Our Interim Directors
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MEGAN PHILLIPS
CO-DIRECTOR Hello, my name is Megan and I am currently working with ICFRC as an Interim Co-Director. I graduated in May 2019 from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in French. My interest in international cultures and languages led to several incredible experiences abroad, including semesters abroad in Lyon and Paris, France, and an internship in the Political/Economic section of the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia. I am now working as a Sponsored Research Associate for the University of Iowa Division of Sponsored Programs. When I’m not working, you can find me at home with my dog Oliver, either reading a book or binging a show on Netflix.
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ALEXANDRA HERNANDEZ-PARDO
CO-DIRECTOR Hi, my name is Alexandra and I graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2019 with a double major in International Relations and French, with a focus in Arabic. My interest in international cultures and affairs began in my youth, when I spent my childhood speaking Spanish at home and moving between San Francisco, Paris, and Granada. In college I had the opportunity to study abroad twice, once in Fez, Morocco to learn Arabic and once in Lyon, France, where I studied French. I also worked as an Assistant in the Consular Department, Front Office, and Cultural Heritage Section at the US Embassy in Paris. On campus, I worked with student organizations to raise advocacy and funds for international issues like childhood vaccines in developing countries and populations affected by the global water crisis. After graduation, I began working as an intern with the UI Center for Advancement, where I connect the University with partners in corporations and foundations and will continue to work as the Corporate Engagement Coordinator beginning in September 2019. In the future I will continue my studies by going to graduate school or law school with the hope of working abroad in development. When I’m not working I like to take my puppy Frankie to the park, settle in at home with a good book, or spend time with family and friends!
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Our Interns
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Intern: Kate Malkusak
Major: International Studies Hi, my name is Kate, and I am a second year at the University of Iowa! I'm an Iowa City native and am International Studies (with a Development focus), Spanish, and a minor in Arabic. I have always had a passion for learning new languages and cultures- French is next to learn on my list. During my senior year of high school, I was fortunate enough to be an exchange student in Spain where I lived for a year with a host family. This experience allowed me to learn Spanish and travel all over Europe- who wouldn't love international studies after that?
Being with other people who share a passion for global connections and learning new cultures really drew me towards this Internship with the ICFRC. I look forward to learning from each other and gaining even more perspective during my time here at Iowa and with the ICFRC. |
Countries I have visited:
Australia, St. Lucia, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. I have always wanted to visit Manchu Pichu in Peru with my sisters! Besides traveling, I also love to bake and go camping in the summer.
Australia, St. Lucia, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. I have always wanted to visit Manchu Pichu in Peru with my sisters! Besides traveling, I also love to bake and go camping in the summer.
Intern: Madison Black
Major: Political Science, Ethics and Public Policy
Hi, my name is Madison and I’m a junior studying Political Science and Ethics and Public Policy, with a minor in Spanish. I’m originally from Eldon, a small town in southeastern Iowa. After my time as an undergraduate I plan on studying immigration law, likely at Iowa Law. Eventually, I hope to practice immigration law for a nonprofit. Here at ICFRC I am currently in charge of creating our newsletter. In addition to interning with ICFRC I am involved with quite a few other organizations at the University. I am a member of University Honors, I write fact-checks for PolitiFact Iowa, I compete with Iowa Quiz Bowl, and I am a member of the Roosevelt Network’s University of Iowa chapter. I also work at the Sciences Library on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking new creations, playing Animal Crossing, and cuddling with my cat, Bongo.
Major: Political Science, Ethics and Public Policy
Hi, my name is Madison and I’m a junior studying Political Science and Ethics and Public Policy, with a minor in Spanish. I’m originally from Eldon, a small town in southeastern Iowa. After my time as an undergraduate I plan on studying immigration law, likely at Iowa Law. Eventually, I hope to practice immigration law for a nonprofit. Here at ICFRC I am currently in charge of creating our newsletter. In addition to interning with ICFRC I am involved with quite a few other organizations at the University. I am a member of University Honors, I write fact-checks for PolitiFact Iowa, I compete with Iowa Quiz Bowl, and I am a member of the Roosevelt Network’s University of Iowa chapter. I also work at the Sciences Library on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking new creations, playing Animal Crossing, and cuddling with my cat, Bongo.
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Intern: Amna Haider
Major: Philosophy and International Relations Hello! My name is Amna Haider and I am a junior at the University of Iowa, originally from Omaha, Nebraska. I currently am double-majoring in Philosophy and International Relations, while pursuing a Human Rights Certificate. As you can see, my interests seem to intersect philosophy, law and human rights, and international politics. Through these interests, I seek to work with others to advocate for international peace, security, and justice for all, while also exposing my community to global conflicts and issues. ICFRC is evidently the perfect medium to do so! Having travelled to the opposite side of the world to visit family in Iraq, I am determined to seek out more international experiences throughout my college years and post-graduate plans. Not to mention—more travels means more chances to sharpen my Arabic and French!
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Simply put, I enjoy learning about different cultures and peoples around the world. I understand that international conflict and cultural clashes most certainly exist, and I hope to one day do SOME small part in mediating such conflicts and fostering positive relationships between state actors, non-state actors your average citizens of the world through institution-building. In the meantime, besides interning at ICFRC, I am involved on campus through being a Resident Assistant, a member of the University Lecture Committee, an Honors Writing Fellow, the Vice President of the Walk-it-Out Multicultural Fashion Show, and the founder/President of a new peace activism student organization called Peace by Peace. With the little time I have, I like to take walks, soak in the sun, catch up on world affairs, watch movies, and attend public lectures on campus!
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Intern: Shannon O'Brien
Major: International Studies Hi, my name is Shannon, and I am junior at the University of Iowa studying International Studies, with a focus in international business, Spanish, and a pre-law student. I want to see change in the world and advocate for those who feel lost without a voice after obtaining a law degree.
Traveling and learning languages has always been a passion of mine. If I had the ability to travel every day of my life, I would. I grew up in Chicago and in high school I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in Spain. This experience revealed my desire for traveling and adventure, embracing other cultures, and utilizing my ability to speak various languages. This organization emphasizes the benefits on global connections and that is why I was automatically interested in getting involved. When I learned about this internship, I was ecstatic that there was such an evident place existing that encompassed people with ideas and desires like my own. I want to foster positive relationships globally and help educate people on conflicts that are often misunderstood. I look forward to all that I will learn from this organization and am excited to apply its concepts in areas of my own life. |
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Intern: Tanner Hawkinson
Major: Biology Hello! My name is Tanner Hawkinson and I’m a senior studying Biology with plans of going to Physician Assistant School after graduation. I was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa and studied Spanish in high school. After high school, I enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and became a combat medic. It was during Basic Training that I realized my appreciation for all the different cultures of the world. During my time at the University of Iowa, I have immersed myself in the cultures of the school by joining several clubs that have made me grow as a person. I am a part of Medicus, UI EMS, UI Biology Club, and UI Honors Program. I currently work as an EMT at CARE Ambulance and volunteer at UIHC Burn Treatment Unit. My most memorable cultural experience was during Army Basic Training.
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I lived and worked with new recruits from all around the country for 10 weeks. We lived, ate, and learned together. We were required to use teamwork to solve problems under stressful conditions. The most interesting thing I took away from my experience was the way I interacted and learned from people of different backgrounds. In my increasingly limited free time, I love going hiking in the woods, running, and playing ultimate frisbee at Hubbard Park. Becoming an intern for ICFRC has already opened my eyes to many new opportunities. I’m thankful for this internship and the friends I have made because of it!
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Intern: Ryan Hubbart
Majors: Economics and International Relations Hi, my name is Ryann. I’m a sophomore from Clinton, Iowa. At the University of Iowa I am studying economics with a policy focus and international relations with a focus in international business and economic relations, as well as a minor in Arabic. My connection with ICFRC began in high school. On a couple occasions during my junior and senior years I skipped school to come visit my sister, currently in her senior year at UI, and attend ICFRC lectures! I remember feeling my eyes being opened to new topics and opportunities. Those fascinating lectures, as well as conversations with my tablemates, helped lead me to my current passions. I’m honored to get the opportunity to do the same for other students, now as an intern with ICFRC. So far I’ve had the chance to visit Rome and London on trips with my sister, and will hopefully get to explore more of the world in the near future! In my free time I like to play piano, cross country ski, and bake.
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Intern: Jenna Riordan
Majors: International Studies Hello, my name is Jenna Riordan and I am a senior from Norwalk, Iowa. I will graduate in the spring of 2021 with a B.A. in International Studies, focusing on International Human Rights, as well as with a minor in French. I first became interested in international cultures when I was lucky enough to travel to Europe in high school. Along with my family, I was able to visit six countries in a four-week period which has had a major impact in determining my future goals. In addition, during the spring of 2020, I studied at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. While unfortunately interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling around Europe and immersing myself in other cultures still remains one of my most prized memories. |
Throughout my studies at the University of Iowa, I have acquired an interest in studies of human rights. I have enrolled in courses regarding immigration, refugee policies, and the making of social movements, as well as engaging with how the nonprofit sector factors into the work in these areas. The luncheon lectures hosted by ICFRC supplement my courses and I am grateful to work with such an incredible organization. I have also volunteered with the Iowa International Center in Des Moines, working to assemble Teacher Toolkits for future ESL teachers. In addition, I participate in the student organization, Friends Without Borders, and am a member of the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. In the future, I plan to use the information I have learned through these experiences to pursue a law degree with which I plan to work for the protection of human rights.
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Intern: Andrew Bohn
Majors: Journalism, International Relations Hello, my name is Andrew Bohn and I am a sophomore from West Des Moines, Iowa. I am studying journalism and international relations here at the University of Iowa while also trying my hand at a number of creative projects. When I’m not working on school, I enjoy helping some of my friends make music, while gawking over fashion and design with others. Although I have since changed, I started college as a cinema major and screenwriting has since become a favorite hobby rather than an assignment. Growing up in the middle of Iowa, I have always had the desire to get out and explore the other things the world has to offer. Other cultures, food, music and traditions from around the globe have always peaked my interest. I want to study abroad during my time here at Iowa, preferably in Europe so I can catch a Bayern Munich soccer match. I want to keep as many options open for myself after graduation, whether it be more school or taking on a career in one of my respective fields.
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I couldn’t give you a concrete answer, but at the moment I’d like to be a foreign corespondent for an news organization such as Vice. The 24-hour news cycle doesn’t seem to be in my wheelhouse. I would also enjoy working in defense intelligence, whether for a private firm or the U.S. military. Whatever I find myself doing, I want to have fun and have something fresh to do everyday. During my time interning at ICFRC, I want to build connections with other students, expert speakers and other members of the international community.
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Intern: Natalia Hernandez Pardo
Major: Psychology and Art History Hello, my name is Natalia and I am planning to study Psychology and Art History at NYU in Spring 2021. I have always been interested in International Development because it aligns with my multicultural background and experiences. This began in my youth, where I was raised in a Spanish speaking household between San Francisco and Paris, turning me into a third culture child. Due to having lived in France for the majority of my life, I naturally created a root in all the different countries I visited, as well as had the opportunity to directly connect to these cultures. Personally this is what attracted me to ICFRC, as I know it will help me continue to maintain these international roots, meanwhile helping and expanding my knowledge in the International Relations area. Countries I have visited : France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Germany, UK, Morocco, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungry, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Vatican City. |
Intern: Abbi Denner
Major: International Relations & French
Hi! My name is Abbi Denner and I am a Junior from Ankeny, Iowa double majoring in International Relations and French and minoring in Arabic. Despite growing up in the middle of Suburbia, I have always been interested other cultures which led to a love of foreign language, and my passion for debate and government began in high school. I interned with the Iowa Democratic Party during the 2016 elections and after graduating, I served as Page to the Democratic Minority Leader within the Iowa House of Representatives. Now, I am an avid consumer of international news podcasts, and being as informed a citizen of this world as I can is a passion of mine! On campus, I’m also a member of Hawkeye Allies and the Undergraduate Political Science Association. Otherwise, if I’m not at home loving on my roommate’s ornery English Bulldog puppy, I’m running around between my three part-time jobs.
Major: International Relations & French
Hi! My name is Abbi Denner and I am a Junior from Ankeny, Iowa double majoring in International Relations and French and minoring in Arabic. Despite growing up in the middle of Suburbia, I have always been interested other cultures which led to a love of foreign language, and my passion for debate and government began in high school. I interned with the Iowa Democratic Party during the 2016 elections and after graduating, I served as Page to the Democratic Minority Leader within the Iowa House of Representatives. Now, I am an avid consumer of international news podcasts, and being as informed a citizen of this world as I can is a passion of mine! On campus, I’m also a member of Hawkeye Allies and the Undergraduate Political Science Association. Otherwise, if I’m not at home loving on my roommate’s ornery English Bulldog puppy, I’m running around between my three part-time jobs.
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Intern: Holly Harris
Major: International Studies Hello, my name is Holly Harris, and I am from Waterloo, Iowa. I am a third-year student obtaining an International Studies B.A. with a focus in International Communication, a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy, and two minors in Portuguese and Spanish. My passion for international affairs sparked the year after I graduated from high school when I had the opportunity to live in Brazil for a year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Currently, I research Brazilian Culture and Carnival with a UI Professor for the Iowa Center of Research by Undergraduates (ICRU) and partake in the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Virtual Program for Portuguese. Additionally, I am a program coordinator for the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) and of course, an intern at ICFRC as a Communications Coordinator. These experiences have cultivated my interest in diverse cultures, foreign languages, and creating international connections.
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Looking ahead, I hope to apply for the Fulbright Program ETA to Brazil, work at the State Department, or become involved with an NGO that's focused on international development. Ultimately, I want to pursue an international career facilitating global connections worldwide in order to foster mutual understanding across borders. In the meantime, you can find me working behind an espresso machine at a local coffee shop, or outside enjoying the Iowa weather (whatever season it decides to be that day)!
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Intern: Mason Koelm
Major: International Relations and Criminology, Law, and Justice Hello, I am Mason Koelm. I am from St. Louis, but was raised in Cedar Rapids. I am double majoring in International Relations and Criminology, Law, and Justice, with a certificate in Museum Studies, and a minor in Anthropology. After I graduate in 2021, I intend to go to law school. These seemingly unrelated areas of study will hopefully give me a thorough understanding of cultural resource management law. I am a student admin for the Honors Program and the Honors Student Representative for both ICFRC and the Honors Steering Committee. I also work for the Stanley Museum of Art, researching the provenance of art objects in the African art collection. When I’m not in class or at work, I like playing in trivia competitions and learning new riffs on the bass.
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Intern: Grace Kiple
Major: Political Science with minor in Spanish and Human Relations
Hi! My name is Grace Kiple, and I am a second year at the University of Iowa. I grew up in Sergeant Bluff, IA (a small town in northwest Iowa). I am majoring in Political Science, with minors in Spanish and Human Relations. In the fall of 2021, I hope to study abroad in Spain to complete my Spanish minor and learn more about the culture. I am still exploring future career paths, but right now I am planning on pursuing a masters or doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am also interested in working in the nonprofit or government sector. I enjoy looking at relationships, either on a personal or international level, and working to improve them. ICFRC offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about relationships around the globe, while learning more about the nonprofit world. Besides classes, I am also involved in Dance Marathon Leadership on the Family Programming Committee, Undergraduate Student Government as a Senator, and University Housing as a Resident Assistant. In my free time, I enjoy writing music, singing, being outside, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Major: Political Science with minor in Spanish and Human Relations
Hi! My name is Grace Kiple, and I am a second year at the University of Iowa. I grew up in Sergeant Bluff, IA (a small town in northwest Iowa). I am majoring in Political Science, with minors in Spanish and Human Relations. In the fall of 2021, I hope to study abroad in Spain to complete my Spanish minor and learn more about the culture. I am still exploring future career paths, but right now I am planning on pursuing a masters or doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am also interested in working in the nonprofit or government sector. I enjoy looking at relationships, either on a personal or international level, and working to improve them. ICFRC offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about relationships around the globe, while learning more about the nonprofit world. Besides classes, I am also involved in Dance Marathon Leadership on the Family Programming Committee, Undergraduate Student Government as a Senator, and University Housing as a Resident Assistant. In my free time, I enjoy writing music, singing, being outside, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Intern: Mary Hartel
Major: Journalism and International Studies with minor in Spanish
Hi! I’m Mary, a senior at the UI majoring in journalism and international studies focusing on human rights and minoring in Spanish. I’m from Dubuque, Iowa, and have always had a fascination with other cultures and curiosity about life outside of the U.S. Studying abroad in Spain the summer after my freshman year of college solidified my decision to pursue a career that had an international focus.
At the UI, I work for The Daily Iowan as a news reporter covering the culture and diversity beat. Through this role, I’ve gotten to speak with individuals from all over the world! I am also on the International Student Advisory Board, where I direct the “Get to Know Us” program, facilitating interactions between domestic and international students. Additionally, I am involved with the United Nations Association branch at the UI and serve as an English tutor/conversation partner for English-language-learners through the Community Friendship project. After I graduate, I plan to spend a year or two living and working abroad as an ESL teacher or an international aid worker. Upon returning, I hope to pursue a law or master’s degree to further my understanding of human rights issues and eventually serve underrepresented populations in the U.S. and overseas!
Countries visited: Spain and Mexico.
Fun Fact: My first experience with journalism was advocating in my local newspaper for an Indian restaurant that went out of business in my hometown!
Major: Journalism and International Studies with minor in Spanish
Hi! I’m Mary, a senior at the UI majoring in journalism and international studies focusing on human rights and minoring in Spanish. I’m from Dubuque, Iowa, and have always had a fascination with other cultures and curiosity about life outside of the U.S. Studying abroad in Spain the summer after my freshman year of college solidified my decision to pursue a career that had an international focus.
At the UI, I work for The Daily Iowan as a news reporter covering the culture and diversity beat. Through this role, I’ve gotten to speak with individuals from all over the world! I am also on the International Student Advisory Board, where I direct the “Get to Know Us” program, facilitating interactions between domestic and international students. Additionally, I am involved with the United Nations Association branch at the UI and serve as an English tutor/conversation partner for English-language-learners through the Community Friendship project. After I graduate, I plan to spend a year or two living and working abroad as an ESL teacher or an international aid worker. Upon returning, I hope to pursue a law or master’s degree to further my understanding of human rights issues and eventually serve underrepresented populations in the U.S. and overseas!
Countries visited: Spain and Mexico.
Fun Fact: My first experience with journalism was advocating in my local newspaper for an Indian restaurant that went out of business in my hometown!
Intern: Alexis Marti
Major: Marketing
Hi, my name is Alexis. I am a second-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a marketing degree, political risk analysis certificate, and a political science minor. I grew up in a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, but I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout the United States and internationally with my family. These travels have cultivated a passion for international issues and a desire to continue learning about new cultures around the globe. Looking towards the future, I am planning on studying abroad and cannot wait to be surrounded by new cultures, languages, and experiences again. Apart from my studies, I am involved in Tippie Students for Service, Net Impact, and am employed through University Catering. I am enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and excited to work with this group of people.
Major: Marketing
Hi, my name is Alexis. I am a second-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a marketing degree, political risk analysis certificate, and a political science minor. I grew up in a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, but I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout the United States and internationally with my family. These travels have cultivated a passion for international issues and a desire to continue learning about new cultures around the globe. Looking towards the future, I am planning on studying abroad and cannot wait to be surrounded by new cultures, languages, and experiences again. Apart from my studies, I am involved in Tippie Students for Service, Net Impact, and am employed through University Catering. I am enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and excited to work with this group of people.
Intern: Ding Xu
Major: Political Science
Hi, my name is Ding Xu, and I am a junior at the University of Iowa studying Political Science with a political risk analysis certificate, focusing on comparative politics and how different backgrounds influence people’s political behavior. I have always been curious about the world and things outside my daily routine. I’ve been to more than 30 states, several Asian countries and Canada. A fun fact about myself is that instead of planning my trip, I prefer to walk or drive around ordinary streets or walk into a grocery store instead of visiting Tourist Attractions to feel a region.
Iowa City is a very diverse city. Outside the UI campus, there are many immigrants from different cultural backgrounds and local people that are interested in international relations. I like the funding idea of ICFRC of connecting local communities to the university and visiting scholars. I am grateful to work with ICFRC, and I look forward to learning from the speakers and people passionate about international relations.
Major: Political Science
Hi, my name is Ding Xu, and I am a junior at the University of Iowa studying Political Science with a political risk analysis certificate, focusing on comparative politics and how different backgrounds influence people’s political behavior. I have always been curious about the world and things outside my daily routine. I’ve been to more than 30 states, several Asian countries and Canada. A fun fact about myself is that instead of planning my trip, I prefer to walk or drive around ordinary streets or walk into a grocery store instead of visiting Tourist Attractions to feel a region.
Iowa City is a very diverse city. Outside the UI campus, there are many immigrants from different cultural backgrounds and local people that are interested in international relations. I like the funding idea of ICFRC of connecting local communities to the university and visiting scholars. I am grateful to work with ICFRC, and I look forward to learning from the speakers and people passionate about international relations.
Interested in getting involved? Contact icfrc@icfrc.org to learn more
Former Staff
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Executive Director: Ed Zastrow
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved friend and Executive Director Ed Zastrow on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Ed was the Executive Director at ICFRC since 2012, managing a team of enthusiastic student interns and creating speaker programs on global issues for the Iowa City community. Before that he was the Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa for sixteen years. Prior to RMHC, Ed was the owner/operator of Bushnell’s Turtle Restaurant and Catering for eighteen years and also restored the College Block Building in Iowa City. Following graduation from the University of Iowa, Ed worked for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as an epidemiologist and administrator in Chicago and Springfield, IL for six years. His volunteer work included service as President for twelve local, regional and state social service, library, hospital and foundation boards. He enjoyed a lifelong hobby of travel, including destinations of Japan, Mexico, Colombia, the Caribbean, Denmark and Sweden. Ed was beloved by his interns and the ICFRC community, and he will be greatly missed.
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