GRACE SANDMAN

Sole undergraduate researcher for the Stanford Center For Innovation In Global Health Seed Grant Project: A Trauma-Informed Approach to United Nations' War Crimes Investigations at Stanford's Center for Human Rights and International Justice. Currently develops trauma-informed interviewing techniques for international criminal courts and revises a specialized field guide for the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes (UNITAD) targeting ISIL/Da'Esh crimes. Prepares UN-specific materials, writes trauma-focused field and manual guides, adapts documents for broader ICC use, collaborates with law and graduate students in crafting Trauma-Informed Investigation Field Guides, and conducts comprehensive research for content curation.

Collaborated with Deputy District Attorneys to draft pivotal documents, including statements of facts, closing/opening memoranda, witness outlines, and trial briefs. Adept at summarizing a diverse range of materials, from police and forensic reports to witness statements, to facilitate case progression. Actively participated in Preliminary Trials, providing essential preparatory materials for presentation. Orchestrated efficient management of evidence, handling redactions for discovery and transcription of audio/video materials. Organized case files for smooth closure procedures and trial readiness, while executing clerical functions for seamless communication with the D.D.A.

Worked on the "Avatars" project, analyzed human avatar creation in social VR environments. Explored ideas, research, and ethical aspects related to digital human representations. Focused on the widely-used platform VRChat to identify and address differences in racial group representation within virtual characters, contributed to a more inclusive online environment.

Designed website for Teen Advisory Board's Student Voices blog. Met with Holocaust survivors and maintained social and emotional contact during Covid-19. Furthered museum's mission to educate LA community about the Holocaust and participated in shaping engagement events.

Developed visual literacy skills utilizing survivor testimony archives as part of the iWitness program. Created education campaign and presented it at school regarding combatting discrimination and hate. Piloted "Dimensions in Testimony," utilizing Artificial Intelligence to preserve survivor testimony and allow generations of students to ask questions and interact virtually with survivors after they are gone.