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CINTS Outstanding Graduating Senior 2026
Angelle Duong is pursuing a double major in Linguistics and Comparative International Studies (CINTS), along with a certificate in Human Rights. Within CINTS, she focuses on General Asia and China.
She was drawn to CINTS after recognizing how her Linguistics coursework—especially its emphasis on how language shapes power dynamics—closely aligns with examining how global power structures affect local communities. Through this interdisciplinary approach, she has developed strong critical thinking skills and cross-cultural empathy, gaining deeper insight into how people live under diverse political systems. She further expanded this perspective while studying abroad in Hong Kong, where she explored the intersection of language and global affairs.
She selected Dr. Zamira Abman as her Most Influential Faculty Member in recognition of Dr. Abman’s mentorship since her freshman year. From encouraging her to pursue a double major in CINTS, to guiding her through her Gilman Scholarship essays for the ISEP Exchange program, to supporting her in refining her resume and preparing for life after graduation, Dr. Abman’s guidance has been instrumental. In the CINTS 400 Capstone course, Dr. Abman challenged her to reflect on how her academic experiences at SDSU have shaped her development as a globally aware citizen. She also helped her discover a passion for public service—particularly in serving marginalized communities—and encouraged her to explore careers in government and law.
Overall, her experience in CINTS has strengthened her commitment to engaging with global politics and sustaining a lifelong curiosity about the world.
Russian Outstanding Graduating Senior 2026
Spencer Neefe is graduating with a focus in Russian. He is passionate about exploring different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. In his free time, he enjoys reading and spending time with his dog. He hopes to pursue a career with the U.S. government.
Dr. Daria Shembel was one of the most significant influences on Spencer’s academic journey. He admired her ability to connect with students through patience and kindness, fostering a classroom environment that was not only a place of study but also one of engagement and inspiration. His experiences in her classroom shaped his understanding of what meaningful learning should be and contributed to both his academic and personal growth.
Like many students, Spencer occasionally felt the urge to skip class; however, Dr. Shembel’s guidance encouraged him to attend and strive for self-improvement, even on difficult days or when he felt unprepared. Each time he left her classroom, he felt improved—whether through gaining new knowledge, building confidence, or finding renewed motivation to grow.
Spencer will remain deeply grateful for her lasting impact and will carry her influence with him throughout his life. He regards Dr. Shembel as a gifted teacher who inspires, uplifts, and shares knowledge and wisdom with those who seek it.
5th Annual Faculty Global Engagement Awards
Congratulations to Zamira Abman for receiving a 2026 Outstanding Global Research, Teaching, or Creative Activity Award for her research on the history of women and identity in Central Asia.
San Diego State University International Affairs hosted an awards ceremony on April 20, 2026 at Scripps Cottage. Award recipients were present their work in a TED Talk–style format, followed by a reception.
CINTS Outstanding Graduating Senior for 2025
Congratulations to Katherine Mansfield, this year's Outstanding Graduating Senior, and her Most Influential Faculty Member, Zamira Abman.
Katherine is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative International Studies with minors in Interdisciplinary Studies and French. During her undergraduate degree, Katherine spent a year studying abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, where she represented Sciences Po at the Sorbonne Model United Nations competition. While at SDSU, Katherine acted as Department Representative for Aztec Recreation in the on-campus Student Advisory Leadership Team. She was also an International Ambassador for the International Student Center. After graduation, Katherine will return to Paris to pursue a Master in Economic Law at Sciences Po.
European Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior 2025
Congratulations to this year’s Outstanding Graduating Senior in European Studies, Raul Rodriguez.
Raul Rodriguez is a first-generation college student with a passion for learning languages and new cultures. He was born in San Diego but grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. When Raul started his journey at Southwestern College, he realized he wanted to pursue a career in translation and/or interpretation, and he considered learning a new language an essential part to reach his goal. During his time at Southwestern College, he decided to pursue an associate degree in Italian and became vice president of the Italian club. When Raul was in the process of applying to universities, he was looking for a program that offered him the opportunity of an experience abroad, and this is how he found the Department of European Studies. When he read about the program, he fell in love with the topics presented. The best part? He saw the opportunity he was looking for: the Florence Summer Abroad program.
At SDSU, Raul has achieved remarkable accomplishments that far exceeded his expectations. In the spring semester of 2024, he represented SDSU at the Schuman Challenge in Washington, D.C., an annual foreign affairs contest for undergraduate students in the United States organized and hosted by the EU Delegation. He defines this experience as transformative and something that would not have happened without the support of his professors and the European Studies program. In the summer of 2024, Raul fulfilled his dream of studying abroad by participating in the Florence Summer Program, where he delved into the history of the Etruscans and the Renaissance. Furthermore, during the application process for this program, Raul was honored with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship awarded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, another significant achievement.
Raul will graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors and is very grateful for everything he has learned in the past two years. He says that one of his goals is to talk to his friends about the classes he has taken and encourage them to take them.
Upon graduation, Raul intends to collaborate with the Gilman Program on projects they offer to their alumni. Additionally, he aims to apply to volunteer programs in Italy to enhance his Italian language skills, with the ultimate goal of enrolling in the Master of Arts in Translation program offered by Georgetown University in approximately two or three years.
Lastly, Raul wanted to thank his most influential faculty member, Clarissa Clò, and professors Emily Schuckman-Matthews and Kristin Rebien. They played a crucial role in his experience at SDSU, and he considers them role models in his academic career.
Celebrating Excellence: Zamira Abman Receives Humanities Award for Dedication and Innovation
The SDSU Division of Research and Innovation recently hosted its annual event to recognize faculty and other scholars for their outstanding contributions. This prestigious gathering recognized those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovative thinking in their respective disciplines. Among those honored this year was Zamira Abman, who serves as the director of the CINTS program and is a Professor of History and European Studies.
Receiving one of this year's Humanities Awards is a testament to Zamira's exemplary scholarship and dedication. It highlights her significant achievements in research as well as her passion for fostering intellectual curiosity among her students. The award serves as a recognition of her tireless efforts to contribute to the academic landscape and inspire future generations of scholars.
Congratulations to Zamira on this well-deserved recognition! Her remarkable contributions to the field continue to resonate, and we look forward to seeing the ongoing impact and future contributions of this esteemed scholar to the humanities.
Clarissa Clò wins prestigious Flaiano International Award for Italian Studies
Work on the critical bilingual edition and English translation of Italian-Egyptian rapper Amir Issaa’s memoir, along with a team of students and academics, was recognized by the Premi Internazionali Flaiano and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
This inspiring collective project, published by SDSU Press, was five years in the making.
It began when Clarissa Clò, professor of Italian and chair of European Studies was asked to help find an American publisher for Amir Issaa’s memoir, “Vivo per questo” (“This Is What I Live For”) in 2019. Issaa is a hip-hop artist, educator, and author who grew up in Rome, Italy and uses rap and the power of words and rhymes to tell the powerful story of overcoming his difficult youth to a worldwide audience.
Read the full story on the CAL website.
Outstanding Graduating Senior 2024
Congratulations to this year's European Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior (French), Madison Saylor, and Most Influential Faculty, Amy Harker-Rosskopf!
Madison Saylor is a 22 year old student from Northern California. This year she is graduating summa cum laude as a double major in French and English. In addition to this education, in the past four years Madison has worked as a Teacher’s Assistant and a Private Tutor in both English and French. She is now a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Society and in 2023 she was the recipient of the SDSU Aztec Alumni Scholarship. After graduation Madison will continue her education by pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at SDSU, where she will use the skills learned in both her undergraduate degrees to make her own written contributions to the world. With this degree she also plans to begin teaching college level courses and sharing with upcoming students her love of English and French literature. Originally Madison fell into the language program by happy accident, but she quickly discovered her love for the French language, culture, and literature. Madison is thankful for all that she has learned as a part of the SDSU French program and attributes much of her current and future success to the amazing professors and faculty in this program. She is grateful to have received this award and hopes to remain involved with the French Program in the future.
Outstanding Graduating Senior 2023
Congratulations to this year's European Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior, Sama Kenda Aziz, and Most Influential Faculty, Dr. Felicitas Jaima!
"My time spent studying German at SDSU was incredibly insightful and helped me refine my language and cultural skills even more than the time I lived in Germany. Some of the most interesting classes I took during my studies were the German ones, and they've helped me develop a strong understanding of what it means to really become fluent in a foreign language. This Fall I will be getting my master's degree in economics from Peking University in China, with plans to work on research and continue on the international studies track."
-Sama Aziz
Students Participate in Foreign Affairs Competition in Washington, D.C.
Students from the Department of European Studies were among 30 collegiate teams from across the U.S. that participated in the 2023 Schuman Challenge on March 30-31. The annual competition invites teams of three-four undergraduate students to respond to a topic impacting transatlantic relations and present before a panel of judges.
The SDSU team featured students Ilias Benbatoul, Marek Fialkiewicz, and Hadil Salih and faculty mentors Kristin Rebien and Kylie Sago. The students entered the competition with a proposal to establish an EU-U.S. Committee on Indigenous Land Stewardship. The committee would amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples in Northern Europe and the U.S. by including their expertise in biodiversity protection. Their proposal grew from a class project for EUROP 301, Contemporary Europe.
The team presented their proposal to three judges, including a high-ranking official of the EU Delegation to the U.S., a member of the European Parliament, and a diplomat at the U.S. embassy in Finland. The judges praised their presentation for filling a gap in current transatlantic cooperation, foregrounding fundamental human needs, and clarity of their production.
