BA in Integrative Studies

Catherine E Culbertson, 2025

Major: BA in integrative studies with a concentration in social justice and human rights 

Hometown: Vienna, VA 

Plans after graduation: Culbertson will apply her research and training to support a network seeking motivational and inspirational change. 

Most impactful course: Critical Race Studies (INTS-437). “Professor Wendi Manuel-Scott is not only one of the most engaging and inspiring professors I’ve been lucky enough to learn from, but she is also one of the more invested. I was dealing with a lot of challenges this semester, a full-load plus an internship, but she was always willing to give me time for advice and feedback—feedback that I will take with me going forward.” 

Most impactful experience: Participation in the Next Systems Studies Fellowship. “Being a part of the Spring ’25 Cohort was a defining experience for me and an incredible learning opportunity. There is something really special about being able to share your exploration of ideas—journey together through the same materials, frustrations, concepts, setbacks, and ‘aha! moments’ with a trusted peer group with whom you have had the opportunity to learn each other’s language over the course of time.”  

Building lasting connections 

Culbertson moved back to Northern Virginia just weeks before the Covid pandemic hit and started her return to academia completely online. Other than a few labs that were required to be in person, she had no in-person interactions until she transferred to George mason. “I have had some incredible conversations with some truly amazing people because of the classes that I have taken, but not necessarily because of the content of the classes, simply because the classes put us into close proximity and that allowed me to get to know some exceptional souls.”