July 29, 2025

EVANSTON, Ill., -- The Alumnae of Northwestern University has selected 15 students to receive grants to fund 2025 summer internships. The Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) provides undergraduate students a $3,500 stipend for completing an unpaid summer internship, of which $2,000 is funded by The Alumnae, a staunch supporter of the SIGP program since 2010.
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) serves as the program administrator, with financial support coming from the President and Provost offices, as well as other generous donors. SIGP applicant numbers have soared since the program’s first year, when grants were awarded to 10 students from an applicant pool of 90. This year and last year, more than 650 students applied for SIGP grants with more than half of those students being awarded grants. The Alumnae’s 15 recipients were selected from a pool of 60 highly qualified candidates.
“By sponsoring these grants, our organization is pleased to provide financial support for undergraduates who will have the unique experience of a summer internship, especially important for career-building in these uncertain times,” notes Margie Eskilson, chair of The Alumnae’s SIGP Fellowship Committee. NCA hosts a virtual “meet and greet” for Alumnae to talk to interns around the country about their summer experiences.

Recipients of the 2025 Alumnae grants, and their summer internship programs are:
Grace Chung – Grace is a rising sophomore in Bienen School of Music (BSM) studying Voice & Opera Performance and Psychology with a Korean Language minor. This summer, Grace is participating in La Musica Lirica in Italy. Grace will be performing in an opera production of Rigoletto and performing in weekly concerts. Grace is from Garfield, New Jersey.

Kunmi Faseru – Kunmi is a rising junior in Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences(WCAS) studying Psychology and Cognitive Science. This summer, Kunmi is working with the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago assisting with a project on teacher wellbeing and educational alignment for pre-K to second grade. Kunmi is from Olathe, Kansas.

Iris Ingelfinger – Iris is a rising senior (BSM) studying Viola Performance and Sociology. This summer, Iris is participating in the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Iris will be playing viola in multiple string chamber ensembles and receiving instruction from professional performers. Iris is from Durham, New Hampshire.

Eunchai Kang – Eunchai is a rising senior (BSM) studying Viola Performance and Economics. This summer, Eunchai is a violist for the Chicago Summer Opera and Orchestra Training Program, performing operas and some orchestral work. Eunchai is from Andover, Massachusetts.

Rebecca Lawton – Rebecca is a rising junior in McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science (McC) studying Computer Engineering. This summer, Rebecca is working with Tut-a-Tet, a peer-to-peer online learning start-up based in Israel. Rebecca will be assisting with technical tasks and app development. Rebecca is from Cleveland, Ohio.

Louis Lee – Louis is a rising senior in the School of Education & Social Policy (SESP) studying Social Policy Global Health Studies. This summer, Louis is interning with the Illinois Department of Public Health in the Division of Government Affairs. Louis will support key governmental and legislative initiatives and communicate with legislators about public health initiatives. Louis is from Fullerton, California.

Sarah Lyons – Sarah is a rising senior (WCAS) studying Environmental Sciences and Political Science. This summer, Sarah is working with Run on Climate researching local climate policy, identifying opportunities for climate initiatives, investigating trends in climate policy, and helping local candidates get elected. Sarah is from Mason, Ohio.

Jaider Moreno – Jaider is a rising junior (SESP) studying Social Policy and Economics. This summer, Jaider is working with Unidad Administrativa Especial de Catastro Dsitrial (UAECD) in Colombia. Jaider will be supporting the administrative and financial subdirectorates by assisting in the development, documentation, and implementation of internal financial procedures and ensuring compliance with institutional standards. Jaider is from South Elgin, Illinois.

Hanna Oyasu – Hanna is a rising junior (BSM) studying Flute Performance and Neuroscience. This summer, Hanna is participating in the Aspen Music Festival. Hanna was selected out of a competitive pool of young flutists from around the world to perform. Hanna is from Palatine, Illinois.

Sophie Pichardo – Sophie is a rising senior (WCAS) studying Linguistics with minors in Human Communication Sciences and Gender & Sexuality Studies. This summer, Sophie is working with Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America providing high-impact tutoring and working closely with parents to navigate Chicago Public Schools. Sophie is from Rome, Georgia.

Sari Richmond – Sari is a rising junior in Medill School of Journalism (J) studying Journalism and Biological Sciences with a minor in Legal Studies. This summer, Sari is interning with APS & Associates in a communications role. Sari will draft social media posts and graphics, work with clients to draft press releases, and write articles throughout the summer. Sari is from Memphis, Tennessee.

Clara Shapiro – Clara is a rising junior in School of Communication (C) studying Theatre and General Music with minors in Dance and Psychology. This summer, Clara is working with the Los Angeles Theatre Initiative to develop and refine a student-written musical as the music director. The experience will culminate in bringing the show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Clara is from College Park, Maryland.

Carla Torres Camargo – Carla is a rising junior (WCAS). This summer, Carla is working with Avant Concierge Urology as a Clinical & Research Fellow. In the role, Carla will collect patient data, shadow physicians, and manage portions of ongoing research studies. Carla is from Castellar del Vallès, Spain.

Emma Vinokour – Emma is a rising junior (WCAS) studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Data Science. This summer, Emma is working with the Harvard School of Engineering as a Research Assistant. Emma will work on a project focused on optimizing a unique method for delivering therapeutically relevant molecules to cells, aiming to enhance cell therapies for treating diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Emma is from Westwood, Massachusetts.

Jieun Woo – Jieun is a rising junior (Mc) studying Chemical Engineering. This summer, Jieun is working with the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development in the Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. Jieun will testing bacterial strains in fluorinated compound biodegradation research. Jieun is from Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Alumnae of Northwestern University is an all-volunteer organization of women that raises funds for a wide range of projects to benefit the University and showcases the University’s academic resources with the community through its Continuing Education Program. Founded in 1916, The Alumnae celebrated the 50th year of its continuing education programming in 2019. Since that beginning, The Alumnae has given more than $10.5 million to the University in the form of grants, fellowships, scholarships, and an endowed professorship, as well as funding special University projects and summer internships. For more information, visit our website (nualumnae.org) or our CE website (nualumnaecourses.org).
# # #
NR 2025

 For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For more information contact:
 Michele Bresler, chair, Public Relations
 The Alumnae of Northwestern University
 847-867-5412 – [email protected]