Norge-Amerika Foreningen
NORAM scholars 2025-26
Graduate - Norwegian Master's and PhD candidates to the U.S.
Eigard Alstad
MS in Data Science, Harvard University
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Eigard holds a BSc in Computer Science from Delft University of Technology and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science at Harvard University. He has work experience in renewable energy with Volue ASA and in AI startups in the Netherlands. His academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of sustainability, renewable energy, and responsible, human-centric AI. His master's research focuses on bias in large language models. During his time at Harvard, Eigard looks forward to expanding his international network and developing impactful skills. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and reading.
Herman Brurberg
MS in Business Analytics, Hult International Business School
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Herman is from Oslo, Norway. He holds a BSc in Business and Economics from BI Norwegian Business School and is currently completing a Master’s in Finance at Hult International Business School in Boston, with a graduation date of August 2025. He is now pursuing a dual degree in Business Analytics. Herman has worked as a Junior Financial Controller at Landkreditt Bank and interned in private equity at Lionchase North America. He is passionate about financial strategy, data analysis, and sustainable investing. Outside of academics, Herman enjoys skiing in the winter and golfing during the summer.
Mie Bøttger
MS in Integrated Marketing, New York University
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Jørgen Vatshelle Halvorsen
MS in Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Harvard University
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Jørgen is from Bergen, Norway. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Economics and Technology Management at NTNU, specializing in Energy Process Engineering and Finance. As part of his studies, he will spend two semesters at Harvard University. There, he aims to deepen his understanding of sustainable energy systems and the role of finance in supporting the green transition. Outside of academics, Jørgen enjoys skiing and hiking in the mountains.
Maja Holmen
LLM, University of Minnesota
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Maja Holmen is from Oslo, Norway, and is a law student at the University of Bergen. She will be pursuing an LL.M. at the University of Minnesota, with coursework spanning both American and international law. Maja's interest in international cooperation began in high school, when she studied and lived with students from over 90 different countries at a United World College. In 2023, she participated in a Fulbright summer program for student leaders at Michigan State University, where she developed a keen interest in Norwegian-American relations. Maja is excited to engage more with the Norwegian-American community while in Minnesota.
Amalie Victoria Jørgensen
PhD in Biology, University of North Dakota
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Amalie is from Askøy, but pursued both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of North Dakota. Both her previous degrees focused on wildlife ecology and research. Specifically, her interests involve large mammal movement and behavior to better understand how and why wildlife use and select for specific habitats. She is now a second year Ph.D. student at UND and is studying giraffe spatial ecology and behavior, with field sites in South Africa. Amalie aims to work with threatened and endangered species and is therefore pursuing a career within wildlife research.
Trym Kyvåg
MS in Artificial Intelligence, Northeastern University ​
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Trym Kyvåg, originally from Nittedal, is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence at Northeastern University in Boston, specializing in Machine Learning. Having completed his first year, he is now entering the final year of the program. He holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Merrimack College. Trym has completed three internships at Tunable in Oslo as a Data Science Intern, where he saw firsthand the powerful intersection of Artificial Intelligence and applied mathematics in industry—an experience that solidified his passion for the field. This summer, he will be working on a summer project for Telenor where they will look to restructure their infrastructure to incorporate more Artificial Intelligence, further expanding his experience in real-world AI applications.
Eli Magnussen Landsem
MA in Finance and Strategic Management, Georgetown University
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Eli grew up in Trondheim, Norway. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School, where she is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Finance and Strategic Management. This year, she is attending Georgetown University as an exchange student in their MBA program. During her exchange, Eli aims to deepen her understanding of sustainable finance, as she aspires to work with driving investments that combat climate change and promote economic inclusion.
Magnus Austad Løkken
Master of Music in Jazz Percussion, Manhattan School of Music
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Magnus Austad Løkken is a Norwegian jazz drummer and composer currently pursuing a Master’s in Jazz Arts at Manhattan School of Music. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. As a performer, he has played across Europe with his own projects and as a sideman, including at Bimhuis and Getxo Jazz Festival. He sees art as a shared space that connects people and is committed to communicating music through performance, dialogue, and education. While in New York, he is developing his skills as a musician and composer, recording his debut album and engaging with the city’s jazz scene.
Maud Sundnes Moen
MS in Sustainability Management, Columbia University
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Maud is from Oslo, Norway. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies from the University of Oslo, which included an exchange semester at Sciences Po Lyon and fieldwork in Tanzania. Maud has held internships at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo and the United Nations in New York. In the two years prior to beginning her Master’s degree, she worked as a Sustainability Advisor at VOICE, a major Norwegian fashion company. At Columbia University, she looks forward to building practical skills to support impactful change, meeting new people, and exploring American culture.
Ruwayda Mohamed
MS in International Educational Development, University of Pennsylvania
Ruwayda is from Oslo and will pursue a Master of Science in International Educational Development at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in educational technology. She has interned with Norway’s Permanent Delegation to the OECD and UNESCO in Paris, as well as the United Nations Development Programme. Ruwayda has a decade of grassroots experience in education and global development through various organizations and nonprofits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a specialization in economics from the University of Oslo, and has completed a one-year program in applied machine learning.
Pedro Ramirez
MS in Interdisciplinary Studies (Atmospheric Science), Texas Tech University
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Pedro was born in Delaware but grew up in Sandnes, Norway. His interest in weather began during the intense Norwegian heatwave of 2018, which led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in “Vær, hav og klimafysikk” at the University of Bergen. In spring 2025, he participated in an exchange program at the University of Oklahoma, where he had the opportunity to experience severe weather firsthand. Pedro will now begin a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on atmospheric science at Texas Tech University. He looks forward to deepening his understanding of extreme weather and contributing to better public preparedness.
Louise Ronglan
MS in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology​​
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Louise is from Levanger, and is finishing her third year of an integrated master’s degree in marine technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. While studying, she has worked part-time at the maritime autonomy company, Zeabuz. Louise has also served the board in Revolve NTNU, a student organization producing and competing with an electric and autonomous race car. Louise will continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here, she will join the Sea Grant Lab, conducting research on fluids. This will prepare her for a career in the maritime sector, particularly in offshore energy production, an area in which she has great interest in.
Emma Ryen
MS in Accounting and Fundamental Analysis, Columbia University
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Emma is from Hamar, Norway, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). Since graduating, she has worked in private equity in Oslo and Stockholm. During this time, she also took time off to travel – the highlight being New Year’s Eve in Brazil.
This fall, Emma will begin a Master’s in Accounting and Fundamental Analysis at Columbia University in New York. The programme provides skills applied directly to equity and credit analysis. She looks forward to deepening her finance expertise and meeting people from around the world.
Hanna Rød
MS in Applied Mathematics​
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Hanna is from Husnes in Western Norway. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Physics and Mathematics, specializing in Applied Mathematics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Alongside her studies, she tutors students in both mathematics and programming. With a strong passion for combining the two fields, she will spend the coming year at UC Berkeley focusing on scientific computing, statistics and machine learning. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing the violin and running. She is excited to engage with Berkeley’s diverse community and deepen her knowledge in applied mathematics and computational methods.
Heeirthan Shanthan
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, UC Santa Barbara
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Heeirthan is from Haslum, Norway, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he was also a student-athlete on the university’s soccer team. Heeirthan specializes in controls, communication, and signal processing, with additional interests in machine learning and computer vision. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and spending time by the beaches of Santa Barbara.
My Haugland Soersdahl
MA in Peace and Justice, University of San Diego
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My, 25, holds a BA in Sociology with a minor in Film and Television from University of California Los Angeles and is now pursuing a Master’s in Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. A former elite soccer player who represented Norway’s youth national teams and won a national championship with UCLA in 2022, she has since shifted her focus to peacebuilding. Passionate about using visual media to make complex social issues accessible, she blends storytelling with conflict resolution and social justice frameworks. Her goal is to empower others and advocate meaningfully for marginalized communities across the world.
Mario de la Ossa Sætre
Master of Fine Arts in Photography, Pratt Institute
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Mario de la Ossa is a visual artist from Costa Rica and Norway, currently pursuing an MFA in Photography at Pratt Institute in New York. With a background in Fine Art from the University of Bergen, his work explores power structures, cultural imagery, and the visual codes that shape our cultural perception. Drawing on his multicultural background, he reflects critically on the influence of North American culture, using photography to interrogate symbols, tropes, and image-making itself. At Pratt, he deepens this inquiry into the role of visual media in shaping cultural narratives and to contribute to cross-cultural dialogues within the art community.
Jo Gramnæs Tjernshaugen
MS in Computer Science, UC Berkeley​
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Jo is a graduate student from Nesodden, Norway, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science and a one-year Business Management program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Passionate about emerging technologies and their real-world applications, Jo has gained hands-on experience through an internship at Vipps MobilePay as well as part-time work as a software developer for the Great Norwegian Encyclopedia. Jo is excited to spend a year at UC Berkeley, where he hopes to learn from a world-class university and connect with the Bay Area technology community.
Aleksander Thornes Vestlund
MS in Cyber SecurIty and Data Communication, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Vestlund grew up in Stabekk and currently studies Cyber Security and Data mCommunication at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Alongside his studies, he works as a teaching assistant in programming courses and recently interned at the consulting firm Bekk as a security developer. His interests in cryptography, networking, and security have led him to pursue graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this spring. Vestlund enjoys combining academic challenges with real-world applications. Outside of academics, he is passionate about skiing at his family cabin and has even competed in the Norwegian National Championship in table tennis.
Johannes Øksnevad
J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law
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From Hommersåk, Norway, Johannes is a Juris Doctor Candidate at Wake Forest University School of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, summa cum laude, with a minor in Creative Writing from Lees-McRae College. As a rising second-year student, he is eager to continue developing professional skills through academic engagement and hands-on legal experience. Outside of law school, Johannes enjoys attending athletic events, cross-country skiing, and exploring global cuisines.
Tomine Bjørheim Øverland
MS in Education, San Diego State University​
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Tomine was born and raised in Stavanger. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education for grades 5-10, more specifically in math, arts and crafts, and religion. She will spend a semester at San Diego State University, as a global campus student. As a future teacher she is eager to expand her knowledge and gain new perspectives that will enrich her teaching practice, as well as prepare her to contribute meaningfully to a multicultural classroom in Norway. Studying abroad has been a long-standing dream of hers, and this opportunity aligns perfectly with her personal and professional goals.
Graduate - American Master's and PhD candidates to Norway
Katherine Anne Barden
MA in Globalization and Sustainable Development, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
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Katherine is from Madison Wisconsin, USA. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Nordic Studies from St. Olaf College. She is working on a Masters degree at NTNU. Katherine's thesis delves into the perceived versus actual environmental impacts where environmental and Indigenous justice intersect. She is interested in examining changes over time that evoke a more realized justice. In addition to conducting research at St. Olaf through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Inquiry, Katherine has also presented at the Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies and at the Ecocritical Network for Scandinavian Studies.
Jack Chipman
MPhil in Modern International and Transnational History, University of Oslo
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Jack is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He received his bachelor’s degree with honors in history from Case Western Reserve University. Having studied for a year at the University of Oslo he will begin work on his masters thesis next year, writing about the role of the coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War in the origins and outcome of the conflict. He has also written multiple articles for the university history journal Fortid. He has had an excellent time in Oslo and is looking forward to what the next year may hold.
Margaret Gaspers
MSc in Physical Activity and Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Margaret is from a small island in Washington state, and moved to Norway in the fall of 24’ to study Exercise Physiology in the Physical Activity and Health masters degree at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She attended Folk High School in Western Norway in 2019, before returning to the United States to complete her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at St. Olaf College. She plans to combine her passion for Sports Medicine with her love for Norwegian culture during her masters. She is looking forward to eventually pursuing a career in research in Norway, focusing primarily on injury prevention!
Annika McGraw
MSc in Organizational Psychology and Leadership, BI Norwegian Business School
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Annika McGraw is a second-year master’s student at BI Norwegian Business School, where she is pursuing an MSc in Organizational Psychology and Leadership. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University and double bachelor degrees in Animal Science and Philosophy from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Originally from California, Annika moved to Oslo in 2024 and has enjoyed learning Norwegian and exploring new topics in organizational science, including fraud, compliance, and corporate governance. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and cozy evenings with her cats. She is excited to be building her life in Norway this coming year!
Ethan Wong
MPhil in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Oslo
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Ethan is from California, USA. He holds a BA in International Studies from American University and is currently starting the second year of his master’s program in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Oslo. Ethan’s thesis will investigate the role and influence of non-Arctic states in the Arctic Council, particularly in promoting cooperation in the region. Through his research, Ethan aims to strengthen the region’s governance and enhance solutions for peace and cooperation in the Arctic. Ethan is also a Research Associate at The Arctic Institute and was a US Fulbright Grantee to Norway.
Benjamin Woodcock
MA in Modern International and Transnational History, University of Oslo
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​Ben is from Wilmington, North Carolina. He has explored Norwegian history, culture, and language for years, both personally and academically. Previously, he completed a bachelor degree in history at Volda University College in Norway, and is now taking a Master degree in Modern International and Transnational History at the University of Oslo. In Oslo, Ben has applied to intern at the Maritime museum, where he aims to research the history of industrial whaling. Through this research, Ben aims to explore the intersections between Norwegian history and broader global development.