2025 Arab America Summer Interns

We are proud to have a talented and diverse group of interns joining us this summer from universities across the country. While not all have chosen to share personal bios, their contributions are equally valued and impactful.

Amir Kobeissi

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Amir Kobeissi is currently entering his junior year at Providence College, where he is majoring in Business Management with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. This summer, he began an internship with Arab America, which has been a valuable and rewarding experience. He looks forward to growing and learning throughout this journey.

Fayzeh Abou Ardat

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Fayzeh Abou Ardat is an undergraduate student at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, where she is pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. With a rich cultural background that blends Lebanese, Italian, and Canadian heritage, Fayzeh brings a unique perspective to her academic and creative work. Her writing often explores the intersection of cultures, particularly the connections between the Middle East and Europe. She has a strong interest in historical contexts and frequently analyzes political leaders and international actors through a critical and informed lens. Her work reflects a deep curiosity about global affairs and a passion for understanding the forces that shape our world.

Jake Harris

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Jake Harris is a contributing writer at Arab America since May 2025, In May 2024 he graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with two concentrations in Sports Communication and Journalism. While his time at Marist was mostly studying sports journalism, in 2023 Jake gained a particular interest in Middle Eastern geopolitics as well as Arab culture, keeping a close eye on Arab, and Middle Eastern current events as they have unfolded in the years since.

Laila Mamdouh

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Laila Mamdouh is an Egyptian American and a rising junior currently studying Political Science concentrating in International Law with a double minor in History and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo. At AUC, she is a student Ambassador and the director of Student Engagement at the Political Science Student Association. As a participant in the EURECA Conference (Conference for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, Entrepreneurship and Creative Achievement) at AUC, Laila had the opportunity to present her research on the factors and implications of the Western Wall Riots, exploring the religious and political tensions between Arabs and Zionists under British colonial policies, using primary sources to understand the historical resentments that continue to shape the Zionist movement and Palestinian-Israeli relations. From her experiences and education in both Boston and Cario, Laila is dedicated to utilizing her academic and leadership experiences to contribute to meaningful dialogue and positive change on an international scale.

Layan Srour

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Layan Srour is a curator, musician, and researcher whose work traces the threads of cultural memory, identity, and connection through music. Shaped by Beirut’s vibrant underground and folk melodies, her sound moves fluidly between performance, education, and community work. As an Artist in Residence with Artists at Work x the Arab American National Museum, she collaborates with local organizations to build creative, community-rooted projects. Her ongoing ethnomusicology research examines the role of music in shaping cultural identity, and through 40 Minutes With, a weekly interview series with the Arab American Foundation, she showcases the voices of Arab American musicians, diving deep into their stories and artistic journeys.

Layla Mahmoud

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Layla Mahmoud is an Egyptian-American writer and student currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at The American University in Cairo. Her work explores questions of identity, migration, and cultural memory, often drawing on her own experience navigating life between the U.S. and Egypt. She writes about Arab-American life, the challenges of returning “home,” and the ways Arab youth stay connected with their roots. With a background rooted in both storytelling and political inquiry, Layla aims to shed light on voices that are often caught in between two worlds.

Nissrine Bedda

Contributing Writer and Social Media Coordinator

Nissrine Bedda is an aspiring political scientist currently completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. With a rich Moroccan and Mexican heritage, her writing explores the intersection of Latin and Arab cultures in the arts, covering topics such as flamenco, Arabic music, and film. She also examines how Western society is becoming more receptive to Arab culture and delves into the surprising similarities between Arabs and Latinos, highlighting the shared connections that often go overlooked.

Ramsey Zeidan

Contributing Writer and Research Intern

Ramsey Zeidan is a sophomore at the University of Florida pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and data science on a pre-law track. Based in Orlando, he primarily writes about world politics through a social justice lens, incorporating his experiences as a Palestinian American. Ramsey volunteers regularly with Students Demand Action and Florida High School Model United Nations to inspire other young people in his community. In his free time, he enjoys baking and exploring diverse cuisines, with a particular passion for Middle Eastern dishes.

Rena Elhessen

Contributing Writer and Senior Research Intern

(Bio and photo to be added shortly.)