I am a senior at UNC-Asheville and am currently majoring in History with an interest in policy related issues. Under the guidance of Dr. Meg Hanshaw I currently help i.b.mee. by providing historical research into the economic and political factors contributing to the bureaucratic education system. The most exciting part of this research has been uncovering the interconnected factors that have produced the challenges we currently facing students and educators in the education system. I am hoping to use this experience to help me decide where my passion lies as I prepare for graduate school in the years ahead. The best part of this research experience has been the opportunity to incorporate i.b.mee.’s values and learn at my own pace in a manner that best suits my learning interests.