PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Martindale Student Associates Honors Program provides an opportunity for a select group of Lehigh University students to explore global business, economic, and public policy issues outside the scope of classroom study. The Martindale Center takes each year’s class of students on a 12-day research trip for in-depth study and fact gathering. The most recent cohorts have focused their research on Taiwan, Morocco, Denmark, Alaska, Argentina, and South Africa. During the following academic year, students complete their research, work one-on-one with a faculty mentor, and write up their findings in professional-quality journal articles. These articles are published annually in the Martindale Center’s undergraduate research journal, Perspectives on Business and Economics. In addition to their research activities, Martindale Student Associates are full members of the Martindale Society, taking part in conferences and exchanging ideas with leaders from government, business, finance, and academia who come to the Center as visiting scholars. APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAM A highly competitive selection process begins in January of each year when qualifying students from Lehigh’s four undergraduate colleges receive notification of their eligibility. The final selection is made by a faculty panel based on academic record, a written application, and an interview. Martindale Student Associates pay no fees for participation in the program. MARTINDALE CENTER PROGRAMS Founded in 1980, the Martindale Center supports the University’s goal of training leaders for a global society by developing experience-based student programs promoting understanding of the interconnected worldwide economy. MARTINDALE SOCIETY Established in 1995, the Martindale Society is a strong community of loyal Martindale alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Members gather annually at Martindale events and support the Center’s programs and activities through generous contributions of time, money, and expertise and by connecting the Center with their professional networks in the USA and abroad. Joining the Martindale Society was one of the most rewarding parts of my Lehigh experience. First, you join the Martindale family—a group of highly accomplished individuals from many fields. I have had the chance to call them for professional advice, to discuss ideas, and many of them I count as close friends today. Second, I’ve had a 20-year career as an economist on Wall Street in which I’ve had to critically analyze countries and subjects and give recommendations for the future. And, that is effectively what you do in the Martindale paper…that skill set turned out to be highly valuable in my professional career. LUIS A. ARCENTALES ’98 ‘00G Managing Director, The Rohatyn Group Martindale Student Associates Honors Program, 1998–99 (Chile) CROATIA 2025–26 www.lehigh.edu/martindale MARTINDALE STUDENT ASSOCIATES HONORS PROGRAM 2025–26 CROATIA THE GAY AND DOUGLAS LANE JOURNAL OF THE LEHIGH UNIVERSITY MARTINDALE CENTER STUDENT ASSOCIATES Volume 42 2024 Perspectives on Business and Economics EMERGENT MOROCCO INTRODUCTION Oumaima Mhijir THE MOROCCO ALGERIA DISPUTE AND WESTERN SAHARA Samuel R. Ginn AGTECH: THE FUTURE OF MOROCCAN AGRICULTURE Emily Michnowski OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES OF MOROCCO’S COLLECTIVE LAND SYSTEM Christopher J. Marina IMPLEMENTING UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE IN MOROCCO Kate Brown CHILD MARRIAGE IN MOROCCO Lauryn C. Holgado RESOLVING WATER SCARCITY IN MOROCCO Kyra R. Boston FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN MOROCCO Ben Murphy-Schmehl OVERHARVESTING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN RURAL MOROCCAN COMMUNITIES Tessa Dougan GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN MOROCCO Sarah A. Mixsell PRESERVING INDIGENOUS CULTURE IN MOROCCO Layan Suleiman MOROCCO’S ROAD TO CLEAN POWER William Yaeger UNLOCKING MOROCCO’S REAL ESTATE POTENTIAL THROUGH COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT VEHICLES Alexander S. Damle
Martindale Student Associates Honors Program (Croatia cohort) : L to R (Back) Elizabeth M. Wolfe, Hashem AlHattab, Avery M. McGarry, Aaron O. Williams, Gideon D. Sobek, Olivia A. Lundquist, Estefania Ravelo Reyna; (Front) Sophia Emma Taskov, Joseph (Gus) Maass, Laila S. Dages, Natalie Javitt, and Claire E. Wilson. HASHEM ALHATTAB is a Davis United World College Scholar studying chemical and biomolecular engineering. Born and raised in Jordan, he pursued a global education from Amman to India before arriving at Lehigh. On campus, he embodies the spirit of community engagement and leadership as vice president of the Middle Eastern Student Union, a tutor for America Reads, and an international orientation leader. As a Global Social Impact Fellow, Hashem researched Almaty food systems, examining sustainability and supply chain. While working on the Purple Drop project with Professors Mayuresh Kothare and Mark Arnold, he explored how biological systems can revolutionize data storage through DNA computing. Hashem has interned at Sanofi and Merck, aiming to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals. LAILA S. DAGES is a pre–physician assistant student pursuing a degree in behavioral neuroscience and a health, medicine, and society minor. As a member of the Lehigh University chapter of the American Medical Student Association, she volunteers at Broughal Middle School, teaching basic science experiments. Laila is part of the music committee for University Productions, planning the spring concert and collaborating with the marketing team. She enjoys observing physician assistants in the operating room and in outpatient offices. She has held several leadership positions in Zeta Tau Alpha. Laila’s other interests include running half-marathons and traveling to the British Virgin Islands. After Lehigh, she plans to work as a medical assistant and pursue physician assistant school. NATALIE JAVITT is pursuing an economics degree with minors in applied math and mass communication. She serves as the news editor for The Brown and White and is a peer writing mentor in the Technology, Research, and Communication program. Through the Community Service Office, she tutors local school students. In the summer of 2024, she interned with the York County Economic Alliance, working on projects that spearheaded economic development. During her time at Lehigh, she has prioritized taking mathbased economics classes to support her love of quantitative reasoning in addition to her writing-based extracurriculars. After graduation, Natalie hopes to find a job that combines her love of economics and journalism in financial reporting. OLIVIA A. LUNDQUIST is pursuing a dual degree in materials science and engineering and in environmental studies through the Lehigh Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences honors program. She is a veteran tour guide; Technology, Research, and Communication Writing Fellow; UN Youth Representative for the World Corrosion Organization; Rossin Junior Fellow; and two-time orientation leader. She co-founded the Lehigh Arts & Crafts Club and plays club tennis. Olivia was selected for Lehigh Launch: Ecuador and Global Citizenship Programs, and studied abroad in the Dominican Republic. She has conducted research in Xuanhong Cheng’s laboratory, studying biopolymer degradation, and in Lesley Chow’s laboratory, developing artificial corneal replacements. Olivia aspires to postgraduate studies in polymer sustainability or biomaterials. JOSEPH (GUS) MAASS is a Davis United World College Scholar and a Gilman Scholar, pursuing a B.S. in economics, a minor in business information systems, and an international business certificate. Gus was raised in Tryon, NC, and attended the United World College Costa Rica. At Lehigh, Gus is a Technology, Research, and Communication Fellow and a marketing and communications assistant MARTINDALE STUDENT ASSOCIATES HONORS PROGRAM 2025–26 CROATIA
in the Office of Sustainability. He is also collaborating with Professor Todd Watkins to start an on-campus inclusive finance organization and will intern with AlphaSights in San Francisco this summer. Gus is an alum of Lehigh in Granada and LehighSiliconValley. In his free time, Gus loves guitar and music, passions that led him to found the Music Production Club. AVERY M. McGARRY is an Eckardt Scholar pursuing a B.A. in both English and theater, with a minor in music. At Lehigh, Avery enjoys involving herself in the arts; she plays the clarinet and tenor saxophone in various music ensembles and helps create shows within the theater department. She is also a Technology, Research, and Communication Teaching Fellow. As a part of the 2024 Iacocca International Internship Program, she had the opportunity to work at Irish Arts Review, a nonprofit arts publication in Dublin, Ireland. After Lehigh, Avery hopes to meld her interests in the visual and literary arts as a writer or scenic designer. ESTEFANIA RAVELO REYNA is pursuing a B.S. in environmental engineering. She was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At Lehigh, she is the president of the Dominican Culture Club and a student guide for the Lehigh University Student Scholars Institute. Estefania is involved in Engineers Without Borders, where she contributed to designing a potable water distribution system for a remote community in the Dominican Republic. As a Global Social Impact Fellow, she researched bioplastic packaging solutions in Manila, Philippines, and led green initiatives as main liaison in the Lehigh University Partnership for Sustainable UN Missions. Estefania aspires to lead impactful, community-led initiatives focused on long-term sustainability in the water and renewable energy industry. GIDEON D. SOBEK is pursuing a B.S. in economics and mathematics, with a minor in French. Gideon was born in Bozeman, MT, and currently lives in Nashville. On campus, he is a project manager for TAMID Group, where he leads student teams consulting international start-ups. Gideon also performs research in graph and network theory with the mathematics department. In his free time, he is a violinist in the Lehigh Philharmonic Orchestra and co-president of the French Society. At the intersection of mathematics and economics, Gideon has cultivated an appreciation for dynamic, complex problems and their solutions. After his time at Lehigh, he aims to pursue a doctoral degree and begin his career as an economist. SOPHIA EMMA TASKOV is pursuing a degree in psychology and political science with a minor in marketing. She was born in New Jersey but grew up in Bulgaria. At Lehigh, through the Technology, Research, and Communication program, she is a Lead Fellow for Business Communications. Sophia is a site leader at Broughal Middle School and performs research for the marketing department under Professor Nevena Koukova. She completed a year of law school at St. Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia, Bulgaria, to become better educated in European law. Sophia was director of community service for Alpha Gamma Delta, winning a commitment to service award. After Lehigh, Sophia plans to apply to law schools with aspirations to defend human rights. AARON O. WILLIAMS is pursuing a degree in finance and management with a concentration in consulting. Aaron was born in White Plains, NY, and moved to Williamstown, NJ, at a young age. At Lehigh, Aaron leads Student-Athletes of Color, an organization that focuses on building community among Lehigh’s athletes of color while also participating in a variety of community service events in the Bethlehem area. He is also a captain of the Lehigh University Division I swimming and diving program and currently holds three program records. Additionally, Aaron was named a Virgil Abloh “PostModern” Scholar after completing a rigorous case study competition, showcasing his strong command of marketing and business strategy. CLAIRE E. WILSON is pursuing a degree in molecular biology with a minor in creative writing. She is an undergraduate researcher for Dr. Vassie Ware, investigating bacteriophage genetics. She interned at the National Institutes of Health during summer 2024, analyzing epigenetic processes in neural stem cell models. At Lehigh, Claire is a resident assistant through the Gryphon Society and will be a head gryphon next academic year. She is also the vice president of Lehigh Quiz Bowl, directing the first regional tournament in club history. Outside of school, she loves writing fiction novels. Claire plans to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics to explore the mechanisms underlying human disease. ELIZABETH M. WOLFE is pursuing a B.S. in economics with minors in data science and mass communication. At Lehigh, she works as a research assistant for Professor Felipe A. Araujo in the economics department and has previously worked as a summer tour guide in the Office of Admissions. She also plays the tenor and baritone saxophone in multiple music ensembles on campus and has served on the executive board of the marching band for two seasons. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new coffee shops and playing the guitar. After Lehigh, Elizabeth hopes to pursue a career in economic consulting.
THE STUDENT ASSOCIATES EXPERIENCE Over the decades Martindale Student Associates have studied in countries spanning five continents. 2025/2026 Croatia 2024/2025 Taiwan 2023/2024 Morocco 2022/2023 Denmark 2021/2022 Alaska 2020/2021 Argentina 2019/2020 South Africa 2018/2019 Malaysia 2017/2018 UK 2016/2017 Peru 2015/2016 Czech Republic 2014/2015 Portugal 2013/2014 Slovenia 2012/2013 Colombia 2011/2012 Greece 2010/2011 Iceland 2009/2010 Turkey 2008/2009 New Zealand 2007/2008 Benelux 2006/2007 Panama 2005/2006 Hungary 2004/2005 Spain 2003/2004 Sweden 2002/2003 Italy 2001/2002 Hong Kong 2000/2001 Ireland 1999/2000 Switzerland/Austria 1998/1999 Chile 1997/1998 Germany 1996/1997 France 1995/1996 Germany 1994/1995 Argentina 1993/1994 Canada 1992/1993 Mexico 1991/1992 Czechoslovakia 1990/1991 Washington, D.C. 1989/1990 Michigan, Illinois, & New Jersey 1988/1989 Wisconsin, Michigan, & Kentucky 1987/1988 London & New York 1986/1987 Canada Taiwan 2024 Morocco 2023 Martindale Center for the Study of Private Enterprise Lehigh University College of Business Rauch Business Center, 621 Taylor Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3117 Tel: 610-758-4771 | Fax: 610-758-6549 www.lehigh.edu/martindale Executive Director: Todd A. Watkins, Ph.D. | 610-758-4954 | taw4@lehigh.edu Connect with us on Instagram @martindalecenterlehigh Facebook @Martindale Center at Lehigh University I owe a great deal of my personal and professional success to my participation in the Martindale program. As a student, I was exposed to new ideas and concepts that extended beyond the normal academic curriculum and broadened my thinking. I also developed deeper relationships with my professors, other students, and alumni that have continued to flourish. Looking back, my involvement as a Student Associate was the highlight of my Lehigh experience. SARAT SETHI ’92 Managing Partner, Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst, Douglas C. Lane & Associates Corporate Trustee, Lehigh University Chair, Lehigh University Endowment Investment Subcommittee President, The Martindale Society Martindale Student Associates Honors Program, 1991–92 (Czechoslovakia) The Martindale Student Associates Program provided me with a one-of-a-kind experience while at Lehigh. This program gives students a unique learning and development opportunity. Whether it’s meeting with business leaders, members of government, or other experts, students of the program are exposed to things they otherwise would not encounter… Similarly, the writing, editing, and researching talents you will develop after proposing a publication for the Martindale journal will last a lifetime. CJ BERZIN ’10 Finance Director, North America FP&A at Johnson & Johnson MedTech Martindale Student Associates Honors Program, 2009–10 (Turkey) MARTINDALE STUDENT ASSOCIATES HONORS PROGRAM 2025–26 CROATIA
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