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 2023

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A Transition Point: The Role of the Global Power Shift in Facilitating Saudi Internal Reforms, Aidan Aguilar, Columbia University

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Existir y Sobrevivir: El prejuicio que enfrentan los inmigrantes venezolanos en la quinta región de Chile., Daisy Alcantar, Macalester College

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The Truth Behind Avocado Expansion in the Algarve: A Synthesis of Public, Environmental Associations, and Government Perspectives and Response, Mandy Ausman, University of Puget Sound

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Litio en una Encrucijada: Voces locales sobre la reforma constitucional del gobernador Morales y su impacto en el futuro de la minería en Jujuy / Lithium at a Crossroads: Local voices on Governor Morales’ constitutional reform and its impact on the future of mining in Jujuy, Maxwell Bassin, Georgetown University

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Desapariciones de Migrantes en la Frontera: Un Análisis de Factores Influyentes, Reyna Krystal Blakeman, University of Oregon

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Understanding invasive predation: detections of feral cats (Felis catus) on Kangaroo Island’s Western River Refuge, Leah Boget, College of William and Mary

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Rocky intertidal community structure along an upwelling gradient between Playa Venao and Nueva Gorgona on Panama’s Pacific coast, Claire Brady, Claremont McKenna College

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Neoliberalismo y La Mar: Los Efectos del Sistema Neoliberal y la Pesca Artesanal de Caleta Portales, Isaac Bronfine, University of Washington

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Fauna as Fieldworkers: An analysis on the use of animals as a form of organic weed and pest management in modern viticulture, Mariana del Carmen Campano

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Estudiantes Mapuche Universitarios: El Desarrollo de Conciencia Crítica Dentro La Sistema de Neoliberalismo Multicultural, Silvia Carias-Centeno, Kenyon College

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Building a Society of Trust: Innovation and the Future of Youth Employment in Jordan, Pierre Cativiela, Williams College

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Intergenerational Change in HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma in Cato Manor, MiJin Cho, Virginia Commonwealth University

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Exploring the Role LO Plays in Preparing South African Learners for Life After Matric: A Case Study in Cato Manor, Peter Cohen, Washington University in St. Louis

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Impact of wildlife provisioning on species diversity, relative frequency, and richness in New South Wales, Alanah Cohen-Tigör, Vassar College

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Entre la exclusión y la empatía: conocimientos y sentimientos de la juventud judía de Buenos Aires sobre la memoria colectiva de “la comunidad judía” en la última dictadura argentina (1976-1983) / Between exclusion and empathy: knowledge and sentiments of Jewish youth in Buenos Aires about the collective memory of the “the Jewish community” during the Argentine dictatorship (1976-1983), Rachel Colson, Macalester College

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The State of Transgender and Kinnar Communities in Delhi: Case Studies Connecting Socioeconomic Factors to Health, Ray Craig, Swarthmore College

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Soil succession: Short and long-term impacts of grazing on soil properties in a Tropical Montane Cloud Forest, June Curtis, Oberlin College

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Lo Nuestro: Turismo y la Revalorización de la Cultura Kichwa Karanki en la Parroquia de Angochagua, Daltin Danser, The New School

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The Global Anxiety Crisis in Teenagers and a Proposed School-Based Preventative Intervention Plan Focusing on Building Resilience in Children, Lia Darling, University of Vermont

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Gentrifying while Black: Exploring the Concept of an African Homeland through Gentrification in Accra, Ghana, Amaya Davis, Kenyon College

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Grabbing the Paycheck: A Glimpse into the Modern Economic Livelihoods of Xe Máy Grab Drivers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Maddie Davis, University of Puget Sound

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Friends in High Places: Establishing pollination networks for the Páramos of Central Ecuador, Emma Diaz, Washington University in St. Louis

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Understory Epiphyte Hydrology: Analyzing water storage capacity of epiphytes along an elevational gradient in western Ecuadorian cloud forest, Angelina Dodge, Macalester College

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“Mira cómo tejemos”: La construcción de una red comunitaria y la educación ambiental en la organización Frente Insular de la Reserva Marina de Galápagos, Katie Draeger, Bowdoin College

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Bryophyta sensu stricto presence and function in the epiphytic ecosystems of the tropical montane cloud forests of El Valle de Anton, Teaghan Duff, Oberlin College

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Tropical tree carbon storage at Drago Dos Forest in Boca Del Drago, Panama, Ben Dwyer, University of Richmond

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Investigating the detriment of development assistance: A geopolitical analysis of Sino-Djibouti relations through the lens of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Elizabeth Elenwo-Roger, Spelman College

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An Exploratory Study into Empowering Grade 10 and 11 Learners through Critical Engagement with South African Literature: A Case Study in Cato Manor, Sally Fales, Washington University in St. Louis

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Intelligence Versus Inferno: How Artificial Intelligence Can Be Used to Monitor and Manage Wildfires in Europe, Maxwell Feldman, Claremont McKenna College

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On the Rocks, Below the Rocks: A study of intertidal life in the low, middle and high zones of the Puerto Cabuyal – Punta San Clemente Marine Reserve during an El Niño event, Juliana M. Ferrer, Rollins College

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Analysis of the Effects of NAFTA on Rural Farmers in Mexico: Agriculture and Immigration, Kevin Xavier Garcia-Galindo, Davidson College

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Assessing the performance of agricultural systems in the inland and coastal regions of Northern Portugal using indicators: establishing the foundation towards better agricultural practices, Genevieve Gehlken, San Diego State University

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Anuran species diversity and abundance between three locations in El Valle de Antón, Coclé, Panamá, Xena Gehring, Colorado State University

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Mycorrhizal Fungi and Reforestation in an Eastern Lowland Rainforest of Madagascar, Sophia Gibby, The University of Virginia

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Observaciones de la medicina mapuche y el mito de la medicina interculturalidad en Chile con la machi Rosita Barboza, Anat Gilligan-Steinberg, Tulane University

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Consumo Verde ¿Para Quién?: Las tierras, cosmovisiones, y personas escondidas detrás de la Fiebre del Oro Blanco / Green Consumption, For Who?: The lands, world views, and people hidden behind the White Gold Rush., Gabriel Gómez, The University of Vermont

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Refugees living with dementia: assessing the barriers to healthcare access in crisis-affected populations in Lebanon and Switzerland, and the role humanitarian actors have on addressing them, Pedro Gomez, Washington University in St. Louis

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El vínculo entre el arte, la política y el espacio público: Una investigación de Colectivo El Muro Cusco y su resistencia contra poder estatal y la censura del espacio, Stella Gould, Bates College

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Bryophyte (SL) growth and environmental factors along an altitudinal gradient on Cerro Gaital, El Valle, Coclé, Panamá, Julian Grace-Martin, The College of Wooster

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Environmental Loss, Displacement, and Anxiety in Portugal: Analyzing News Articles to Differentiate Manifestations of Environmental Distress, Robin Greene, Harvard University

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Componiendo el núcleo: Una exploración de la bomba y la identidad afroecuatoriana en el valle de Chota, Ethan Guok, Oberlin College

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Jordan Spring: An Analysis of the Regime Survival Tactics Adopted by the Hashemite Kingdom, Saumyaa Gupta, Beloit College

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Views of Judaism and Jewish People in Jordan: Political, Social, Historical, and Religious Considerations, Thalia Gustina, Colorado State University

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La Ausencia/Presencia de la Asexualidad y la Sexualnormatividad en la Educación Sexual Integral en las Escuelas Secundarias en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / The Absence/Presence of Asexuality and Sexualnormativity in Comprehensive Sexual Education in Secondary Schools in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Marin Hart, Knox College

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La significancia de la instalación de oficinas de género para estudiantes universitarias LGBTQ+ en Chile, Lori Hashasian, Bowdoin College

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Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah: Navigating the Intersection of Gender Nonconformity and Islam in Indonesia, Tali Hastings, Whitman College

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Extent of the 2023 coral bleaching event in the Nargana region of Guna Yala, Panama, Brydon Deanna Hollander, The College of Wooster

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La CURP no Sirve Para Nada: How the CURP and other Temporary Documentation Fail to Protect the Human Rights of Migrants in Transit through Mexico, Harper Hoover, Washington University in St. Louis

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The Archetype of the Ocean in Balinese Culture, Ava Hull, Swarthmore College

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Troop composition and behavior of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in mangroves and forested islands south of David, Panama, Slate Hyacinthe, Swarthmore College

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La práctica de interculturalidad crítica: Un caso de estudio de la ONG Corporación La Matriz y la comunidad migrante haitiana en Barrio Puerto, Valparaíso, Annessa Ihde, Bethel University

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Reef fish wariness behavior: Fish flight initiation distance mediated by territoriality and body size in three reef sites off the Western coast of Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro, Panamá, Alina G. Irvine, Swarthmore College

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“Jamás os conocí”: la utilización del discurso católico para justificar la represión ilegal durante la última dictadura militar de Argentina / “I never knew you”: the utilization of Catholic discourse to justify the illegal repression during the final military dictatorship in Argentina, Molly Jirgal, Sewanee

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The Australian News Media and Climate Change: How Frames Impact the Response of Individuals in an Anthropocentric Society, Laura Joelsson, Denison University

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Evaluating the On-Site Impacts of the Ambatovy Project through the Lens of Environmental Justice, Nick Karlik, Macalester College

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People Power & Politics: Evaluating the impact of the Conselho de Cidadãos de Lisboa on climate policy and political efficacy in Lisbon, Marion Linde, Barnard College of Columbia University

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Agroforestry for the future: motivations behind Tasmanian farmers planting trees, Josh Lipp, Williams College

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Los Porteadores Del Camino Inca: Conversaciones y Perspectivas Sobre los Efectos del Turismo, Joshua Lipscomb, Wofford College

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Community complexity of a pollination network: Analysis of plant-pollinator interactions in the eastern Ecuadorian cloud forest, Anisa López-Ruiz, Pomona College

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A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Cork versus Traditional Shoe Insole Material, Alexandra Lum, The University of Virginia

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Women in sustainable leadership: A case study on the perspectives, opportunities, and challenges of biologist and conservationist Estrela Matilde, Ella Lyons, University of San Diego

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Bridging the Education Gap: Series of Infographic Guides to Sustainable Living for Low-Income Communities, Brianna Mateo, Smith College

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A case study of sustainable development at the Penonomé wind farms, a CDM registered project in Coclé, John Matuszewski, Georgetown University

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Hydropower to the people: Implications of a comparative macroinvertebrate study on either side of the Central Hidroeléctrica Topo in Tungurahua, Ecuador, Grace Mazur, Johns Hopkins University

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A Comparative Plague Study of Cacao Fungal Disease in Cacao Pods Within Monocultures and Indigenous Agroforests in Ecuador’s Napo Province, Seamus McCarthy, Macalester College

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Unleash the Heat: Exploring Geothermal Energy Perspectives and Energy Literacy in São Miguel, Azores, Lena McDonough, University of Michigan

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Unveiling the Impact: Mexico's Decree on Genetically Modified Corn and its Ramifications on Food Security, Lauren McShea, Washington University in St. Louis

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Sunan Kalijaga: The Birth of a Self-Actualized Pilgrimage Culture, F. P. Meachem, Macalester College

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Las facultades especiales de los parques públicos: Investigar los efectos reconstituyentes de la Plaza Almirante Brown en los visitantes, Aidan Michelow, Bowdoin College

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Portugal to New Mexico: Investigating the Applicability of Syntropic Agriculture to a Semi-Arid Continental Climate, Arielle Nathan, Williams College

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ABCDs of Triggerfish in Pemba and Misali Island: Abundance, Biodiversity, Behaviour, Cultural Significance and Distribution, Hannah Ng Shueh Yi, Yale-NUS College

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El impacto del diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en los vínculos en mujeres de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (2023) / The impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on the relationships of women living in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (2023), Devin O’Loughlin, Bowdoin College

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Las barreras sociales, económicas, y políticas que deben enfrentar las mujeres víctimas de violencia al momento de realizar la denuncia y de recibir protección en el Departamento de Maipú, Provincia de Mendoza en el año 2023 / The social, economic, and political barriers that female victims of domestic violence face when reporting violence or accessing the corresponding protection services in Maipú, Mendoza in 2023, Amelia Opsahl, Claremont McKenna College

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Hydrological patterns of the Chimborazo Reserve: Streamflow, climate, and glacier recession data show a loss of glacial influence on the southwestern aspect of the Chimborazo volcano, Ecuador., William F. M. Patrick, Pomona College

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Migrants sans Papiers: the Impact of Cantonal Program and Policy Discrepancies on Undocumented Migrant Healthcare Utilization in Switzerland, Denise Peng, Yale University

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El Empoderamiento de Personas Embarazadas y Posparto en Arica, Chile: Perspectivas Indígenas y Biomédicas, Abby Perce, Smith College

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Centros de inclusión social bajo gestión asociada y la salud mental de las personas en situación de calle, Kien Phan, Trinity College

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Poland and the Ukraine War: A Geopolitical Analysis, Thomas Pitney, The College of Wooster

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Flujos de servicios ecosistémicos en un área marina protegida del Atlántico Sur: Perspectivas desde el análisis de la teoría de redes, Mitch Porter, Carleton College

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The Effects of Stigma Against HIV and Tuberculosis on Patient Mental Health and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Dharamshala, Isabel Powell, Georgetown University

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Wishing for Water While Fleeing Their Farms: A Study of Water Scarcity and Internal Migration in Tunisia, Tyler Rak, The College of Wooster

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Local Traditions, Global Influences, National Belonging: Conditional Acceptance of Cross-Gender Dance in Central Java, Indonesia, Calla Rhodes, Georgetown University

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Conflicting Socio-Cultural Attitudes and Community Factors Resulting in Backstreet Abortion in Cato Manor, KwaZulu Natal, Chloe Sachs, Washington University in St. Louis

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What Makes a Family: How an Empowerment-Based Health Care Delivery Model Employs Family Planning to Positively Impact Families in Rural Maharashtra: A Study in Jamkhed, Ahmadneger, Sezin Sakmar, The George Washington University

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Geopolitics of Semiconductor Supply Chains: The Case of TSMC, US-China-Taiwan Relations, and the COVID-19 Crisis, Aditya Sehgal, Georgetown University

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Community participation and perspectives of Ambondrolava mangrove restoration project, Nadine Shannon, Davidson College

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Maternal Healthcare Access and Obstetric Complications: A Cause and Effect Relationship?, Lena Sharara, Tufts University

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Un análisis de los programas de asistencia para varones que han ejercido violencia de género en la Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA). An analysis of programs of assistance for men who have committed gender violence in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires., Shreya Shrestha, University of Colorado Boulder

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Inclusión Cultural en FONASA: Parto aymara como un estudio de caso, Madison Singleton, Washington University in St. Louis

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Spatial ecology and habitat preference of yellow-spotted monitors (Varanus panoptes) at Lizard Island National Park, QLD, Australia, Ryan Snyder, Butler University

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EU Migration Policy: Analyzing the Coercive Responses of Transit Countries Within the EU’s Framework of Externalization, Emily Swan, Barnard College of Columbia University

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Psychopathology or Possession: How Ghanaian Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians Understand Mental Illnesses and how Perceived Understandings Vary Depending on if they are Current Students or not, Jamila L. Taffe, Denison University

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Sembrando una cultura de soberanía alimentaria: la Reserva Pambiliño y la Reserva de Biósfera del Chocó Andino de Pichincha, Sophie Tanner, University of Richmond

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Variation in the growth parameters and biomass of Rhizophora mangle seedlings with distances from Playa Estrella, Bocas del Toro, Panama, Thiny Tep, Barnard College of Columbia University

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El Programa Ampliado de Inmunización (PAI) y la confianza en la vacunación de la población en Argentina: Estudio de caso en la vacunación contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH). The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and vaccine confidence in Argentina’s population: a case study on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine., Ana Tiscareño, Rice University

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Judicial Off-Bench Resistance in Post-Revolution Tunisia, Farah Tolu-Honary, Beloit College

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Exploring the Influence of Globalization and Self-Expression in Shaping the Vietnamese LGBTQ+ Community in Urban Vietnam, Minh-Thy Tyler, Emory University

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Gallardo, Guisinde y hacer Puntas Agudas de huesos de Guanacos: Un Análisis de Fuentes Etnográficas sobre tecnologías Elaboradas sobre materias primas duras de origen animal, Benjamin Van Rooy, The University of Virginia

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An analysis of factors in the policymaking process that enabled prison sentence decreases through the 2022 Organic Law of Comprehensive Guarantee of Sexual Freedom/La Ley Del Solo Sí es Sí in Spain, Cambron Wade, Bowdoin College

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La Formación de la Identidad Afrodescendiente y su Manifestación en Movimientos Políticos, Simone Watson, Spelman College