HLS Student Government

Celine Yang is a sophomore majoring in International Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures, pursuing both the Chinese Flagship and Japanese programs. As the President and a founding member of the Hamilton Lugar Student Government (HLSG), she is committed to attentive, student-centered leadership. Celine prioritizes advocating for student needs, increasing accessibility, expanding professional development opportunities, and promoting meaningful service initiatives in Bloomington and beyond to further strengthen the Hamilton Lugar community and its reputation.

In addition to her work with HLSG, Celine serves as a Resident Assistant for the Hamilton Lugar Living Learning Center, a 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative (JPSI) Student Ambassador, and a Partnership Development Intern for the Emmanuel Ivorgba Center. She is also a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, a professional co-ed pre-law fraternity.

After graduation, Celine plans to work on Capitol Hill and pursue a career in public service, international relations, and politics with the long-term goal of becoming a member of Congress.

Alexander Coffman is a freshman from Indianapolis, IN, majoring in International Studies, East Asian Languages & Cultures, and Economics & Political Science. As Vice President of HLSG, Alex is dedicated towards the advancement of student interests and providing opportunity for student engagement and enjoyment. Outside of academics, Alex is deeply passionate about film, Jiu Jitsu, and reading. This summer, he hopes to build professional experience and strengthen his practical skills, while continuing to connect with the community around Indianapolis.

Meghana Penmathsa is a sophomore from Columbus, Indiana, pursuing a double major in International Law & Institutions and Cybersecurity & Global Policy, with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Outside of Hamilton Lugar Student Government, she is also involved in Indiana University Student Government, a member of the pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta, and a writer for the Undergraduate Law Journal. She is currently serving as a Human Rights intern with the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, a United Nations-affiliated nonprofit. She is planning on studying abroad in Europe during her junior year. After graduation, Meghana plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity, global policy, or international relations.

Erik Dabelko is a sophomore majoring in International Law and Institutions, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Additionally, Erik is part of the Arabic Flagship program and pursuing a minor in Spanish. Outside the classroom, Erik also participates in Indiana University Model Arab League and the IU Climbing Club. Previously, Erik has interned for Theophrastus Research Institute, editing and producing a proposal to UEFA For Children aimed at supporting education for asylum-seeking youth in Lesvos, Greece. After graduation, Erik hopes to study abroad in Morocco through the Flagship program.

Mia Phillips is a Junior from Austin, Texas, majoring in International Studies with minors in Spanish and Public Health. Along with HLSG, she is involved in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, as well as HLS Global Development Consulting and the International Business Association. Her interests in international studies align with global health promotion and policy, as well as national security and governance. In her role as Research and Dean's Advisory chair, she plans to provide HLS students with valuable research and faculty connections that will prepare them for life after graduation.

Dahlia Townley-Bakewell is a sophomore double majoring in East Asian Languages and Cultures focusing on Chinese and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures focusing on Arabic. She is also pursuing a certificate in GIS and remote sensing and a minor in informatics. She is involved in the Arabic flagship, Model Arab League, ultimate frisbee, and is a student research assistant. In her free time, Dahlia likes to read and crochet. Upon graduating, Dahlia hopes to spend a year in Morocco with the Arabic Flagship capstone program.

International Studies major, Alexis Chavira, is a freshman from Crown Point, Indiana majoring in International Studies with a minor in Global Media. At IU, she is involved in RHA where she is Director of Programming. She hopes to go to law school after graduation as well as become an author. Outside of the classroom, Alexis enjoys reading, working out, and hanging out with friends.

Mia McClellan is a Cybersecurity and Global Policy major from Ellettsville, Indiana. Alumni relations are crucial to the success of our school, so I am proud to form meaningful relationships for our students. I love travel, dance, languages, and new foods. My favorite life experience has been teaching English classes in Germany.

Tristan Davis is a junior coming from Columbus, Indiana, pursuing a dual major in International Studies and in Geography. He is also minoring in Norwegian and working towards obtaining the Hutton Honors Notation. Here at IU, he is the Chair for the Study Abroad Committee as well as an involved member of the Baltic and Finnish Studies Association. In his free time, he can usually be found reading or looking at anything involving a map. Post-graduation, he is looking to become involved with an international aid organization.

Jasmine Madison is from Belpre, Ohio and is majoring in International Law and Institutions with a minor in Communications and Public Advocacy. Jasmine is also a part of Arabic Flagship, Model Arab League, and Global Development Consulting. Outside of HLS, Jasmine is a Jr. Exec of IU's Habitat for Humanity Club, Hutton Honors student, and Hudson Holland Scholar. After class, you can find Jasmine hanging out and traveling with friends.

Ana Udawatte is a sophomore from West Lafayette, Indiana pursuing a BS in Cybersecurity and Global Policy with minors in Intelligence Studies and Central Eurasian Studies. She became involved with HLSG as a freshman, working in the Faculty and Curricular Relations committee. She hopes to continue to serve and support students at HLS and remains committed to global innovation and leadership.