“I often think back to my time adjusting to FSU as an out-of-state student and use that life experience to have empathy towards people seeking connections. This fuels my passion for creating welcoming, inclusive spaces.”
Fast Facts
- Favorite FSU snack: Iced tea and cookie from Argo Tea
- Residence halls: Has lived in 12 different dorm rooms on campus
- Musical: Played viola for 15 years
- Favorite hobby: Hiking
- Favorite holiday: Fat Tuesday
Criminology and Middle Eastern studies student Emma Brown uses her fluency in Arabic to fuel her Honors in the Major research. Through her ethnography, she conducts groundbreaking research exploring Middle Eastern resettlement communities in Tampa, Florida, focusing on local integration and support structures.
Brown learned Arabic early in life and studied abroad in Jordan this summer to expand her knowledge of the culture and Arabic language.
Outside of research, Brown is a legal intern for the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, where she uses her multilingualism to help clients navigate the legal processes for U.S. residency and citizenship. This role inspired her ideal future career as an immigration attorney.
Brown has shone on campus at the Center for Global Engagement as a former Peer Mentor Coordinator. She used her extroverted interpersonal skills to create an environment where more than 300 international students were welcomed to FSU, hosting cultural events and helping them develop their English language skills.
Why did you choose Florida State University?
I chose to attend FSU because of the welcoming atmosphere and outgoing students. As an out-of-state student, I was intimidated by going to a school where I did not have any existing connections. I immediately felt like I belonged on campus and built a community through discussions and events with my fellow students.
What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?
I am conducting an Honors in the Major project using ethnographic research to study Middle Eastern communities in Tampa, Florida, with a focus on language usage, commerce, political identity and religion.
I was awarded the FSU Center for Global Engagement’s Global Citizen Award for the 2025–2026 academic year. This builds on my recognition as the Outstanding Student in Arabic Studies by the FSU Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics in both 2024 and 2025. In addition to my academic honors, I currently serve as the Arabic Honor Society’s outreach coordinator and formerly served as the events chair, where I organized events that built community and encouraged others to explore a new culture.
I am now the assistant at the Middle East Center, where I aid the faculty in their development of the Middle East Center and its academic major. In previous years, I have taught a traditional Arab dance, the dabke, at cultural events and made my personal favorite Arab dessert, Om Ali. I enjoy sharing the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures and languages in the Middle East.
How have you impacted your community?
As a legal intern at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, I assist individuals navigating the legal processes for U.S. citizenship and resettlement. In this pro bono role, I leverage my Arabic and Spanish language skills to facilitate client communication, documentation and application support.
I also volunteer as an English Conversation Program Partner Facilitator with the Center for Global Engagement and meet weekly with international students to aid them in their conversational English.
I contribute to Tallahassee by helping the community with pro bono immigration resources, providing people with excellent care without financial burden. On the weekends, I volunteer with Tallahassee refugees and enjoy showing hospitality and aiding in their transition to this new environment.
Outside of my efforts in aiding immigrants and international students, I also contribute to FSU with my passion for advocacy and connection-building. As director of the Women Student Union, I enjoy planning events and fostering spaces that empower women socially, politically and professionally.