MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — The Alabama Engage Together Project (ETP) has announced the selection of 12 Research Fellows from six universities across the state to support a multi-year initiative aimed at ending and preventing human trafficking.
The two-phase, three-year project, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, is designed to identify community strengths and gaps, build collaboration across multiple sectors, and equip local leaders with strategies to prevent exploitation and support survivors.
The students chosen as Research Fellows will assist with research, analysis, and community engagement. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, they represent Auburn University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, Samford University, and the University of Alabama.
The fellows are:
- Will Ross, Auburn University
- Abrianna Arnett, Auburn University
- Jennifer Ludwick, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Andra Jeann Hullinger, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Amy “Grace” Faulk, Faulkner University
- Don Heald, Faulkner University
- Cheyenne Henegar, Huntingdon College
- Tori Tipton, Samford University
- Ryan Taylor, Samford University
- Charlotte Wilson, University of Alabama
- Manpreet Kaur, University of Alabama
- Macy Cates, University of Alabama
Attorney General Marshall praised the program and its participants.
“Human trafficking is one of the most urgent public safety and human rights challenges of our time,” Marshall said. “Alabama must confront it with both compassion and determination. The students selected as Research Fellows will play a critical role in building the knowledge and partnerships needed to protect the vulnerable, hold traffickers accountable, and strengthen communities across our state,” Marshall said.
Katie Beth McCarthy, Coordinator for the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance, also underscored the program’s importance.
“It is an honor to be part of this initiative, and these students represent some of the best and brightest in our state,” McCarthy said. “The Engage Together Project will leave a lasting impact on Alabama’s fight against human trafficking.”
More information about the project and its partners can be found at engagetogether.com/project/alabama
