The Bergel Institute — Cohorts
Fellow Spotlight
A strategic look into the research fields, programmatic visions, and systemic frameworks designed by our current active fellows.
Our 2026 Fellows
Dr. Eirliani Abdul Rahman
Human Trafficking Risks: AI for Proactive Protection in India and BeyondEvery 15 minutes, a child is abducted in India. Dr. Abdul Rahman will utilize this Fellowship to operationalize an AI platform that will enable law enforcement to get ahead of child trafficking networks. Through the development of predictive algorithms and heatmaps, Eirliani’s platform will transform overwhelmed agencies from reactive responders into proactive protectors.
Dr. Omolara Fatiregun
Using AI to Expand Economic Opportunity in the U.S.How do workforce development systems – across schools, juvenile justice agencies, mayor’s offices, and community colleges – structure economic opportunity, and how can AI be used to correct embedded bias in those decision processes? That’s what Dr. Fatiregun will answer with the time and structure afforded by this Fellowship.
Andy Schindling and Kate Murphy
The Creation of the Mentoring Profession in the United StatesTransforming a historically volunteer endeavor into a stable and wealth-building profession for those with lived experience: That is the charge for Andy and Kate, as they draw on their experience leading mentorship programs to develop the new mentoring profession. Their efforts will also give youth the long-term support they need to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.