Cooke Alumni Spotlight – May 2026
Over 25 years, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has served nearly 3,900 high-achieving Scholars, with Alumni now pursuing careers across a wide range of fields. Check out some recent accomplishments and updates from members of the Cooke Alumni community!
Michael Sy Uy – 2008 Graduate Scholar, University of Oxford and Harvard University
Michael is currently working on his second book with Oxford University Press titled Endowing Equity: The NEA, Cultural Diversity, and the Battle for Arts Funding, which is set to release in 2027. In his book, he will explore the history of the National Endowment for the Arts’ “Expansion Arts” program, which helped support underrepresented artists and communities between 1971-1995. Through archival research and interviews, Michael will discuss how the program promoted cultural diversity and utilized the arts to help make America more inclusive. He will also highlight the long-lasting impact of coalition-building and equity-focused initiatives in the arts community.
Nasra Nimaga – 2008 Transfer Scholar; 2010 Graduate Scholar, Princeton University
Nasra recently joined the Association Board of the Urban Design Forum, an organization bringing together leaders to improve New York City through urban planning and community development discussions. In this role, Nasra will work alongside other civic leaders to build community connections and support the development of future urban leaders through the Forefront Fellowship.
Andreas Robertson – 2015 College Scholar; 2019 Graduate Scholar, Georgia Institute of Technology
Andreas has recently accepted a position with Sandia National Laboratories’ Center for Computing Research as a Senior Member of Technical Staff. His work will focus on advancing algorithms in Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence, building on his previous experience with the Scientific Machine Learning team.
Teresa Billick – 2023 Transfer Scholar; 2026 Graduate Scholar, University of Arizona
Teresa recently began a research assistantship focused on water policy and water rights in Northern New Mexico. Her research examines acequias, communal irrigation canals facing challenges from climate change and population growth. In addition to her research, Teresa will also begin an internship this month with Freeport-McMoRan‘s Environmental Department at a copper mine.
To read more about what Cooke Alumni have been up to this month, check out the May edition of the Alumni Buzz!