Michelle Belakh
Freshman at Binghamton University, fluent in English, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Her experience spans linguistic research, editorial writing, government internships, and community leadership. Passionate about sociolinguistics and exploring the way language shapes social inclusion, corporate culture, and labor policy.
Linguistics & Academic Leadership
Researcher, Binghamton University Source Project —
conducting a year-long, first-of-its-kind study at the intersection of stuttering, linguistics, and rhythmic gymnastics in collaboration with the head Speech-Language Pathologist, with findings to be presented at a conference in May.
Participant, Binghamton Linguistics Club —
engage in syntax, phonology, and discourse-analysis workshops.
Vice President, Binghamton Academic Hall —
oversee academic programming for 400+ students and liaise weekly with the Binghamton College Council.
Opinions Writer, Binghamton Pipe Dream —
published in print with strong readership and cross-platform engagement, including Instagram and Threads.
Holocaust Testimony Preservation — Oral History Initiative
Document Holocaust survivors’ wartime testimonies through structured oral-history interviews. Organized community interview sessions and convened more than 100 participants to ensure these historical accounts are preserved for future generations.
Editorial & Linguistic Work
Opinions Writer, Pipe Dream Newspaper
Published analytical opinion essays on language, media narratives, and social accountability in Binghamton University's Pipe Dream newspaper.
Featured articles include:
Creator, Spanish-Language Linguistics Podcast
Created a Spanish-language linguistics podcast analyzing how language marginalizes immigrant communities, particularly regarding their use of traditional medicine.
Engage in phonology, syntax, semantics, and discourse-analysis workshops
Member, Binghamton Linguistics Club
Founder, Ukrainian Aid Committee
Coordinated the delivery of 450+ essential relief items to Ukrainian families, focusing on sustainable, community-driven support.
Founder, Bridges to Hispanic Heritage
Led cultural-exchange Spanish-immersion workshops designed to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and empower bilingual communication.
Center for Applied Linguistics
Engage in the Center for Applied Linguistics, studying biliteracy development frameworks and linguistically responsive pedagogy for emergent bilingual populations.
Academic Portfolio — Linguistic Weaponization in Gymnastics
Research portfolio examining how language and narrative framing influence public perception in elite gymnastics culture.
Gale Startup Internship
Supported linguistically informed, audience-specific outreach connecting YC startup founders—including those from Gale, an immigration technology platform helping founders secure U.S. visas—with national hackathons and innovation networks.
Ukrainian Resilience & Aid Initiative
Raised $18,000 for humanitarian aid supporting Ukrainian communities during wartime. Created a “Resilience Lexicon” of more than 400 words designed to help families communicate hope and emotional resilience during crisis.
Medical Data Dashboard Project
Developed an automated dashboard for a medical daycare organization to track clients, reporting, and operational data.
The system reduced administrative preparation time by approximately 75% and was implemented across six medical daycare centers.
Activities & Leadership
Spanish National Honor Society
Peer tutor and cultural‑event organizer.
U.S. Senate Youth & Government Semifinalist
Debated federal legislation at state conventions.
Varsity Rhythmic Gymnastics & Coach
Mentor young athletes, plan training cycles, judge local meets.
Volunteer — Alice Tien for Civil Court
Voter outreach and event staffing.
Binghamton Academic Hall — Vice President
Plan and facilitate academic events for 400+ students; serve as liaison to the Binghamton College Council.
Binghamton Linguistics Club — Participant
Engage in linguistic analysis, theory workshops, and collaborative discussions.
Binghamton University Chabad
Participate in cultural events and thoughtful conversations that explore Jewish traditions, identity, and community.
Binghamton Pipe Dream — Opinions Writer
Write editorial pieces on linguistics, culture, and public discourse for the campus newspaper, with articles published in print and widely shared on Instagram and Threads.
Skills
Linguistic & Analytical Skills
Linguistic analysis (syntax, semantics, discourse), research synthesis, argumentation, editorial writing.
Soft Skills
Event planning, public speaking, bilingual communication, team leadership.
Policy & Research
Constituent casework, legislative analysis, briefing & memos, issues research.
Technical
Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, transcription tools, basic data organization.
Awards & Honors
Highest-Scoring Incoming College Student
LegalEagleBee Judicial Case Competition (2025)
Dean’s List Honoree
Binghamton University
Linguistics Essay published in SharpurEdge Humanities Issue, Binghamton University
Selected Publication in Humanities Journal
Next Goals
Create a “Linguistic Bias Awareness Training” at Binghamton University for students
Expand the “Resilience Lexicon” project. Continue developing a growing linguistic resource of Ukrainian words and expressions that help families communicate resilience and hope during wartime.
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