Contact Us
Email us at ballardbrief@byu.edu
Ballard Brief Team
Meet our dedicated team of student changemakers skilled in researching, writing, and communicating about social issues.
Robyn Mortensen
Editor-in-Chief
Robyn is majoring in political science and working on minors in legal studies, communications, and ballroom dance. She is preparing to take the LSAT in the summer and plans on pursuing family or criminal law once she graduates from law school. Robyn joined the Ballard Center in early 2021 and is an enthusiast for what this center offers and teaches regarding social impact. She is passionate about understanding, researching, and finding solutions to human trafficking, lack of access to education, and voting inequality. When Robyn is not busy with her daily “to-do” list, you can find her practicing with her ballroom partners, meal-prepping, and quoting every movie and TV show she has ever seen.
Susan May Watts
Managing Editor
Susan is a senior from Indiana studying political science and minoring in nonprofit management, political research and analysis, and legal studies. She plans on attending law school once she graduates, and is interested in pursuing a career in real estate or medical malpractice law. Susan is passionate in issues relating to women’s rights, human rights, and education. She loves to travel, and currently has Egypt, Japan, and Italy on her bucket list. Susan became involved in the Ballard Center by writing her own brief on postpartum depression among adolescent mothers, and plans on writing a new brief every semester. In her free time, you can find her cooking, singing, reading, or exploring.
Kate Christensen
Director of Operations
Kate Christensen is an oboe performing major with a minor in global and community impact, poised to pursue her studies at Juilliard in the fall. With a profound love for music and a keen interest in effecting positive change, Kate embodies a rare combination of artistic talent and social consciousness. Her dedication to mastering the oboe is matched only by her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her. As she looks ahead to Juilliard, Kate is driven by a vision of leveraging her skills to enact meaningful change on a global scale.
Esther Schwartz
Copy Editor
Esther Schwartz is a passionate English major with a penchant for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the written word. Having spent significant time living in England, Esther has been immersed in the rich literary traditions that have shaped her academic pursuits and personal identity. With an insatiable curiosity and a keen analytical mind, she has honed her skills in critical thinking and communication, preparing herself for the next chapter of her academic journey. With aspirations of attending law school, Esther aims to leverage her background in English literature to navigate the complexities of legal discourse with nuance and insight. Grounded in a strong sense of justice and a desire to advocate for those in need, Esther is driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world around her.
Genevieve Cole
Content Editor
As an Interdisciplinary Humanities major, Genny seamlessly weaves together various fields of study to gain a holistic understanding of the world around her. With a passion for amplifying voices and fostering positive change, she serves as a Teaching Assistant for the "Do Good Better" class, where she inspires and empowers her peers to make a difference in their communities. Genny's commitment to social justice extends beyond academia; she is a fierce advocate for women's rights, tirelessly working to dismantle barriers and promote equality. Moreover, Genny's admiration for Taylor Swift is more than just fandom—it's a testament to her belief in the power of storytelling and the ability of music to inspire and unite. With her sights set on pursuing a master's degree, she is poised to continue her journey of empowerment, advocacy, and making the world a better place for all.
Whitney Kingsolver
Content Editor
Whitney Kingsolver is an Environmental Science and Sustainability major with a minor in International Development. Whitney is especially passionate about education, environmental sustainability, racial inequity, and mental health. After her undergraduate degree, Whitney hopes to earn a Master’s in Public Administration.
Becca Linford
Content Editor
Becca Linford is a dynamic individual with a passion for languages, numbers, and endurance. Currently pursuing a double major in Portuguese and Statistics, she thrives on the intricacies of both linguistic and mathematical systems. With aspirations to obtain a JD/MBA, Becca aims to combine her analytical prowess with her love for law and business. Outside of academia, she finds solace in marathon running, pushing her physical limits while exploring the natural world. An avid reader, Becca can often be found immersed in literature, whether under the shade of a tree or curled up by the fireplace, her thirst for knowledge and adventure knows no bounds.
Mason Scholes
Content Editor
Mason Scholes is a dedicated wordsmith on a journey through the realms of literature and language. As an English major, Mason's passion for storytelling and linguistic nuance infuses every aspect of his academic pursuits. Beyond the classroom, Mason channels his love for words into a part-time role as an editor for a publishing company, where he hones his craft and helps bring authors' visions to life. With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the power of narrative, Mason is committed to elevating the written word and shaping the literary landscape. Whether he's dissecting the works of classic authors or fine-tuning manuscripts for publication, Mason Scholes is a literary enthusiast poised to leave his mark on the world of letters.
Sarah Cook
Graphic Designer and Website Specialist
Majoring in Product & User Experience Design, Sarah's passion for innovation and aesthetics drives her to create intuitive and visually captivating designs that enhance the lives of users. Outside of her academic pursuits, Sarah finds joy and inspiration behind the lens of her camera, capturing the beauty of the world through photography, and expressing her creativity through graphic design projects. When she's not immersed in the digital realm, Sarah gracefully glides across the dance floor as a devoted ballroom dancer, finding freedom and expression in movement. Committed to maintaining a balanced lifestyle, she dedicates time to her physical well-being, engaging in regular workouts to energize her body and mind. With her boundless creativity, passion for design, and zest for life, Sarah Cook is a shining example of artistry and vitality in everything she pursues.