About Us
HRI works closely with the broad range of human rights faculty and staff experts at the Law Center, as well as leaders in the global human rights movement. The Institute manages programs and projects to generate and advance the research, writing, and advocacy work of students, alumni, and faculty.
Institute Leadership and Staff
Professor Massimino has a distinguished record of human rights advocacy. During her decade at the helm of Human Rights First, The Hill consistently named her one of the most effective public advocates in the country. Professor Massimino served as Georgetown's Robert F. Drinan, S.J., Chair in Human Rights from 2019 to 2021.
Ms. Liu has taught international human rights law at Georgetown Law since 2018, when she became the Supervising Attorney & Teaching Fellow in the International Women’s Human Rights Clinic. Her research areas include women’s and girls’ rights to equality and non-discrimination in all spheres of life. Ms. Liu has worked closely with current and prospective law students who are interested in human rights and public interest lawyering.
Andrew I. Schoenholtz, a scholar, teacher and practitioner of human rights law, is the Faculty Director of the Human Rights Institute. Additionally, he directs the Certificate in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies and the Center for Applied Legal Studies (the asylum clinic) at the Law Center. Professor Schoenholtz also serves as the Deputy Director of Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of International Migration.
Samella Carryl is a second year student at Georgetown Law and a proud HBCU graduate and Valedictorian of the Oakwood University class of 2020. Samella has worked in New York State local government, as a law clerk to a Maryland public defender, and as a volunteer and ambassador who has participated in over twenty international mission trips with the Overseas Medical Assistance Team. Samella is pursuing opportunities focused in human rights, criminal justice, and international law that will allow her to be an effective attorney and advocate to those in need of legal services.
Naomi Flores Urrutia is a second year student at the Georgetown University Law Center. She spent her summer at Clifford Chance working on complex cross-border transactions and is an incoming staff editor at the Georgetown Journal of International Law. Naomi helps to manage HRI's events, programs, and administration.