Tell us about your research project in Sonipat.

Perryman: In my research on informal e-waste recycling in India, I explored the intersection of toxic exposure, economic exploitation, and climate vulnerability. Workers in e-waste colonies face severe health risks from handling hazardous materials like lead and mercury, affecting both them and their communities. With low wages and unsafe conditions, these workers are caught in a cycle of exploitation.

A key aspect of my research was examining how extreme heat worsens these conditions. Workers’ outdoor labor without protection, and rising temperatures increase risks of respiratory issues, dehydration, and heat-related illness. This research is vital for understanding the full scope of challenges faced by informal e-waste workers and adds an important dimension to the debate on circular economy and just climate transitions. By including the lens of climate vulnerability, my work calls for policies that not only address the environmental and economic injustices of e-waste recycling but also protect workers from the escalating threats of climate change while they provide the very labor crucial to resource recovery for climate solutions.

What sparked your interest in the themes of climate justice and e-waste, and how did you develop this focus during your internship?

Perryman: My interest in climate justice and e-waste stems from the belief that solving the climate crisis requires prioritizing marginalized communities, who are often most affected but least heard. Throughout my time at UVA, I have taken several classes focused on Environmental Justice including Professor Kimberly Fields’ Global Environmental Justice course. I wanted to go to India to understand different communities' experiences and perspectives on Climate Justice. My internship reinforced that international exchange isn’t about providing solutions necessarily but listening. I saw this experience as the start of a lifelong goal to shift the power dynamics in global environmental politics, ensuring the voices of those most affected shape the policies that aim to protect our planet and our people. My focus on e-waste developed out of conversation with the professor I worked with at JGU. He is a leading scholar and practitioner in this area, and we found a great opportunity for collaboration in allowing me to explore my interest while building off existing work he had done.

UVA’s relationship with Jindal Global University greatly enhanced my internship. JGU’s hospitality was exceptional—they were committed to helping me access resources and create a meaningful research experience. The environment was pressure-free and intellectually stimulating, allowing me to explore my research with curiosity. Working closely with the Center and professors provided a rich, collaborative experience. Their support and insights were invaluable in shaping my work, and the overall partnership created a dynamic space for academic growth, helping me refine my focus on the intersection of e-waste, climate justice, and economic justice. I felt honored to have participated in the first UVA Education Abroad program hosted at JGU and sincerely hope more students chose to go to India.

What were some of the most impactful or memorable moments from your time in India? 

Perryman: One of the most memorable moments of my time in India was traveling to Agra to see the Taj Mahal during the most extreme heatwave in Indian history. Despite the sweltering heat, the beauty of the monument was awe-inspiring. I also navigated the bustling streets of Connaught Place in Delhi, a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, and had a nighttime visit to India Gate, just hours after the inauguration related to India’s recent election. There was a surreal energy in the air. I’ll never forget the tuk-tuk ride that broke down in the middle of a busy road—an adventure that turned into a shared moment of humor. Or escaping the hustle and bustle into the serene mountains of Kasauli, the beauty of the landscape stood in stark contrast to the devastating forest fires raging nearby. Climate challenges were everywhere I went, so too was rich beauty, history and culture interacting and adapting to those challenges. Overall, the people I broke bread with in each place and the personal connections, through music, laughter, and shared experiences, deepened my understanding of the challenges I was studying. The act of building relationships across cultural contexts in such a dynamic, diverse, and exciting places was both an invaluable professional and personal experience.

You've had an impressive range of global experiences in India, Sweden, the UK, South Africa, and Ireland. What inspired you to pursue these diverse opportunities abroad, and how have they shaped your academic and personal growth? 

Perryman: Before college, I had never traveled outside the US, but since then, I’ve visited 15 countries for both study and leisure. These experiences have transformed the way I see the world, revealing how deeply interconnected we are—not just through shared challenges but also through the struggles of people fighting for justice across different contexts. Travel has fueled my curiosity, broadening my perspective on systemic inequalities and the ways communities are resisting them. It’s helped me approach my education with a deeper sense of empathy and reinforced my commitment to understanding and addressing both local and global issues. In an odd way many places I have visited have a deeply homey feeling when I reflect on them, a realization that deeply grows and matures with more time spent in each. Ultimately, it’s shaped me into a more engaged global citizen, aware of the responsibilities we share in shaping a fairer, more just world.

In what ways have your global experiences reshaped your perspectives on your studies at UVA and your future career aspirations? 

Perryman: My global experiences have profoundly deepened my academic journey at UVA, particularly in my honors politics major. They've allowed me to experientially engage with many of the topics I study in the classroom, from international relations to global inequalities, by grounding theoretical concepts in real-world contexts. These experiences have sparked my desire to lead conversations on grounds about pressing global issues, drawing on diverse perspectives I’ve encountered abroad. They’ve also strengthened my aspiration to live and work internationally at least for a portion of my career. I feel more equipped than ever to do so and am actively seeking opportunities to do so in the near future.

What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing global experiences while at UVA? 

Perryman: If you're interested in pursuing global experiences at UVA, remember that these opportunities are not just about traveling—they're about building meaningful relationships with people from all over the world. UVA’s collaborations with global partners like Jindal Global University or IIIEE at Lund University offer you a chance to work with world-class thinkers and institutions. To make the most of these experiences, embrace vulnerability. Open yourself up to learning from others and challenge your own assumptions. Be kind to yourself as you adapt to new environments. Global travel is a continuous journey of learning, growth, and connection, even after you return to UVA and the relationships you build can last long after UVA. 

Don't hesitate to seek out funding—UVA and outside sources provide a range of scholarships and grants, and finding the right combination can make global experiences more accessible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when it comes to funding and don’t automatically assume you can’t do something when you see the sticker price on the website. 

Also, the benefit of traveling to countries considered the “global south” like South Africa or India is you see starkly global inequalities amid rapid development. It is just as easy if not easier in some respects to affordably and safely travel in these locations. I highly encourage other students to choose to study in the global south because it is necessary to understand what the future looks like for the majority of the world's people and the fastest growing population centers.