The ISP, or Independent Study Project, is written by students from the undergraduate programs of SIT Study Abroad and relates to a program theme. Using primary sources students choose topics with a manageable focus that can be carried out in a variety of settings, such as schools, nongovernmental organizations or field research stations. During the independent study period students work closely with a project advisor and other key contacts in the field. The ISP is typically a 20- to 40-page paper presented to student colleagues, the academic director and, often, the advisor and other interested host-country individuals.

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Submissions from 2018

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An Overview of Psychological Barriers to Climate Change Response and Their Implications for Improved Climate Change Communication, Ari Katz, Haverford College

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Rebuilding Tunisia, One Artist at a Time, Caitlin Kelley, Oberlin College

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“Sanarnos para sanar el mundo”: Un estudio de mujeres activistas contra el extractivismo y los poderes curativos de terapia social / "Heal us to heal the world": A study of women activists against extractivism and healing powers of social therapy, Alisha Kendrick-Pradhan, Davidson College

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Renegado: Immigrant Identities and Aspirations of White Muslim Converts in Morocco, Paul Williamson Kiefer, Pomona College

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Sans-Papiers, Sans-Santé: A Study of Undocumented Migrant Women’s Access to Reproductive and Obstetric Health Care in Switzerland, Sarah Kinch, Washington University in St. Louis

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El género y la sexualidad como herramientas coloniales: lo que significa ser epupillan (dos-espíritu) en contextos mapuche / Gender and sexuality as colonial tools: what it means to be epupillan (two-spirit) in Mapuche contexts, Sophia Knowlton-Latkin, Scripps College

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Somos todos juncos y Mapuches / We are all reeds and Mapuches, Jonah Kone, University of Puget Sound

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Community in All Education, Sophia Vancer Kooy, Hope College

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Enseñando desobediencia: La pedagogía del cuerpo y el libre desarrollo de la identidad de género de las estudiantes transgénero y travesti en el Bachillerato Popular Mocha Celis / Teaching Disobedience: Pedagogies of the Body and Transgender and Tranvestite Students’ Free Development of their Gender Identities in Bachillerato Popular Mocha Celis, Joaquín Labio, Pomona College

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The Mountain Stands: An Autoethnographic Inquiry into Zulu Christians' Approaches to Spiritual Health, Makayla Lagerman, Bucknell University

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SILENT KILLERS: DIABETES AND THE ACTIVE IGNORANCE OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASE IN BALI, Madeleine Lambert, Georgetown University

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La Lengua de Señas: Potencial y Poder en la Transición de un Enfoque Médico a la Perspectiva Socio-Antropológica de Niños Sordos / Sign Language: Potency and Power in the Transition from a Medical Approach to the Socio-Anthropological Perspective of Deaf Children, Noah Lanckton, University of Vermont

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“To Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War”: An examination of United Nations Peace Keeping and Support Provided by External Actors, Jack Lashendock, Gettysburg College

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The Contributing Factors to Adolescent Depression, Josie H. Lee, University of Michigan

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Missing Youth: The Absence of the Young Moroccan Voice in the Nation, Reid Leiter, University of Denver

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Partidarios de la vida: Resiliencia en los afectados directos de la dictadura en Arica, Chile / Supporters of life: Resilience in the direct victims of the dictatorship in Arica, Chile, Danielle Levinson, Wesleyan University

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Fish diversity and distribution in the seagrass-coral reef continuum at two sites off the western coast of Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama, Kathy Liu, Scripps College

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Growing a Garden of Healthy Masculinities: Combating Homophobia in the Imagine Project Workshops, Mia Lloyd, Smith College

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A Catalog of Orchid Species and Their Distribution in Mazumbai Forest Reserve, Tanga Region, Tanzania, Sierra Loomis, Williams College

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The Ecology of the Usambara Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris usambaricus), Sarah Lueder, Tulane University

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La influencia del quechua en el castellano de la isla de Taquile / The influence of Quechua in the Castilian of the island of Taquile, Gianna Macri, Rochester College

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The Poetics of Power The role of women’s writing in the Moroccan Education System, Eli Makovetsky, Brown University

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Patrones de depredación de orugas con colores crípticos y aposemáticos / Caterpillar depredation patterns with cryptic colors and aposematics, Jacqueline Maldonado, Brown University

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Se necesita un pueblo para criar a un niño: El desplazamiento de los hijos de Cochabamba, Bolivia / A village is needed to raise a child: The displacement of the children of Cochabamba, Bolivia, Julia Mancini, George Washington University

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PUBLIC SECRETS & PRIVATE IDENTITY: A Look into Lesbi Lives in Bali, Kara Marler, Lewis and Clark College

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When Packaged Food Pollutes our Body and Earth: Plastic Packaged Food Consumption and Waste Disposal Practices in the Himalayas, Jared Marsh and Jessica Shalvey

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Mental Maps, Occupation... Liberation? The Impact of the Israel-Palestine Conflict on the Security and Legitimacy of the State of Israel and the Struggle of Palestine, Malea Martin, Claremont McKenna College

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“Religion is Religion; My Life is My Life”: Religious Influences on Family Planning Decisions in Kapchorwa District, Uganda, Sarah Mathys, Georgetown University

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Blooming Mountains of Biodiversity: An Investigation of Angiosperms on Cerro Mayordomo, Tungurahua, Ecuador, Ella Matsuda, Rice University

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SEARCHING FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW: AN INTERNSHIP WORKING TOWARD THE ALLEVIATION OF ENERGY POVERTY THROUGH SOLAR POWER AND SEARCH-ENGINE CROWDFUNDING, Meaghan McElroy, Ithaca College

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La Calidad del Agua y el Impacto en la Salud Pública: Un examen a las fuentes del agua en la Amazonia cerca de Puyo, Ecuador y la salud de las comunidades indígenas / Water Quality and the Impact on Public Health: An examination of water sources in the Amazon near Puyo, Ecuador and the health of indigenous communities, Mary Kathryn McGregor, Wofford College

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Articulación y apoyo del programa de los Agentes Sanitarios de Mendoza: de la teoría a la práctica / Coordination and support in Mendoza’s Community Health Worker program: from theory to practice, Kelly McHugh, Pomona College

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Women’s Movement: Traveling Nepal, Shaelyn McHugh, University of California - Santa Barbara

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Cuando la vida era tranquila: Land use and livelihood changes following the construction of the Chan 75 dam in Nance del Risco, Bocas del Toro, Patrick McKenzie, University of South Carolina

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The Viability of Community Composting at the Melbourne Food Hub, Bailey McNeill, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

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The Aftermath of War: Improving Psychosocial Measures to Address Trauma in Child Refugees in the Schengen Zone, Nivedha Meyyappan, Indiana University Bloomington

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Schooling Silence: Sexual Harassment and its Presence and Perception at Uganda’s Universities and Secondary Schools, Elena Mieszczanski, The George Washington University

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Espacios de poder: percepciones de la representación política de las mujeres en Tapacarí, Cochabamba y La Paz / Spaces of power: perceptions of the political representation of women in Tapacarí, Cochabamba and La Paz, Margaret Mischka, Macalester College

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What to Expect When You’re Expecting: The Impacts China’s Maternal and Child Health Care Law has had on Tibetan Birthing Practices In the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Hannah Mishriky, Saint Michael’s College

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Salud callejera: La Atención Primaria de Salud en los márgenes de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires Redes de cuidado de una organización de la Sociedad Civil para personas en situación de calle / Street health: Primary Care in the margins of the Ciudad de Buenos Aires Care networks of a Civil Society organization for individuals experiencing homelessness, Brandon Morande, Bowdoin College

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Women in Parliament: A Study of Issue-Specific Female Coalition Building in Morocco, Lura Morton, University of Puget Sound

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Black Gold in a Changing World: An examination of Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and the possibility of a solar energy transition, Sofia Mouritsen, Gettysburg College

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Development of Health Rehabilitation in Mainland China: From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Modern Western Rehabilitation Methods, Michelle Moy, University of Illinois at Chicago

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MONEY SPEAKS: EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND FACING DEVELOPMENT IN RASUWA, Ariel Murray, Smith College

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"Prescribed to Fuck Off": Examining the Role of Heterosexual White Men in South Africa from the Perspective of Seven Students at the University of Cape Town, Meagan Murray, Villanova University

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What Lies in the Gray: Creative Analytic Pieces on the Formation and Evolution of Beliefs in Masxha, Robin Mwai, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Avian diversity and abundance in three different vegetative landscapes around a shade-grown coffee plantation on Mount Totumas, Chiriquí Highlands, Panamá, Samantha Myers

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The Impact and Effectiveness of Life Orientation on Six Students at The University of Cape Town, Sydney Nathan, Skidmore College

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Discutiendo desde el interior: La marginación de los hombres trans dentro del movimiento por el aborto legal en Argentina / Arguing from within: The Marginalization of Trans Men within the Movement for Legal Abortion in Argentina, Olivia Nichols, Brandeis University

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“Siempre se pierde con la modernización”: Patrimonio histórico y economía cultural en el Mercado San Telmo / “One Always Loses with Modernization”: Historical Heritage and the Cultural Economy and the Mercado San Telmo, Madeline Ninno, Tulane University

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Let’s Talk Takataka: Impacts of Plastic in the Stone Town Harbor Area, Zanzibar, CJ O’Brien, California Lutheran University

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La incorporación de la vacuna contra varicela al Calendario Nacional de Vacunación en Argentina: ¿Cómo se llegó a esta política pública? / The addition of a varicella vaccination to the Argentine National Calendar of Vaccination: How did this public policy arise?, Ilana Olin, Bowdoin College

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Pearl Lagoon's White Lobster: The Societal, Economic, Political and Autonomous Effects, Rafely Palacios, Emory University

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Integration of plastic recycling within a smaller community: Reducing Plastic Pollution in the Environment, Olivia Palenscar, Scripps College

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Addressing Extreme Vulnerability: Remaining Barriers to Neonatal Healthcare Delivery in Conflict Areas, Olivia Palmer, Boston College

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PARENTS AND EDUCATORS OF A SPECIAL SCHOOL: THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA, Jennifer Peterson, George Washington University

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Robotic Reflection: An Exploration of Humanity Through the Bodies of Sex Robots, Audrey Pope, Vanderbilt University

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La escuela chilena en disputa: Las perspectivas de educadores chilenos sobre el aporte de la educación popular en un contexto de una educación bancaria / The Chilean school in dispute: The perspectives of Chilean educators on the contribution of popular education in a context of a banking education, Brooke Porter, Duke University

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AN EXAMINATION OF PERCEPTION GAPS IN EDUCATIONAL ACCESS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN AMMAN, Ramya Prabhakar, Johns Hopkins University

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UN GIRO ONTOLÓGICO EN LA COSMOVISIÓN DE LA NATURALEZA: El papel del capitalismo y otras influencias en el cambio de las percepciones tradicionales de la naturaleza en la comunidad Quechua de Paru Paru / AN ONTOLOGICAL TURNOVER IN THE COSMOVISION OF NATURE: The role of capitalism and other influences in the change of traditional perceptions of the nature in the Quechua community of Paru Paru, Jessica Pusch, Elon Univerity

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Terrorist Radicalization and International Security: A Crisis of Masculinity and Gender, Moiz Rehan, Williams College

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RACI (Red Argentina para la Cooperación Internacional): La cooperación internacional en el contexto de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil en Argentina / RACI (Argentine Network for International Cooperation): International cooperation in the context of civil society organizations in Argentina, Juno Rettenmier, Rice University

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Abundance, density, and influencing indicators of solid waste accumulation and mitigation solutions along coastlines on Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro Province, Panamá, Andy Rhodes, Skidmore College

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Sacred Springs: Perceptions of Religion and Water in Village Communities of Uttarakhand, Juliet Risko, Dickinson College

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El estado “ingobernable” La relación entre usos y costumbres, la migración, el “progreso” / The "ungovernable" state The relationship between uses and customs, migration, "progress", Rosario Rivera, Lafayette College

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Water Capacity of Paramo Soils, Rafael Robert, DePauw University

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What Does It Mean to Respect One’s Mother? A Narrative Approach Exploring Maternal Respect Through the Perspectives of Zulu Mothers And Their Children, Sarah Robertson, Tulane University

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Take a Seat: A Critical Analysis of the Evolving Role of Women in Morocco’s Parliamentary Parties, Grayson Rost, University of Virginia

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Paradigmas del desarrollo urbano en Cuenca: abordando los procesos de segregación, marginación y desplazamiento / Paradigms of urban development in Cuenca: addressing the processes of segregation, marginalization and displacement, Sarah Rothschild, Whitman College

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Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Western Society: A Focus Study on Switzerland, Sandra B. Saldana, Hamilton College

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Repatriation of Rwandan Returnees In Kigali: Integration of those Born and Raised on Exile as a Result of the 1959 Violence Wave, Cristina Taulet Sanchez, Davidson College

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Looking Beyond Primary: A Study of Barriers to Secondary Education in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Uganda, Chloe Schalit, Georgetown University

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Kisumu County Hospital Patient Demographic Analysis: Looking Toward Universal Health Coverage, Lauren Scheffey, University of Richmond

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Las barreras que enfrentan las personas Indígenas con Discapacidades en una Comunidad Rural de Paucartambo, Perú / The barriers what face the people Indigenous people with Disabilities in a Community Rural from Paucartambo, Peru, Julia Scolapio, George Washington University

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Dolpopa, Yvette Segan, Vassar College

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Barriers to the Elimination of Plastic in Single Use Beverage Containers in Byron Bay, NSW, Katherine Senechal, Colby College

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¿Conservar o Consumir? El impacto de las Áreas Naturales Protegidas en la Seguridad y la Soberanía Alimentaria de la Gente Indígena en Madre de Dios, Perú / Conserve or Consume? The impact of Protected Natural Areas on Security and the Food Sovereignty of Indigenous People in Mother of God, Peru, Adde Sharp, Davidson College

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Are We There Yet, Impact Investing?, Manqi Shi, Southern Methodist University

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Nature and Nomads: Service Approach to Mongolia Tours, Jesse E. Shircliff, Gettysburg College

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Sitios de Memoria: una comparación analítica entre los espacios de memoria y Derechos Humanos en Buenos Aires y en Santiago / Sites of Memory: an analytical comparison between memory and human rights spaces in Buenos Aires and Santiago, Henry Shuldiner, Hamilton College

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Cherchant Toujours la Paix: Le Systeme Endogene de la Resolution des Conflits à Batoufam, Becky Sigman, Saint Anselm College

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Frank Thoughts: Investigating the Construction of Anne Frank as a Site of Heritage and Identity Formation in a Globalized PostHolocaust Society, Sarah Silverstein, Franklin and Marshall College

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Thangka Painting: An Exploration of Tibetan Buddhism Through Art, Hannah Slocumb, Harvey Mudd College

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Mind Control in the Post-Colonial State: The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment in tertiary education in Senegal and Jamaica, Janiel Chantae Slowly, Bucknell University

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A Glimpse into Amazighophone Technology Usage An example of the results of short-term ethnography, Garrison Smith, Connecticut College

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"Waste Is Not Just Waste Anymore": Deconstructing the Relationship between Sustainable Waste Prevention and Individual Socio-Demographic Characteristics (The Juxtaposition of Ushongo Mtoni Village and Moshi Urban, Tanzania), Mahalia Smith, The George Washington University

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A Comparative Tree Survey of Disturbed and Primary Forest Areas: Ngezi-Vumawimbi Nature Forest Reserve, Pemba Island, Skyler Smith, Colorado State University

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Mujeres, identidad indígena y educación superior: Un análisis de caso de las estudiantes del Instituto Superior Pedagógico “Pukllasunchis” del Cusco / Women, indigenous identity and higher education: A case study of the students of the "Pukllasunchis" Higher Pedagogical Institute of Cusco, Alyssa Snyder, Amherst College

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LGBTI+ Language and Understandings in Nepal: Creating Spaces and Forging Identities, Patrick Sonnenberg, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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The Changing Tide of Corporate Social Responsibility, Conor Soucy, Stonehill College

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Trust, Access, and Adaptation to Needs: The Role of Community-Based Promoters in Health Insurance Delivery in Gujarat, India, Lauryn Stafford, University of Washington

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Perceptions and physical realities of flood risk in Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá, Julia Stanganelli, University of Virginia

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Over a Cup of Tea and Koko Sāmoa, Elizabeth Stanis

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Examining the factors shaping the population structure of Thalassoma bifasciatum in the Lemon keys, Guna Yala, Panama, Nicole Stevens, Johns Hopkins University

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The Challenges of India’s Rising Breast Cancer Epidemic, Brigette Stickney, Dickinson College

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“Because This Land is Free” A Historical Perspective on Poverty, Settlement, and Conservation in the Lubigi Swamp, Adele Stock, Mount Holyoke College

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Land Rights of African Indigenous Groups: International Instruments and Main Issues, Anastasia Strouboulis, University of Maryland

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Church and State: The Impact of Christianity on South African Politics during and Post-Apartheid, Calista Struby, Trinity University

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Tribal Law at the Crossroads of Modernity: A Study on Jordanian Attitudes towards Jalwa, Danielle Sutton

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The Impact of Foreign Involvement on Political Reform Organizations in Jordan, Sravya Tadepalli, University of Oregon