Skylar Schiltz-Rouse
Summary
Senior at Barnard College, Columbia University, pursuing a dual degree in Anthropology and East Asian Studies (GPA: 4.03), with hands-on research experience. Skilled in ethical interviewing, cross-cultural communication, and qualitative research, with proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow
Barnard College, Columbia University
New York, NY
04.2025 - Current
- Conduct independent research as part of a competitive two-year fellowship designed to prepare undergraduates for doctoral study
- Participate in weekly research meetings to present project progress and receive structured feedback from faculty mentors
Independent Study Project Researcher
SIT: Himalayan and Tibetan Peoples
Kathmandu, Nepal
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Designed and executed an independent ethnographic research project during a semester abroad in Nepal
- Authored a research paper grounded in original fieldwork conducted in Kathmandu and Pokhara, regarding the economic and political reasoning behind Chinese language learning efforts in Nepal
- Presented research findings to the Kathmandu community
- Conducted interviews in English and Chinese
Athena Fellow
Barnard College, Columbia University
New York, NY
12.2024 - 04.2025
- Developed and presented an original research project examining the experiences of app-based food delivery workers in New York City
- Conducted in-depth interviews with workers using ethical interviewing practices
Interviewer
United World College: U.S. Alumni Volunteer
New York, NY
12.2023 - 12.2024
- Evaluated prospective student candidates through structured interviews for United World College admission
Storytelling for Change with Athena Participant
Barnard College, Columbia University
New York, NY
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Collaborated in a cohort setting to develop and refine proposed creative projects, giving and receiving structured peer feedback
Camp Counselor and Cook
Teton Valley Ranch Camp
Dubois, Wyoming
04.2024 - 07.2024
- Prepared all meals for the camp community during the first half of the summer session
- Mentored and supervised campers as a camp counselor during the second half of the summer session
- Assisted in planning and executing weekly rodeo events
Research Intern
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Supported Prof. Goldberg's linguistic psychology research by creating and organizing photographs for grant proposal submissions
- Collaborated with the research team in weekly meetings to review and discuss emerging findings
- Coordinated with fellow interns to ensure efficient and timely completion of research tasks
Cashier and Dishwasher
Lillipies Bakery
Princeton, NJ
06.2020 - 04.2021
- Performed cashier, barista, dishwashing, and cleaning duties in a fast-paced bakery environment
Camp Counselor
Yinghua International School
Kingston, NJ
05.2021
- Taught Mandarin Chinese to campers through structured guided activities
- Facilitated daily programming in a safe, inclusive environment for campers of diverse backgrounds
- Led educational workshops on environmental conservation
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology and East Asian Studies
Barnard College, Columbia University
05-2027
High School Diploma -
Mahindra United World College of India
Paud, India05-2023
Skills
- Ethnographic analysis
- Ethnographic research
- Ethical interviewing
- Cross-cultural communication
- Public speaking
- Creative storytelling
- Project management
- Audio and video production
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- QGIS
Languages
- English, Native
- Chinese (Mandarin), Advanced
- Tibetan, Elementary
- Portuguese, Elementary
Activities
Volunteer at Broadway Community Soup Kitchen
Awards
United World College Davis Scholar
Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow
Timeline
Independent Study Project Researcher
SIT: Himalayan and Tibetan Peoples
01.2026 - 05.2026
Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow
Barnard College, Columbia University
04.2025 - Current
Athena Fellow
Barnard College, Columbia University
12.2024 - 04.2025
Storytelling for Change with Athena Participant
Barnard College, Columbia University
09.2024 - 10.2024
Camp Counselor and Cook
Teton Valley Ranch Camp
04.2024 - 07.2024
Interviewer
United World College: U.S. Alumni Volunteer
12.2023 - 12.2024
Research Intern
Princeton University
04.2022 - 06.2022
Camp Counselor
Yinghua International School
05.2021
Cashier and Dishwasher
Lillipies Bakery
06.2020 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology and East Asian Studies
Barnard College, Columbia University
High School Diploma -
Mahindra United World College of India