Bounty Hunters
Problem Statement
We need to find a simpler, faster mechanism for creating a joint cooperative research account between the US and the UK which allows for new, high-tech research opportunities. While our research started out as trying to optimize the current mechanism, we learned from our interviews that the current process is simply not working in one direction, so we needed to find a way for both countries to feasibly put money into an account.
Solution
We find multiple courses of action to address the problem. First, contact the executive offices in charge of reviewing projects and try to discuss changing de facto precedent. Then, begin developing a Large-Scale agreement with the UK that can encompass a large portion of basic research. While that agreement gets settled, use the US-UK Defense Trade Cooperation treaty to facilitate research in the short-term.
Meet the Team
Dana Sutfin
Dana Sutfin is a Computer Information Systems major and Data Analytics minor from Richmond, Virginia. She studied abroad last summer in Valencia, Spain and learned the importance of experiencing a new culture. Dana also has served as president of the Phi Gamma Nu business fraternity for the past year at James Madison University, and has strengthened her public speaking and leadership skills immensely. She completed an internship in the past summer of 2022 with KPMG, and has signed an offer to work post-graduate for Deloitte doing crisis management and risk resilience, starting in the summer of 2023.
Abby Harlow
Abby Harlow is a Political Science and International Affairs double major with a concentration in Foreign Policy and Global Governance. She has studied abroad in Israel and Palestine, is an undergraduate researcher for the intersection of Elite political polarization in the United States, and is a nationally decorated member of JMU’s policy debate team. She will be enrolled in JMU’s Washington Semester in the Spring of 2023 where she will be living and interning in D.C. full time. In her future, she is looking to pursue a career in human rights and policy work in the future.
Anatalya Zapanta
Anatalya is a Communication Studies major with minors in Environmental Humanities and Humanitarian Affairs. Currently, she has been interning at the Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy where she works on education and outreach events to promote sustainable energy. Additionally, she’s on an academic team for the Collegiate Wind Competition, working on content creation and event planning to educate the community about the wind turbine industry. Since spring 2021 she’s been a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, a professional foreign service organization. Her other extracurricular activities include the Sustainable Innovation Club and the Public Relations Student Society of America. She aspires to use her knowledge in these areas to develop a communications career path in environmental sustainability, international affairs, and/or travel/tourism.
Gabe Templeton
Gabe is a Political Science-Secondary Education double major. With almost 5 years in the hospitality industry, he has experience serving guests, but nothing of this level. this class is incredibly far outside the realm of common civics classes. He works as a tutor for k-8 literacy students as a part-time job. After graduating, Gabe plans to work as a civics teacher, emphasizing voter literacy.
Ashray Shah
Ashray is a senior with a Mathematics major focusing on Financial Analysis and a minor in Computer Science who graduates in December 2022. He is an international student from India who has come to the US for education and to build a career. Over the summer, he interned at PRA Group as a Data Analyst. He has helped the Harrisonburg Fire Station by creating a Data Model, helping them decide the location of the fifth fire station based on various factors. In August of 2022, he represented James Madison University at the Annual MathFest in Philadelphia hosted by the Mathematical Association of America, presenting his work and findings with the Fire Department. He worked as a Math Tutor at the University and has also done research with Professors based on Advanced Math Topics. He likes to travel and explore new cultures. He played Pickleball and represented James Madison University at the Nationals in Texas in November 2022. After graduating, Ashray plans to work in Finance and Banking, preferably in New York City.