessed the advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of raising the credible fear standard and expanding Safe Third Country agreements. I ultimately recommended a regional responsibility-sharing approach to reduce strain on the U.S. immigration system while maintaining international and humanitarian obligations. The memorandum was later featured in the International Affairs section of the University at Albany’s College Democrats Student Press.

The project strengthened my skills in policy analysis, comparative evaluation, research, recommendation development, and professional policy writing.

I was named the Fall 2024 winner of the Personal Inquiry Essay category in the New York State Writing and Critical Inquiry Writing Contest for my essay, “Our Kitchen Table.” The essay uses a kitchen table as a central symbol to explore grief, anger, reconciliation, family, and personal growth following the loss of my younger brother. Through a personal narrative, I examined how adversity shaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and service to others.

The project strengthened my skills in reflective writing, storytelling, critical inquiry, and communicating complex personal experiences through a clear narrative.

https://www.albany.edu/writing-critical-inquiry/writing-contest