A brilliant scholar, researcher, and advocate for social justice, Zeynep Karatas is being recognized with the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award for her exceptional achievements during her time at UC Irvine as an undergraduate student. She recently earned dual bachelor of arts degrees in international studies and political science.

Zeynep’s academic achievements are impressive. As one professor noted, “Having taught tens of thousands of undergraduates over my 30-year career at UC Irvine, I would place Zeynep in the top 1 percent of those students.” Bill Maurer, Dean of the School of Social , echoed that sentiment, saying, “I’m thrilled that Zeynep Karatas is receiving this well-deserved recognition for her service, scholarship and advocacy. She is an excellent example of the well-rounded scholars and global citizens from Social Sciences at UC Irvine.”

After immigrating to the United States from Turkey with her family in middle school, Zeynep distinguished herself as a stellar student. Her academic accomplishments and community service made her a strong candidate for UC Irvine, where she was drawn to the strength of the programs and faculty. She was also motivated by the financial aid she received, which she knew would not only fund her undergraduate education at UC Irvine but also help her afford her goal of attending graduate school.

Zeynep was a double major in international studies and political science with a 4.0 GPA. Her honors include receiving Dean’s Honors nine times, the Regents’ Scholarship, the Michael and Brenda Drake Endowed Scholarship and membership in Pi Sigma Alpha. She was an Undergraduate Research Fellow at UC Irvine’s Citizenship Lab. Her honors thesis focused on the European Court of Human Rights – a project funded by UC Irvine’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

Zeynep is committed to promoting equity, accessibility and student success. She served in all three branches of UC Irvine’s student government, including as a first-year senator, senate advocacy chair and associate justice.

She is dedicated to legal advocacy, policy reform and human rights education. Outside of UC Irvine, Zeynep has volunteered with Lawyers Without Borders, The Advocates for Human Rights, Teach for America and Columbia University’s Collaboratory. Additionally, her internships have focused on human trafficking, gender-based violence and international legal frameworks.

For Zeynep, being active in so many communities on and off campus creates a sense of belonging, and she never forgets the honor it is to live out the dreams of her ancestors and family.