NORAM scholars 2024-25

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Graduate - American Master's and PhD candidates to Norway

Jack Chipman

MA in Modern International and Transnational History, University of Oslo

Jack is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He received his bachelor’s degree with honors in history from

Case Western Reserve University. He is planning on studying the recent history and evolution of international right wing thought, particularly how wars and conflicts influence such thought. He aims to work with the Peace Research Institute Oslo and the Center for Research on Extremism on this project. Outside of his studies, he enjoys reading, going for walks, and listening to music and is eager to live and study in Oslo.

Americans

Margaret Gaspers

MA in Physical Activity and Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Margaret is from a small island in Washington state, and will be moving to Norway this fall to study Exercise Physiology in the Physical Activity and Health masters degree at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She attended Folk High School in Western Norway in 2019, before returning to the United States to complete her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at St. Olaf College. She plans to combine her passion for Sports Medicine with her love for Norwegian culture during her masters. She is looking forward to eventually pursuing a career in research in Norway, focusing primarily on injury prevention!

Kayla Amity Hanson
MA in Ibsen Studies, University of Oslo

Kayla Amity Hanson is a second year master’s student at the University of Oslo, pursuing her MA in Ibsen Studies. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Portland State University in 2018 and has an eclectic background in the performing arts, digital media, and marketing. This year she will be conducting her thesis on Ibsen and Norwegian-American identity, exploring his influence as a dramatist and cultural figure in the United States. In her free time she enjoys riding her bike, camping, and drinking coffee outside. She is thrilled to continue her dream of studying in Norway.

Annika McGraw
MSc in Organizational Psychology and Leadership, BI Norwegian Business School

Annika McGraw is from Laguna Beach, California. Annika studied Animal Science and Philosophy as an undergraduate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, focusing her work on animal welfare and environmental ethics. She graduated from Cornell University with a Master's in Public Administration, concentrating on science, technology, and infrastructure policy. While at Cornell, Annika researched renewable energy infrastructure, international energy policies, and public transit electrification. Annika is pursuing an MSc in Organizational Psychology and Leadership at BI Norwegian Business School. She hopes to strengthen her skills in operational efficiency and technical knowledge in renewable energy markets and environmentally conscious corporate responsibility.

Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship

Cecilie Juul Stensrud Fall 2024

Cecilie is from Oslo, Norway, and is currently working as a Political Advisor on Foreign Affairs and Defense Policy for the Centre Party Parliamentary Group. Cecilie holds a master’s degree in Geopolitics, Territory and Security from King’s College London and a bachelor’s degree in political science from NTNU. Cecilie has varied experience from the Norwegian Armed Forces, research, and diplomacy where she served as a Political Officer Trainee at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cecilie seeks to continue to foster an interdisciplinary awareness of international relations and security policy in contemporary politics, especially focusing on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

Graduate - Norwegian Master's and PhD candidates to the U.S.

Graduate

Christine Agdestein

PhD in Family Medicine, Yale University

Agdestein is a medical doctor from the University of Oslo, with entrepreneurial studies at Boston University. She is a specialist in Family Medicine. In her PhD at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, she explores mother's experiences and expectations for primary health care after birth. She is developing a tool to improve person-centered health care for new mothers at the Family Physician. At Yale School of Public Health she will study improvement of health care systems and the transition of health care into taking a person-centered approach. Before her studies at Yale University, Agdestein was deputy Mayor in Steinkjer Municipality.

Tomine Bergseth

MS in Applied Data Science, University of Southern California

Tomine grew up in Gjerdrum outside of Oslo. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in International Relations and Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change from the University of Southern California (USC). During undergrad, she became involved in research and developed an interest for quantitative data analysis. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Applied Data Science at USC’s engineering school where she is focusing on machine learning.

Simen Boe

PhD in Psychology and Decision Science, UC Berkeley

Simen is a psychologist from Asker. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Bergen and is currently a PhD Candidate at the Norwegian School of Economics. In his research, he studies judgment and decision making. Specifically, he examines how people think about the future and how this intersects with their moral preferences and judgments. He is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Haas School of Business at University of California Berkeley. During his stay, he is looking forward to working with top-class academics in his field and enjoying hikes under the Californian sun.

Herman Brurberg

MS in Finance, Hult International Business School

Herman is from Oslo, Norway. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from BI Norwegian Business School and is pursuing a Master's in Finance at HULT International Business School in Boston. Herman has experience from Landkreditt Bank as an intern, part-time employee, and later as a Junior Financial & Business Controller, where he has worked with financial reporting, budgeting, and liquidity management. He looks forward to deepening his understanding in finance, exploring the United States and the culture. Herman has a background as a cross-country skier. He still enjoys skiing in the winter and playing golf in the summer.

Erika Haugen

Master of Business Administration, Hawaii Pacific University

Erika Angell Haugen is from Trondheim, Norway. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Biola University in Los Angeles, California, earning Magna Cum Laude honors, where she also excelled as a student-athlete, competing in college soccer for four years. This fall, she will be pursuing her MBA in Hawaii. She is very passionate about sustainability and entrepreneurship, and recently emerged victorious in a startup competition with her sustainable business idea, securing capital. Beyond academia and soccer, she loves to travel and is very excited about new experiences and challenges in Hawaii.

Catherine Benestad Hendicott

Juris Doctor, Harvard Law School

Catherine Benestad Hendicott is from Stavanger, Norway and is currently a Juris Doctor candidate at Harvard Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government, magna cum laude, and Economics with a minor in European Studies from Cornell University. In her free time, Catherine performs as a soprano in a choir at Harvard University.

William Ho

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Columbia University

William, from Nesodden, Norway, holds a BSc in Informatics from the University of Oslo and an MS in Computer Science from Columbia University, where he researched explainable AI and anomaly detection. Now, he is pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering at Columbia University. His research focuses on developing trustworthy automated speech and natural language processing systems to identify individuals at risk of emergency hospitalization. Furthermore, he has also worked on AI applications in education, food waste, and urban infrastructure. In his spare time, William enjoys exploring the city and playing the violin.

Haakon Huynh

MA in Global Thought, Columbia University

Haakon is a former professional violinist with a diverse academic background in Classical Music and Psychology. His time in Switzerland sparked a keen interest in foreign cultures and languages, driving his ambition to serve as a Norwegian diplomat. Currently interning in the Political Section of the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi, Haakon will soon be studying globalization at Columbia University through an interdisciplinary lens. He plans to write a capstone essay on the influence of Vietnamese diaspora communities on Vietnam’s foreign policy. Haakon’s long-term goal is to strengthen ties between Norway and emerging economies in Asia.

Marte Kristine Håkenåsen

MS in Education, UC Berkeley

Marte, originally from Lillehammer, is currently pursuing a master's degree in mathematics education for grades 5-10 at the University of Tromsø. The program emphasizes research within the field, and she is particularly interested in inquiry-based learning, mathematical thinking, and education in a global world. She will spend one semester at UC Berkeley as part of the BISP program. There, she looks forward to experiencing and bringing back some of the brilliance of Berkeley. In her spare time, she enjoys the beautiful nature of northern Norway and making music.

Amalie Victoria Joergensen

PhD in Biology, University of North Dakota

Amalie grew up right outside of Bergen, but has pursued both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of North Dakota. Her Bachelor’s degree was in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, followed by a Master’s degree in Biology. With interests like wildlife ecology and animal movement, she is excited to continue her UND journey to pursue a Ph.D. in biology. Specifically, during her Ph.D. she will study the spatial movement and ecology of giraffes, with field sites in Namibia. Amalie aims to work with threatened and endangered species, and is therefore pursuing a career within wildlife research.

Kristine Mørk Kindberg

PhD in Cardiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Kristine will conduct a research stay at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York in relation to her PhD within the field of atherothrombosis. She has an MD from the University of Oslo, and has worked several years as a clinician in hospitals both in Harstad and Oslo. In 2022 she started her PhD, and the stay in New York will substantially improve the quality and broaden the field of her research, laying the ground work for future collaborations between the institutions in NYC and Oslo.

Trym Kyvaag

MS in Artificial Intelligence, Northeastern University

Trym, originally from Nittedal, Norway, is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence at Northeastern University in Boston, with a specialization in Machine Learning. He holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Merrimack College. Having completed three internships at Tunable in Oslo as a Data Science Intern, Trym witnessed the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence and applied mathematics in the workplace, inspiring him to further his studies in the field. In his free time he enjoys outdoor activities, particularly fishing and playing football.

Sveinung Myhre

MS in Cybernetics and Robotics, UC Berkeley

Sveinung is from Fitjar in Western Norway. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Cybernetics and Robotics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, where he will specialize in the field of autonomous systems. Besides his studies, he is deeply involved with artificial intelligence and innovation. He led the student organization “Cogito NTNU”, where some of Norway’s brightest students collaborate to build various AI projects. To unwind, he enjoys skiing or going for long runs. He looks forward to seizing new opportunities at UC Berkeley.

Nanna Cathrine Giercksky Nilssen

MS in Medicine, Stanford University

Nanna is originally from Oslo, but is currently studying Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark. In the fall of 2024, Nanna will be a Visiting Student Researcher at Stanford University School of Medicine. She will investigate the disease mechanisms behind inflammatory bowel disease. Outside of her studies, Nanna enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, and socializing with friends. Nanna is looking forward to conducting research in an excellent training environment and enjoying the sunny coast of California.

Ingvild Nordstad

Master of Public Health, UC Berkeley

Ingvild is from Oslo. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and is pursuing a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology. Ingvild has spent the past five years in the US studying and working. Through jobs and internships, she has gained experience from private and public clinics, a hospital pharmacy, and a start-up tech company. Her academic goals lie within the realm of translational medicine and biotechnology. She aims to contribute to organizations developing vaccines and pharmaceuticals targeting public health threats.

Trygve Nummedal Os

MS in Computer Science, UC Berkeley

Trygve grew up in Førde. He is currently pursuing a Master of Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence. Beside his studies at NTNU, he has worked part-time as a developer at Secure Practice, a company specializing in cyber awareness training. He has also been a board member of the student organization Propulse NTNU, building rockets and participating in launches in the United States and Portugal. He is excited to continue his education in Artificial Intelligence at University of California, Berkeley, hoping to further explore the intersection between artificial intelligence, neuroscience cognitive phsycology.

Maria Larsson Pedersen

PhD in Literature, UCLA

Maria is a literature scholar from Hamar. She was a Fulbright and NORAM fellow while completing her M.A. in Comparative Literature at San Francisco State University in 2021-23. She also holds a B.A. in Education from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and a minor in Spanish Language and Literature from Østfold University College. Maria’s primary scholarly interests include science fiction and philosophy, particularly questions relating to posthumanism and ethics. She looks forward to tapping into these interests at the upcoming stage of her career.

Mathilde Ruud

Master of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington

Mathilde Ruud is from Mandal, Norway. She is currently a Master of Social Work student focusing in the specialty area of Children and Families at The University of Texas at Arlington. She earned her BSW with Summa Cum Laude honors while competing in cross country and track and field at UTA. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Mathilde has experience in the field through an internship with VITAS Hospice Care in Fort Worth, TX, and has previously worked in the field of mental health and substance use disorders in Norway. She looks forward to helping children and families in her community.

Juliette Saetre

PhD in Sociology, New York University

Juliette is a PhD researcher at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. She holds an MSc in Sociology from the University of Oxford and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Leeds. Her research explores the impacts of migration on the spread of knowledge and ideas. In the fall of 2024, Juliette will pursue an exchange at New York University where she will be working on the long-lasting impact of the mass forced displacement that followed the 1970s dictatorships in Latin America on the diffusion of protest movements.

Edvard Sandbakken

MA in Classical Music, Manhattan School of Music

Originally from Oslo, Norway, Edvard Sandbakken is a baritone pursuing his Master of Music from The Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Mark Schnaible. Before studying in the USA, Sandbakken attained his Bachelor of Music from The Norwegian Academy of Music. Recently, Sandbakken performed the role of Leporello in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with the Prague Summer Night’s Festival and Count Almaviva in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with the Saluzzo Opera Festival. Additionally, he was the baritone soloist in Oslo Oratorio Choir’s performance of Fauré’s Requiem and sang with the Norwegian Soloist Choir’s in their Ukraine Support Concert.

Madeleine Schneider

MA in Conflict Resolution, Georgetown University

Madeleine grew up in Trondheim, Norway and Tempe, Arizona. This fall she will be entering her final term at Georgetown University’s Conflict Resolution program. She is currently completing a field fellowship supporting Myanmar peacebuilders and environmental activists working on the impact of these issues on ethnic minorities in the country’s civil war. Madeleine completed her bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature and International Studies at the University of Michigan, after which she served in Chicago and DC public schools with Americorps and worked in consulting on corporate environmental sustainability. She is excited to bring these perspectives together in her final term and continue to explore the opportunities - both professional and casual - DC has to offer.

Heeirthan Shanthan

MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, UC Santa Barbara

Heeirthan is from Haslum, Norway, and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. He is looking forward to pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). At UCSB, he will specialize in controls, wireless communication, and digital signal processing. Heeirthan has participated in grant-funded research in embedded machine learning, developing an audio recognition model to reduce insect infestation in citrus trees. He enjoys playing soccer in his free time and was a student-athlete during his undergraduate years.

Henrik Elias Solheim

MS in Industrial Economics and Technology Management, UC Berkeley

Henrik grew up in Førde, before moving to Trondheim where he is pursuing his Master of Science in Industrial Economics and Technology Management at NTNU. Among other achievements, Henrik's representation of Norway in the 52nd International Chemistry Olympiad in 2020 showcases his passion for science. He has chosen an academic specialization in artificial intelligence, an area of science he looks forward to acquiring more knowledge about in the Berkeley environment, surrounded by big tech companies. He is also excited to experience a new culture and meeting new people.

Herman Oestensen

MA in Finance, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Herman is from Stabekk, Norway, and is pursuing a Master's degree in Finance at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds a bachelor's degree from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). Herman previously served five years in the Norwegian Army as a Sergeant and was deployed to Lithuania as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence. During his studies, he has interned at Dagens Næringsliv, DNB Markets, ABG Sundal Collier and NBIM. Outside of school, Herman enjoys spending time outdoors and is passionate about skiing and hiking.

Christian Aagnes

MS in Data Science, Harvard University

Christian is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science at Harvard University, and he is also taking courses at MIT through a cross-registration. His lifelong passion for mathematics, sparked in childhood, inspired him to write a book about the Abel Mathematics Competition, in which he was a multiple-time finalist. Recently, Christian has developed a keen interest in machine learning and its many applications, which he aims to further explore during his graduate studies with the support from NORAM. In addition to his academic pursuits, Christian is an avid football player and enjoys competing in chess tournaments.