Each year, PCD hosts a cohort of driven, passionate student fellows supporting curriculum development, dialogue facilitation, individual research projects, and more! 

If you are a student interested in joining this year's cohort, please reach out to Program Coordinator Rahul Kirkhope at dialogueproject@american.edu

Meet the 2024-25 cohort:

Nuria Martin is a junior studying Political Science. This is her second year with PCD; last year, she was a facilitator for Professor Schwartz's GOVT 352: Law and the Political System. She is also a member of the American University Gospel Choir and spends her free time attending the campus ministry and drawing.

Meera Sehgal is a senior studying Communications, Law, Economics, and Government (CLEG). She has been involved with student government and leadership projects on campus and is excited to contribute to the Project for Civil Discourse. She plans on attending law school and hopes to pursue a combined medical and law degree. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, reading about psychology, and weightlifting.

Jake Glasser is a sophomore studying Communications, Law, Economics, and Government (CLEG) helping develop PCD's new student organization Social Capitol. When he's not debating local policy or disagreeing with professors on PCD time, he is a new member coordinator and competitor on the American University Model UN Team and doing marketing work for 27North. A fun fact about Jake is that he knows how to play the Trumpet and Tuba!

Peri Bies is a sophomore studying International Studies and working on PCD curriculum development and dialogue facilitation. A fun fact about Peri is that she is from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!). 

JaVaughn Redd-Rodriguez is a passionate advocate for disability rights with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Originally from Los Angeles, California, JaVaughn brings both lived experience and professional insight to their work. He has served as a dedicated home care provider, supporting individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. Through his work, JaVaughn continues to uplift marginalized voices and champion access and dignity for all. The Project on Civic Dialogue is delighted to have JaVaughn currently working as a summer assistant.

Grace Manson is a junior studying Communications, Law, Economics and Government (CLEG) with a minor in Spanish. Her favorite thing about PCD is the 'aha' moments when dialoguers realize they have more in common than they thought. Outside of PCD, Manson writes for AU's investigative magazine, AWOL, rides with the equestrian team, and enjoys talking about her ukulele.

Caroline Pirrone is a junior from New Jersey studying Political Science with a minor in International Studies. This is her first year working with PCD as a peer facilitator for GOVT 352! Outside of PCD, she works with Voters of AU, a student led organization, previously as a Fundraising Director and most recently as the External Outreach Director. A fun fact about Caroline is that her favorite animals are ducks!

Phoebe Sanders is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Literature from Little Rock, Arkansas. Within PCD, she is dialogue facilitator for GOVT 352. She is also involved with club cross country and track on campus and works in events for a DC-based firm.

Taha Vahanvaty is a junior majoring in CLEG. He has been with PCD since 2022 as a facilitator and helped launch the PCD grant program in 2023. He is also active in AU's Muslim Student Association, Interfaith Club, Running Club, and can be found climbing any one of the trees on campus.