Madeline Purkerson graduated with a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver and is currently working on an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University. Her interest in human rights stems from an internship assisting refugees in Denver, where she became passionate about working toward the elimination of human rights violations. The complication of addressing the human rights abuses in North Korea attracted her to HRNK. During her internship, she plans to aid the promotion of human rights in North Korea while gaining insight into the complicated political situation.