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Emily Crane

Degree, Program, and date of graduation: Major in International Relations with a minor in French, May 2017

Dates of working with the WGD Program: May 2015 – August 2015

What work did you do with the WGD program?

"This summer, I'll conduct literature searches and develop travel budgets, surveys and other tools for the IPM Innovation Lab. I will also spend time working with the Communications Department producing various reports as well as keeping up with the blog, Twitter account and the office newsletter. Because of my experience with French, I’ll also translate videos and documents for the department."

Most exciting experience, interesting discovery, or connections made:

"I’m excited that the WGD program can provide a real-world context to topics I’ve studied in class. The reports, literature reviews and budgets that I’ll work on will all help build projects that will one day make it out into the field to conduct actual research! My interests in women’s empowerment, international development and environmental sustainability are all central topics here at OIRED and I’m excited to be involved in projects that combine them to such an extent."

After-graduation plans:

"I am currently an undergraduate student at Roanoke College. Next year, I will be studying abroad in Meknes, Morocco and later completing a public policy internship in Washington D.C. After graduating, I’d like to pursue a Master’s Degree and serve in the Peace Corps."

How has the WGD program influenced your future?

"Working with the WGD program is my first experience with hands-on work in development and research. I’ve always been interested in international relations, but I hadn’t considered how many possibilities there are to work in the field. I also wasn’t aware of the extent to which research influences the development process, and now I’m really interested in getting more experience with it in the future. Overall, my work with the WGD program will help me develop the awareness and skills central to a career in the international field."