Introducing 2025-26 IMD Fellows & Research Students
We are excited to welcome three outstanding Wellesley College students as our 2025-2026 IMD fellows!
Gahan Sabbir is a member of the Wellesley College Class of 2028 who is planning on majoring in mathematics. As an IMD fellow, she is interested in studying how math can help design equitable political systems, and what this math reveals about our power as voters.
Claudia Summers is a member of the Wellesley College Class of 2028 who is a Mathematics and Philosophy double major. As an IMD fellow she is eager to explore how mathematics can play a powerful role in political discussions and influence democratic processes.
Last but not least, Elaine Zhao is a member of the Wellesley College Class of 2027. She is pursuing a double major in Data Science and English on a pre-law track. She is interested in exploring the intersection of law, mathematics, and technology, particularly how mathematical tools can help predict trends and enhance democratic processes. As an IMD fellow, she’s looking forward to studying gerrymandering using geometric knowledge.
Gahan and Claudia will be researching propositional representation, while Elaine Zhao will pursue a research project on gerrymandering.
We are also thrilled to have two Wellesley students joining us to support a joint research project on K-12 Math and Civic Education, in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Education at University of Southern California.
Kate Wepsic is a member of the Wellesley College Class of 2028 and is a prospective math major. She is passionate about mathematics education, especially at the elementary level. At IMD, she is interested in learning more about education in math and civics and how to design and implement K-12 curricula.
Charlotte Chung is a member of the Wellesley College Class of 2027 at Wellesley College, majoring in Education Studies with a minor in Mathematics. She is interested in the intersection of K–12 education and mathematics. At IMD, she is excited to explore the connections between K–12 math and civics education.
For more background on the fellows and their interests, see the IMD website’s students page.
