Category: Fellows Bio

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Thandeka Bango

Thandeka Bango (’26) is a rising Junior from Harare, Zimbabwe majoring in Environmental Geosciences and Geography. Through his first-hand experience living on the African continent, Thandeka witnessed countries plagued by macroeconomic volatility, corruption, societal disparities and what can be deemed a human-induced famine, whose consequences have only been exacerbated by climate change and the enhanced greenhouse effect.

His participation in the 2021 World Economic Forum Citizens Dialogues gave him the skills to cultivate a multifaceted approach to resolving global issues in varied contexts.

Thandeka’s research, therefore evaluates the feasibility of sustainable development in Zimbabwe. With his dedication to Environmental Justice, Thandeka hopes to model African economies sustainably critically exploring positive change.

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JACKLINE MASETU

Jackline Masetu is a rising sophomore at Bucknell University, majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. She is from Nairobi, Kenya. She is passionate about the lives of Africans and wants to help create awareness about ‘hidden diseases’ in the continent. Her research focuses on sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects many individuals in Africa but often lacks sufficient awareness and understanding. She aims to shed light on the struggles and resilience of those living with the disease, using digital humanities tools to amplify their stories and advocate for better healthcare resources and support systems.

Through her research and advocacy, she aspires to contribute to a future where hidden diseases like sickle cell anemia are no longer marginalized, and where individuals affected by these conditions receive the recognition and care they deserve. Her dedication to this cause reflects her broader commitment to improving the lives of Africans and ensuring that their stories are heard and valued on a global scale.

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Gianna Depina

Hello!

Gianna Depina was born October 23 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. She ethnically is a Cape Verdean American woman and identifies as a black woman. She has always been curious, outgoing, passionate, and extremely warm hearted. Gianna is a rising junior who is intending on graduating from Bucknell with a B.S in Neuroscience, on the premed track, with an intended minor in health humanities. She strongly believes that it is equally important for pre-health students to explore and learn about the humanities side of health, as it is the science side. Gianna loves nature, cars, working out, all types of animals, and her Mommy, Francisca Depina. Gianna has always been family orientated as she someday wants to start her own big family. Gianna is currently working on spreading awareness on several topics.

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Malika Ali

Malika Ali ‘26 is an International Relations & Classics double major with an intended minor in Arabic. She grew up in Carteret, NJ, but moved around during the COVID-19 pandemic before settling in Lewisburg, PA. Malika is very interested in law and justice and hopes to eventually attend law school after graduating Bucknell. She is specifically interested in public policy and criminal justice.

Her project focuses on studying the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system. Specifically, she aims to analyze how the pandemic led to changes in prosecution rates, arrests, and incarcerations, highlighting inequities that arose such as increased risk of exposure, reduced access to legal representation, and overcrowding. Additionally, her research considers the impact of social movements like Black Lives Matter and the heightened media coverage of police brutality, which also influenced changes in law enforcement and procedures.