Research Assistants

Princess Igwe-Icho (Class of 2025)

Princess is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, originally from Nigeria, Africa, quadruple-majoring in Human Rights, Philosophy, Political Science, and Corporate Communication & Public Policy with a triple minor on the Pre-Law track. As a research assistant for the Voices of SMU project, Princess hopes to gain insight from underrepresented groups and increase the voices of student experiences at SMU. She is specifically interested in the Black/African American community as well as first-generation alum stories and hopes to create change through these narratives in the form of institutional change or additional funding. Princess is also an Outreach Chair for First-Generation Association (FGA) and a First-Year Recruitment Director for the Human Rights Council (HRC). In her spare time, Princess loves reading banned books, chatting with SMU students about improvements to the SMU campus, and spending time with her family/friends. 

Sabrina Simien (Class of 2024)

Sabrina is a Sophomore from Southern California majoring in Biology with a minor in English. As an undergraduate research assistant for the Voices of SMU project, Sabrina plans to conduct interviews with SMU alumni from minority groups to share their university experiences with the world and other students. Sabrina is specifically interested in hearing and sharing the experiences of African American alumni who attended the SMU campus. As a transfer student to SMU, Sabrina plans to join other research projects on campus and has been offered membership to the National Society of Leadership and Success. Sabrina works in a Texas public library as a library services representative. Sabrina also enjoys swimming, reading, creative writing, drawing, and learning about forgotten members of history.

Michelle Ma (Class of 2025)

Michelle is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in international studies and accounting with a minor in Chinese. As a research assistant, Michelle strives to uplift the stories of underrepresented groups on campus so that every story can be told. Through working with VOSMU, Michelle hopes to gain insight into what a life in academia could be since that is a career path she wants to explore. She believes diversity is critical and has been an officer of SMU’s East Asian Student Association for the past year and is now their upcoming president. She’s also the Graphic Design Chair for Program Council and a Project Leader for Mustang Heroes.  Michelle enjoys fun, creative activities such as drawing, crocheting, and baking in her spare time.

Amanda Sun (Class of 2026)
 
Amanda is a a sophomore from Plano, TX, studying statistics, data science, and economics with a minor in computer science and business. Her academic focus revolves around analyzing data, uncovering insights, and making informed decisions, all of which will (hopefully) help her become an accomplished Data Analyst in the future. Through programs such as VOSMU, she aims to give past Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students a voice and raise awareness about their experiences. She is passionate about promoting inclusivity, cultural understanding, and empowering AAPI individuals on and off-campus. Apart from her studies, Amanda actively participates in the East Asian Student Association, where she contributes to fostering cultural appreciation and diversity. In her free time, she enjoys jogging, listening to music, and indulging in Minecraft with her friends, specifically engaging in architectural projects and world-building adventures.