Lia Sokol is a rising junior at Cornell University studying Democracy and International Relations through the College Scholar independent major program. She has a strong interest in the former Soviet Union and U.S.-Russia relations and is excited to expand her understanding of nonproliferation both in relation to Eastern Europe and also in the context of other regions and issues. Her academic interests include civic engagement, human rights, security studies, and diplomacy. Lia grew up in Bloomington, Indiana but will be spending this summer in Washington, D.C. and is excited to explore the city. Outside of the classroom, she is a tour guide on campus, writes for the Cornell Diplomat international affairs magazine, and enjoys long walks, baking, and trying out new coffee shops.