Ryann Rodney

About Ryann Rodney

Hi, I’m Ryann. I am currently an undergraduate student at American University studying in the School of International Service. I have been accepted into the Olson Scholars Program and am a First Year Lincoln Scholar. As a freshman, I am still in the process of formally declaring my academic concentrations, but I intend to pursue Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights as my primary concentration, with a sub-concentration in Global and Comparative Governance. I also plan to focus regionally on Sub-Saharan Africa.My academic interests center on the legal and political structures that shape sovereignty, self-determination, and democratic governance. I am particularly interested in how constitutional systems, regional institutions, and international legal frameworks define the boundaries of autonomy, minority rights, and state authority. While much of my current research explores European autonomy movements, I am increasingly interested in applying comparative frameworks to Sub-Saharan Africa to examine how colonial legacies, constitutional design, and regional bodies such as the African Union influence governance, rights protections, and claims to political representation. I am drawn to questions about how law functions both as a constraint and as a tool for justice in diverse democratic and postcolonial contexts.My academic and professional aspirations are grounded in a commitment to rigorous legal analysis, ethical governance, and public accountability. I am especially interested in the relationship between law and media, and how legal and political narratives are shaped for public audiences. As an aspiring lawyer and journalist, I hope to combine careful legal reasoning with clear, accessible storytelling that makes complex institutional dynamics understandable and relevant.Together, these academic interests and experiences support my long-term goal of working at the intersection of law, policy, and journalism, contributing to informed public discourse and defending democratic norms in both domestic and international contexts.

Experience

1. Sports Editor and Staff Writer

   The Blackprint

   Aug 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Managed the publication of articles that highlighted the intersection of sports, culture, and student life. • Collaborated with a diverse team to ensure representation and inclusivity in journalism. • Enhanced engagement through innovative storytelling across multiple platforms. • Established Eagle’s Eye, a series of interview-style articles showcasing black students within their sport and beyond.

Education

• Trevor Day School

  High School Diploma

• American University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, International Studies

  2025 — 2029