Research Assistants

Kathy Bowen is a fourth year Political Science major with a minor in Environmental Science Policy and Management at UC Berkeley. She is primarily interested in the role of institutions in mediating the economic and diplomatic outcomes of international trade. In addition to her work at BASC, she placed third at the 2010 Cross Examination Debate Association’s National Championship, as one half of Cal’s top policy debate team. In her free time, she enjoys good food and spending time with friends.

E-Mail: kelisebowen "at" gmail.com

Michelle Mengsu Chang is a fourth year student majoring in Economics. Her research is focused on China’s foreign economic relations with Africa and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the past, Michelle has interned for the United Nations and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Born in China, Michelle has lived in many countries before coming to study in the US. She loves traveling, learning foreign languages, visiting museums, and collecting National Geographic.

E-Mail: michelle_chang "at" berkeley.edu

Lauren Dansey is a third year Political Science major with an emphasis on International Relations at UC Berkeley. Her research interests include Southeast Asian regionalism, particularly the role of ASEAN, and issues of economic integration. She is applying to Law School and is a member of the Cal Mock Trial team. She likes reading, hiking, and drinking tea.

E-Mail: ldd90 "at" berkeley.edu

Do-Hee Jeong is a third year political science major, with a focus in international relations at UC Berkeley. He is interested in the growing role of China in international political economy, South Korea's trade relations, as well as East Asian regionalism. Apart from research, he is also interested in North-South Korea relations, cultural tensions between Korea and Japan, and human rights issues. He enjoys traveling, playing piano and flute, going to the gym, shopping and watching Korean dramas.

E-Mail: dhj1990 "at" hotmail.com

Cindy Li is a third year student majoring in economics and Chinese language. She is interested in the value of political connections for firms in developing countries as well as the perception of China in Western media, particularly with regards to human rights violations. She enjoys skiing and hiking, and loves to cook whenever she has free time.

E-Mail: cindy.xm.li "at" gmail.com

Robert Nelson is a fourth year Political Science and Economics double major at U.C. Berkeley. Prior to coming to Berkeley he worked for Congressman Jim Moran (VA-8) and the political strategist James Carville. He is interested in the role of international institutions in global affairs and the state of relations between Western and Eastern powers. Beyond his academic interests, he enjoys travel, acting, and fishing.

E-Mail: rwnelson "at" berkeley.edu

A. M. Newhall is a third year Political Science major with a focus on International Relations at UC Berkeley. He is a staff writer for The Diplomacist, the online publication of the Cornell International Affairs Review. Before attending Berkeley, Newhall lived in Europe during the high tide of anti-American sentiment caused by the US invasion of Iraq; the experience greatly kindled his interest in political science. In his spare time, he is an avid cinephile with an interest in film noir and Italian surrealism.

E-Mail: anewhall "at" berkeley.edu

Michelle Tan is a second year student majoring in Economics. An international student from Singapore, she is particularly interested in Southeast Asia and China's foreign economic and political relations with the region. After graduation, Michelle will be returning to work in the public service in Singapore. She is a member of the Cal Dragonboat team and likes reading, traveling, eating and shopping.

E-Mail: michelle.tan "at" berkeley.edu

Viola Tang is a third year Political Science and Business Administration double major. As an overseas Chinese who grew up in Germany, England, Hong Kong and now the Bay Area, Viola is interested in the effect of the rise of China on the international system and international political economy. She is also particularly interested in the development of financial markets in East and Southeast Asia. Viola is an avid fan of netball, basketball, travelling and student empowerment.

E-Mail: viola.jx.tang "at" gmail.com