Meet Our Team

Open Book Collective is an organization run by first generation/low-income (FGLI) college students that aims to serve FGLI students at all stages of the academic career. In addition featuring the creative work of FGLI students, we also host workshops, talks, and other gatherings with the intention of fostering community and creating networking opportunities. Meet our team members below!

2023-2024 Team Members

Kelly Cunningham is a PhD Candidate in the Philosophy program at Vanderbilt. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy, Chinese Studies, and English at DePaul University. Her research interests lie at the intersection of ethics, bioethics, and narrative studies. She is currently working on her dissertation, which is centered around reconceptualizing trust. She is also a graduate coach for the Vanderbilt Ethics Bowl Team and co-chair of Vanderbilt's MAP reading group. In her free time, Kelly likes to do yoga, paint, cook, and take hikes with her dog, Bandit.

Erica Scarpitti (she/her) is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Earth and Environmental Sciences program at Vanderbilt University. She earned a B.S. in Earth Sciences and a minor in Environmental Science from The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on understanding the paleoclimate of the Western U.S. Specifically, she uses cave deposits (speleothems) to learn information about precipitation patterns in the past. In her free time, she likes to play with her dogs, hike, garden, and make stained glass.

Julia Red Wing, is an ambitious undergraduate at Vanderbilt University, double majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society, and Human Organization and Development, with a minor in Communications of Science and Technology. Her academic journey is fueled by a deep passion for dismantling inequitable barriers in various domains. As one of the 29 Native American students at Vanderbilt, Julia is a dedicated advocate, working towards improved resources and legislation to break down barriers. Beyond campus, she strives to amplify underrepresented voices and contribute to broader discussions on inclusivity. Looking ahead, she aspires to be a consultant, who leverages her expertise to enhance efficiency and equity across different sectors. Through her studies, advocacy, and future career, she aims to make a lasting impact and promote positive change in creating a more equitable society.

Christine Cabusay is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Human & Organizational Development on the Education Policy Track, complemented by a minor in Child Development. Her passion lies in advocating for equitable education. Christine's commitment to education advocacy extends beyond the classroom, as she strive to make a positive impact on the lives of children as an aspiring pediatric neuropsychologist. As she pursues my academic and professional journey, she is am dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and working towards a future where every child's potential is unlocked through accessible and equitable education.

2022-2023 Founding Team Members

Jessica Barker, Vanderbilt University, (she/her)
Jessica Barker is currently a senior in Vanderbilt University’s College of Arts & Sciences where she created her own major. Originally, she thought she wanted to be an English major, but realized that she was more interested in the ways policy, mass rhetoric, and mediated speech intersect and influence each other. She served as the Editor in Chief of The Vanderbilt Hustler during her junior year and is currently a freelance researcher for CNNs The Row, where she independently verifies reporting across CNN’s platforms. In what little free time she has, she likes to garden, bake, and read. You can find her on instagram and twitter @jessmbark

Hala Mohamad, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) (she/her)
Hala is an ambitious student at MTSU, a passionate artist and creator currently on a mission to change the world. She lives by the motto: "Motivation is temporary, but discipline stays".

Noah C. Rogers, Tennessee Tech (she/her)
Noah is a sophomore at Tennessee Tech where she is currently pursing a degree in English with a focus on literature. She is originally from Lynchburg, Tennessee and in her free time enjoys reading, listening to music, and going thrift shopping!