Hi everyone!
My name Sam Gotch, and I’m a senior from Pacifica, California, majoring in Political Science with (fingers crossed) minors in Public Policy and Data Science. Over my time at Carleton, I’ve really grown to value learning, working in group settings, and staying connected with the communities I’m part of. All of this has shaped how I show up in leadership and collaboration with an open mind, curiosity, and a genuine interest in hearing other perspectives.
This year, I’m joining the Digital Scholarship Intern team for the first time as the Ethics Intern. What drew me to this role is the way it combines my interests in politics, governance, and responsibility with the fast-changing digital world we all interact with. I see it as a chance to strengthen skills in critical thinking and communication, but also to dive into bigger questions about how ethics shape ways we as people create, share, and consume information online.
Looking ahead, I hope to take what I learn here beyond Carleton. No matter where I land, I want to keep exploring how technology influences public life and decision-making, and how I can play a role in making that space more thoughtful and responsible.
Outside of DSI, I like to keep busy. I play on the Carleton Women’s Soccer Team, attend many other Carleton sporting events, and love grabbing coffee and catching up with people around campus. I also work as a Political Science Department Assistant, volunteer with Project Friendship, and try to make it to convocations or guest speakers whenever I find a topic that catches my eye. Of course, I make time for running and hanging out with friends.
One of my biggest goals for this internship is to get more comfortable navigating digital resources and to really think through questions like: How do we balance accessibility with privacy? How do design choices affect which voices get amplified? I’m excited to explore those ideas, learn from the DSI and DHA teams, and contribute to projects that feel meaningful and collaborative.
