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Each year, PCD hosts a cohort of driven, passionate student fellows supporting curriculum development, dialogue facilitation, individual research projects, and more!Ìý

If you are a student interested in joining this year's cohort, please reach out to Program Coordinator Emily Blumberg at eblumberg@american.edu.

Meet the 2024-25 cohort:

Zara MorrisÌýis a senior from Montana studying Political Science. During her time at AU, Zara's work has included policy research for gun violence prevention, involvement with the AU Honors Program, and fulfilling other student roles across campus. Zara's passion for engaging in meaningful dialogue stems from growing up in a deeply conservative, rural state. When we come together despite our differences, we can foster respectful conversations that help us better understand one another. When she's not busy on campus, you can find Zara performing stand-up comedy around the DMV!
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Nuria MartinÌýis a junior studying Political Science. This is her second year with PCD; last year, she was a facilitator for Professor Schwartz's GOVT 352: Law and the Political System. She is also a member of the American University Gospel Choir and spends her free time attending the campus ministry and drawing.

Meera SehgalÌýis a senior studying Communications, Law, Economics, and Government (CLEG).ÌýShe has been involved with student government and leadership projects on campus and is excited to contribute to the Project for Civil Discourse. She plans on attending law school and hopes to pursue a combined medical and law degree. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, reading about psychology, and weightlifting.

Jake GlasserÌýis a sophomore studying Communications, Law, Economics, and Government (CLEG) helping develop PCD's new student organization Social Capitol.ÌýWhen he's not debating local policy or disagreeing with professors on PCD time, he is a new member coordinator and competitor on the American University Model UN Team and doing marketing work for 27North. A fun fact about Jake is that he knows how to play the Trumpet and Tuba!

Peri BiesÌýis a sophomore studying International Studies and working on PCD curriculum development and dialogue facilitation. A fun fact about Peri is that she is from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!).Ìý

Katie LewisÌýis a senior studying Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Literature. She got involved in PCD in Fall 2023 where she worked on an independent study about current events dialogues on campus. She also loves the outdoors and hiking!

Grace MansonÌýis a junior studying Communications, Law, Economics and Government (CLEG) with a minor in Spanish.ÌýHer favorite thing about PCD is the 'aha' moments when dialoguers realize they have more in common than they thought. Outside of PCD, Manson writes for AU's investigative magazine, AWOL, rides with the equestrian team, and enjoys talking about her ukulele.

Caroline PirroneÌýis a junior from New Jersey studying Political Science with a minor in International Studies.ÌýThis is her first year working with PCDÌýas a peer facilitator for GOVT 352! Outside of PCD, sheÌýworks with Voters of AU, a student led organization, previously as a Fundraising Director and most recently as the External Outreach Director. A fun fact about Caroline is that her favorite animals are ducks!

Grant WarrenÌýis a senior studying Communications, Law, Economics, and Government (CLEG).ÌýHe's been involved with PCD since getting to know Professor Schwartz through a class his sophomore year. This semester, Grant is doing research through PCD on how professors and the administration view and utilize dialogue in classrooms. Outside of PCD, Grant does mock trial here at AU!

Phoebe SandersÌýis a senior double majoring in Political Science and Literature from Little Rock, Arkansas. Within PCD, she is dialogue facilitator for GOVT 352. SheÌýis also involved with club cross country and track on campus and works in events for a DC-based firm.

Taha Vahanvaty is a junior majoring in CLEG. He has been with PCD since 2022 as a facilitator and helped launch the PCD grant program in 2023. He is also active in AU'sÌýMuslim Student Association, Interfaith Club, Running Club, and can be found climbing any one of the trees on campus.