Student spotlight: Gabriela Torres-Lorenzotti

Gabriela Torres-Lorenzotti will graduate in June with a B.A. in international relations and a minor in human rights. "Both my major and minor programs have allowed me to fully explore my own curiosity," she says. "From taking a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses, to studying abroad in Cape Town, to providing me access to brilliant and supportive mentors, I have been able to pursue multiple projects and passions. My degree programs have allowed me to solidify my interest in international human rights."

Why did you choose to major in international relations and minor in human rights?

One of our assignments in eighth grade was to participate in a mock trial debate. The teacher gave us all distinct roles, asked us to dress the part, and reserved a room in the courthouse downtown. Perhaps it was because my team won the case, but my love for the rule of law stuck ever since. As a child of immigrants—both of my parents are from Uruguay—I have always had an interest in exploring other cultures, understanding the ways in which countries interact, and building towards a world of equity and justice. Naturally, this led me to take courses at the intersection of international relations and human rights. Moreover, I appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the major—the flexibility was a great way to explore many facets of one larger discipline.

What kind of research or course projects did you participate in during your time at Stanford?

I have worked on two distinct research projects with the Clayman Institute for Gender Research. The first analyzed the ways in which gender and parental status alter prospects for re-entry into the workforce. The second investigated the potential biases present in algorithmic online recruiting systems.

I am also in the process of completing an honors thesis through the Center for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. Statistical quantitative trends reveal that a country’s history of genocide is a predictive factor in determining its risk of future genocide. Despite this correlation, it is unclear what are, if any, the causal mechanisms that make a pattern of violence more likely to instigate future atrocities. Given that a country’s history with genocide could influence its future, it is imperative that we better understand how instances of recurrence are related, if at all.

Left: Gabriela in Knysna Elephant Park, the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants.

Congratulations on receiving the 2019 Hoefer Prize, which recognizes outstanding Stanford undergraduate writing in Writing in the Major courses. What does it mean to you to receive this prestigious award?

The essay I wrote came out of Professor Rakove’s course: Diplomacy on the Ground: Case Studies in the Challenges of Representing Your Country. The essay, “The Rwandan Genocide: Sifting Through the Diplomatic Toolbox,” explores the decision-making calculus of David Rawson, U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, and Joyce Leader, Deputy Chief of Mission, during the events of 1994. While it is well understood that the United States failed to intervene to stop the unfolding genocide in Rwanda, little attention has been given to individual, embassy-level personnel. My conclusion suggests that, on a diplomatic level, Rwanda is not just a case where the accords failed, but a case where the accords may have been responsible for the violence that ensued. Assessing when negotiations are no longer viable should be another tool added to our “diplomatic toolbox.” Ultimately, I am honored to receive the Hoefer prize and incredibly grateful to Professor Rakove for his support during the researching and writing process and throughout the entirety of my Stanford career!

Tell us about your favorite story or experience from your time at Stanford.

My junior year I studied abroad in Cape Town. Aside from being an intellectually interesting, politically active, and retrospective quarter, it was also filled with a series of adventures. During our Bing Trip to Johannesburg, we stayed on a game drive outside of the city. One night, the entire cohort decided to go for a midnight swim in the lake surrounding the compound. On our way back to our rooms, we noticed we were quite literally feet away from grazing zebra. While they seemed relatively undisturbed by our presence, my heart raced with simultaneous feelings of shock and excitement.

As you reflect on your time at Stanford, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the relationships that I have built both inside and outside of the department. I learn as much from our incredible faculty as I do from my peers. For instance, this year I took Dr. Condoleezza Rice’s course: Challenges and Dilemmas in American Foreign Policy.Hundreds of pages of reading, many nights in Green Library, and hours of writing (and rewriting) were worth the vibrant, humorous, and inspiring friends I made along the way.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have been awarded a Fulbright grant to assist teaching international relations and law courses at the University Camilo José Cela (UCJC) in Madrid, Spain. In addition, I plan to collaborate with local organizations to build sustainable solutions to empower the high number of refugees Spain has received over the past couple of years.

Right: Gabriela at an event in White Plaza hosted by the Stanford Womxn's Coalition, an organization she serves as co-president of.

Please join us in congratulating the class of 2019! As the academic year draws to a close, we are highlighting students graduating from across our 14 centers and programs. Click here to view more student spotlights.