Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies is proud to announce that Sabrina Benedetti (BA ’28) and Miya Peterson (BA ’28) have been selected as recipients of the Provost’s Scholars Award, a prestigious university honor recognizing sophomore students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and ambition, and a willingness to push beyond traditional academic boundaries. The award also provides funding to support research and creative projects through BU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).

Both Benedetti and Peterson exemplify the interdisciplinary and globally minded approach that defines the Pardee School. Peterson is pursuing majors in International Relations and Environmental Analysis and Policy, while Benedetti is majoring in International Relations with a minor in Journalism. Their award-winning projects tackle pressing global issues, ranging from environmental security and renewable energy to forced displacement and cross-cultural storytelling.

Miya Peterson (BA ’28)

For Peterson, the award provides an opportunity to deepen her exploration of environmental security, a field that bridges two of her academic passions.

“To me, the Provost’s Scholars Award means an opportunity to further explore my academic interests,” she said. “Environmental security is a field I’ve examined informally in the classroom, and I’m excited to have funding to dive deeper into how security studies and environmental policy intersect.”

Her current research investigates the potential security benefits of a renewable-energy microgrid for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, examining how sustainable infrastructure can strengthen national security. “I hope to promote crucial renewable energy investment from one of the largest drivers of R&D in the world: the United States Armed Forces,” she explained.

Peterson noted that research often requires navigating incomplete or inaccessible information. “In every research project I’ve worked on, data collection has been a significant challenge,” she said, citing difficulties ranging from obtaining information about campus technologies to addressing gaps created by classified military materials. Despite these obstacles, she has remained deeply engaged in research throughout her undergraduate career.

Beyond the classroom, Peterson serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Relations Review and holds leadership positions in both Delta Phi Epsilon and Epsilon Eta. Looking ahead, she is excited to continue expanding her involvement across campus and building on her research experiences.

Benedetti likewise sees the award as a reflection of the collaborative academic community that has shaped her experience at BU.

“I believe the Provost’s Scholars Award is emblematic of the equally driven and supportive community at BU,” she shared. “I am thankful to each person who supports the award. I’d like to encourage the whole BU community to continue exploring with openness to new perspectives and sharing their findings with the world.”

Sabrina Benedetti (BA ’28)

The funding will support Benedetti’s efforts to produce a podcast series on China while studying in Shanghai. As a Communications Assistant for BU’s Center on Forced Displacement, she co-hosts the podcast CFD Conversations, which explores issues of forced displacement through conversations with researchers, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience. “I believe individual stories are most persuasive in reaching audiences’ hearts and inspiring social change,” she said. Through her study abroad experience at Fudan University, Benedetti hopes to document community-rooted stories and bring new perspectives back to BU.

Benedetti also reflected on the challenges students can face when pursuing international research opportunities.

“A research challenge I’ve faced is the required costs of conducting research abroad, such as visa issuance, airfare, local transportation, and insurance,” she said. “As a low-income student, summer study abroad opportunities significantly impact my personal savings, as they consume time that could be spent working. I am grateful for opportunities like the Provost’s Scholarship at BU that help students like me follow passions and chase mission-driven initiatives.”

Looking to the future, she hopes to continue connecting with fellow Pardee students through study abroad, internships, and experiential learning opportunities.

Please join us in congratulating the recognition of Sabrina and Miya’s hard work and exceptional scholarship!