Our Summer '24 Interns
The Foundation is excited to welcome our third class of summer interns! Representing various universities and diverse family histories, this talented group of six will directly support our mission to preserve and restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Learn more about the summer ‘24 intern cohort below.
Erin Cobb is a Communications and Fundraising Intern at the Foundation. Originally from Burleson, Texas, Erin is a rising senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she studies journalism and nonprofits. Most recently, she was an Events Fellow at The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit news organization covering Texas politics and policy. She hopes to continue working at the intersection of nonprofits and storytelling. Erin’s paternal great, great grandfather came through Ellis Island from England in 1912. She is excited to learn more about SOLEIF’s efforts to preserve and share stories of the American immigrant experience.
David Contreras-Araya is an intern at the American Family Immigration History Center. A rising senior at Columbia College, he is majoring in history and sociology. His professional interests are in historical research and law. A Queens native from Jackson Heights, David is well acquainted with one of world’s most vibrant and robust immigrant communities. As a first-generation college student of Chilean heritage, he is proud to participate in the rich tradition of immigration. On his own time, David is a music nerd, enthusiast of anything ‘fusion,’ and contributor to WKCR 89.9FM.
Fiona Gaugush is a Software Development Intern at the Foundation. From St. Louis, Missouri, she is a senior at Barnard College studying Computer Science. Fiona is interested in archival and library studies. She is an archivist for Columbia’s student-run radio, WKCR, and previously worked as a Library Page at The New York Public Library. Her family immigrated through Ellis Island, so she is excited to work with this foundation and learn about more immigration stories.
Nadira Novruzov is an American Family Immigration History Center intern. A rising senior at Yale University, she is majoring in history and is jointly pursuing an M.M. in Flute Performance at the Yale School of Music. Nadira was born and raised in NYC, and her parents are both immigrants from former Soviet Republics, but for some reason, the only language she speaks other than English is German, which she has been studying for three years. During the school year, Nadira divides her time between playing in the Yale Symphony Orchestra, working as a writing tutor, and planning live music events with Yale’s student-run record label. For fun, she likes to read good books, go on short runs, and crochet asymmetrical winter accessories.
Elizabeth Tamarelli is an American Family Immigration History Center intern. And rising junior in the Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual BA Program, she is a history major with an intended specialization in the Second World War. Elizabeth will be researching Ellis Island’s role as a hospital and detention center during the World Wars. According to family legend, Elizabeth’s ancestors’ Italian last name was twice accidentally misspelled at Ellis Island and thus forever changed. Elizabeth plans to attend law school after graduating from college and is excited to learn more about Ellis Island’s wartime usage.
Shomari Thompson is a Technical Support Intern at the Foundation. Born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, Shomari is pursuing a career in cybersecurity. He recently completed his associate degree in information systems at Borough of Manhattan Community College and is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree at CUNY John Jay for information system security. He plays basketball, a former Division 3 player at SUNY New Paltz.