Arya Abkenar

Arya Abkenar is a dedicated research assistant at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, contributing since April 2023, while also serving as an economics and political science tutor for various introductory and advanced courses at University of Michigan Athletics since November 2022. As a chapter co-founder of Un-PAC since June 2022, Arya has engaged with major news organizations to analyze youth voter perspectives on democracy. Previous roles include campus organizer for Alliance Consulting Group, analyst, and criminal justice intern at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Arya's early experience includes positions as kitchen staff at Cantoro Italian Market & Trattoria and as a student organizer with UN-PAC Michigan. Arya is pursuing dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Political Science at the University of Michigan, expected to graduate in April 2024, following a strong academic foundation at Detroit Country Day School and international institutions.