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“I declared anthropology my major when I first got here,” she recalled. “I was looking to pick up a course and came across the description for global studies—it seemed very multi-disciplinary, something you could take in a lot of different directions. 

Once she became a committed global studies student, Dunkley took advantage of undergraduate research opportunities offered through �պ�����’s Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research (FOUR). 

Through FOUR, Dunkley received a Simon Family Public Research Fellowship. The grant supports students engaged in community-based research, and Dunkley received $6000 over a ten-week period split between research expenses and a stipend that paid for living expenses. 

“Thanks to the generosity of the funders, it means I was really able to devote my time to research during the summer, without having to do a side job to make ends meet,” Dunkley said. “I’m really grateful for that.” 

Under the supervision of Professor Pablo Bose, Dunkley investigated employment opportunities and challenges for refugee arrivals and New Americans in Vermont. 

“Burlington is where the most services are located, so Chittenden County is the hub,” said Dunkley.  

She surveyed employers’ perceptions about hiring new Americans and identified some of the barriers that may prevent newcomers from getting jobs. 
In preparation for her summer activities, she worked with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, a Burlington non-profit that helps new Americans gain independence in their new communities, and New Farms for New Americans, a community-based gardening and agriculture program for refugees and immigrants. 

By the end of the summer, Dunkley completed a resource guide for employers and potential employers of new Americans.  

“It’s a best practices guide—a resource for employers—to help them understand ways they can bridge the cultural gap and connect with workers who are really hard-working and committed to building new lives.”