Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA)

As a recent graduate from the University of Washington, I aim to continue my endeavors in public policy and reinforce my education with a legal background. At the University of Washington, I pursued a degree in Political Science and specialized in International Relations to prepare for a future career in international law, in which I seek to ensure equity for those most vulnerable, domestically and internationally.

The interconnectedness between regional, national, and global institutions captured my interest during my undergraduate internships. My internship at the City of Seattle’s Legislative Department gave me insight into the challenges that municipalities face in protecting the rights of constituents who feel powerless against national mechanisms, and the foundation that local government serves in supporting disenfranchised communities. During my fellowship at the National Bureau of Research, I had the opportunity to meet with political, technological, and business figures in the Asia-Pacific region, many of who dedicated decades to safeguarding democracy in developing states.

I decided to apply to the Gaither Junior Fellowship because I felt that the fellowship aligned with my academic pursuits and, more personally, my values. For instance, my work experience encouraged me to conduct research into topics such as rights protection in authoritarian regimes; an issue the Gaither Fellowship explores in its mission to promote international peace. I believe that the Gaither Junior Fellowship represents a chance for applicants to not only draw upon a diverse network of committed researchers but also to contribute their unique perspectives and knowledge.