As we begin to feel the summer heat here at Global Integrity, we’re excited to welcome a new intern, Sarah Appleby. She comes from her hometown, Austin, Texas, and brings Bachelors of Arts degrees in Government and Sociology from the University of Texas in Austin and a Master of Science in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Carrie Golden (CG): What made you interested in Global Integrity?
Sarah Appleby (SA): I first became familiar with Global Integrity during a research project while still in graduate school. I was impressed by their unique and tech-savvy approach to combating corruption and transparency issues on an international scale. So, when I hoped to gain some real-life experience in the area, I contacted the organization about a potential internship!
CG: Where were you doing prior to joining Global Integrity?
SA: I recently graduated with my Master of Science in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, I worked on research projects regarding transparency and accountability in the distribution of foreign aid and assistance, as well more traditional criminology topics, such as incarceration and probation in the United States.
CG: What do you hope to gain from your experience here?
SA: I'm excited to become better versed in government accountability and transparency issues on an international scale, as well as to gain first-hand experience in research and the application of research in these issues. It will also be great to take in all the new perspectives afforded by the different academic and professional backgrounds of people in the office, as I come from a more criminological background.
CG: Have you ever experienced corruption first hand?
SA: I lived in Moscow during the first half of 2010, during which time I experienced and witnessed numerous examples of police corruption. It was actually these experiences that first spurred my interest in corruption and governance.
CG: What books have helped shaped your professional path?
SA: My "professional path" is only just beginning, but the book Corporate Bodies and Guilty Minds, which explores the concept of vicarious liability in corporate criminal law, had a rather profound impact on my interest in the less "gritty" side of criminology. Other books that have developed my various interests in corruption and government accountability include Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia and Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone.
CG: Are you on Twitter?
SA: You can find me at @seappleby.
— Sarah Appleby and Carrie Golden
— Image Credit: Carrie Golden
