Gabrielle Sinnott is a second-year MPIA Human Security major in GSPIA's Master of International Affairs program. She is also pursuing an Asian Studies Certificate as a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellow.
Originally from Lockport, New York, she attended Daemen College in western New York for her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science. She is currently an International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) Ambassador Intern and is waiting for her security clearance to begin an internship at the Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP).
She is also participating in GSPIA professor Taylor Seybolt’s “When Genocidal Violence Happen” working group. Sinnott is interested in dedicating her career to combatting human trafficking and mass atrocities, advocating for sustainable development, with a continued focus on East and Southeast Asia regional studies.
Below you'll find a virtual question-and-answer session we had with Gabrielle about her experience at GSPIA.
Q: Why did you choose your program or major at GSPIA?
A: I chose my program as GSPIA because I wanted to obtain the skills necessary to make a sustainable and meaningful impact in the livelihoods of others. The coursework I’ve taken thus far has fostered my interests in the international affairs sphere as well as expanded my knowledge on a variety of topics such as democracy and good governance, food systems, and U.S.— China relations.
Q: What has been your favorite experience in Pittsburgh – both personally and professionally?
A: Some of my favorite personal experiences in Pittsburgh have been going to all of the parks in the area, visiting the museums, and grabbing dinner and drinks in Oakland with friends I’ve made through GSPIA. Professionally, I’ve enjoyed sitting in on presentations and discussions held by UCIS, the Ford Institute for Human Security, and Pitt WIIS.
Q: Why GSPIA?
A: I chose GSPIA not only for the chance to participate in a working group, but also to pursue a regional focus. When visiting schools, GSPIA stuck out as an institution that provided their students with the resources necessary to have a competitive advantage in the job market. From participating in two working groups, to pursuing an Asian studies certificate, and starting a student initiative focused on human security and sustainable development topics, I believe GSPIA has fostered my growth as a leader and student of international affairs.