Elena Cata shares her experience as a student in the Human Rights Studies M.A. Program so far.
In which program are you enrolled and when is your expected graduation date?
Human Rights Studies M.A., will graduate in December 2024.
What is your research focus? What drew you to this particular issue/set of issues?
My research focuses on the political rights of non-citizens, particularly the human rights gap related to non-citizen voting rights. This issue is of great interest to me because it exposes a significant contradiction: non-citizens can be subject to punishment or state violence, yet they are excluded from having a say in the laws and policies that the state imposes upon them. I believe this gap should be addressed through a human rights framework, as human rights are meant to apply universally—to all people, not just citizens.
Which class would you recommend to other students interested in the same issues as you?
Professor Dugard's International Human Rights Law course.
Where did you grow up? In which countries and/or cities have you lived?
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I spent a year in a small city in Southern Spain teaching English before relocating to New York to pursue my studies at Columbia University.
What is a must-read for a human rights student?
Michael Ignatieff’s "American Exceptionalism and Human Rights."
Can you describe any volunteer or extracurricular activities that you have been a part of during your time at Columbia and how this experience has impacted you?
This summer I interned at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland, where I worked in the Investigative Support Unit of the Human Rights Inquiries Branch. My responsibilities included monitoring and drafting country-specific reports on emerging human rights abuses, with a focus on Belarus and Bangladesh. Additionally, I developed and maintained a high-level independent expert roster database and assisted Human Rights Officers in recruiting candidates for OHCHR-mandated missions. It was an incredible experience where I sharpened my research skills, observed treaty body sessions, and had the opportunity to network with high-level human rights professionals—all while immersing myself in the vibrant city of Geneva.
What has been your favorite moment in the program so far?
One of my favorite moments in the program was when climate activist Steven Donziger spoke during our international human rights law class last spring. Hearing his powerful and inspiring story firsthand, especially in such an intimate setting, was truly impactful.
What has been the most challenging part of the program?
The end of the semester when five 15-20 page papers are due!
What are your goals (professional or academic) after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
After graduation, my goal is to work full-time in the human rights field, whether at a foundation or an international NGO. In the next 10 years, I aspire to return to the UN as a Human Rights Officer, with the ultimate dream of ending my career as a professor of human rights, where I can both teach and continue to contribute to the field.
What is your favorite spot to study (or spend time) on campus?
Avery Library or the Low Library steps when it is sunny.
What is one thing that your peers would never guess about you or might find surprising?
I am a big Harry Potter nerd.
What is your hometown/area famous for?
The Home Alone house is in my neighborhood.
If you were to start a book club, which book would be first on your list? Why?
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a memoir that reflects on the life of a neurosurgeon facing his own mortality after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. It is a fascinating and profound book that I recommend to all of my friends.
Anything else you wish to share about yourself or your experience in the program/Columbia so far?
In addition to writing my Masters thesis this semester, I am currently a TA for Andrew Nathan's Introduction to Human Rights undergraduate course, conducting research with School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) professors on OCHA leadership, and have a Human Rights fellowship at the Overbrook Foundation.
