Congratulations to Ashley Hatch on earning highest honors, summa cum laude, from the International Studies program for her senior thesis, “Communicating Through Conflict: An Analysis of the Myanmar Crisis.” 

Ashley's thesis advisor, Dr. EJ Yoder, wrote, “It was an honor to work with her over the last 6 months as she wrote this in-depth analysis of political, legal and intercultural communication about the Rohingya refugees.” Ashley’s all-star thesis committee members included professors Dr. Betcy Jose from Political Science and Dr. Ryan Crewe from History. The International Studies program’s Assistant Director, Dr. Alison Shah, stated, “That is quite a group of scholars you [Ashley] have impressed with your work. And a very big thanks to ej, as well. These honors projects succeed when a strong collaboration between student and supervisor is in place. International Studies really appreciates your dedication to helping students. Well done, all!”

An excerpt from Ashley’s thesis:

“The significance of this thesis is to highlight how ethnic persecution of the Rohingya has been a result of political and communication failures. The hope is that by studying these failures and their background a conclusion can be reached as to which communication model can be used to support peace. With an overarching concern about the current conflict in Myanmar, this thesis focuses mainly on how the political and legal communication during the conflict has affected the Rohingya refugees. Specific communication topics such as the media, intercultural communication between groups, within and outside of the country, protesters, and nongovernmental organizations will be explored in the hope that these communication networks will lead us to solutions and possible peacebuilding models.”

Students interested in International Studies program honors should review the requirements here and set a time to speak with a program advisor. 

Congratulations to Ashley!