2025-2026 Scholars

Simone Annan '28

Simone is a sophomore studying international relations, with a particular interest in foreign aid. She is a research assistant for the Global Research Institute's TRIP (Teaching, Research & International Policy) lab and spent the summer as a Summer Fellow in Naivasha, Kenya, doing public health research.

Westley Jacanin '27

Westley G. Jacanin is a junior at the College of William & Mary, majoring in both Government and English. Deeply engaged in both academics and campus life, he is a member of the Global Scholars Program, where he explores international issues at the intersection of law, politics, and development. He also serves as an Outreach & Events Coordinator for W&M A-Team Club Tennis as well as the Associate Sports Editor for The Flat Hat.

Westley has also pursued professional and research experiences that reflect his interests in international law, diplomacy, and development. He works as a Research Assistant with AidData, where he contributes to the Tracking Underreported Financial Flows (TUFF) methodology, including coding and analyzing Chinese overseas development finance projects to the world’s most comprehensive dataset on Chinese global development finance. He has also held internships with the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and Brasilia, supporting both the Economic and Political Sections.

Outside the classroom, Westley enjoys playing competitive tennis, traveling, and exploring new cultures. He is also passionate about creative writing, reading literature, and staying active outdoors. These hobbies provide balance to his academic and professional commitments while fueling his curiosity about the world. He hopes to attend law school after graduation, with long-term goals of working at the intersection of constitutional law, human rights, and international affairs.

Nina Appicello '26

Nina Appicello is a senior at William & Mary (class of 2026), majoring in International Relations and minoring in Economics. At W&M, Nina works as a Student Researcher with the Global Research Institute’s NukeLab, serves as the Undergraduate Representative for the International Studies Advisory Committee (ISAC), and mentors transfer students as a Transition Coach for the William and Mary STEP Program.

She is studying Farsi and Tajik in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, through the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship, becoming the first W&M student to receive the CLS for Persian. She also interned in Rome at the EU-GCC center, where she focused on diplomacy and global governance in the Gulf region. Nina plans to pursue a career in international security and foreign policy.

Lucas Fernandez '28

Lucas is a sophomore at William & Mary, majoring in International Relations with a minor in Economics. He grew up in Lower Manhattan, New York City, where he lived for fifteen years before moving to Beacon, NY. He then decided to come to William & Mary because of its outstanding liberal arts curriculum and beautiful historic campus. In his free time, Lucas enjoys spending time outdoors, whether that means working out with a run or a hike, or simply sitting in the sun while doing homework. Additionally, Lucas is a basketball player, as he spends a lot of time at the rec playing with friends or through Club Basketball practice. One fun fact he loves to share is that he can play the trumpet, having played it throughout elementary and high school.

Ella Goodworth '28

Ella is a sophomore from Haddonfield, New Jersey, studying International Relations at William & Mary. She is particularly interested in human rights advocacy and immigration. Ella is proficient in German and aspires to study abroad in Germany in the future to further immerse herself in the language and culture. After graduation, Ella intends to pursue a master's degree and begin a career in political advocacy. Outside of academics at W&M, Ella serves as the Director of Philanthropy for her sorority, Chi Omega, and enjoys participating in intramural sports with her friends.

Luke Miller '27

Luke is a rising junior at the College of William and Mary, studying international relations and economics. He is interested in National Security Policy, especially from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a particular focus on East Asia. Previously, he worked as a research intern in the US Army’s Training and Doctrine Command's intelligence division. He has also been a summer Honors Student at the American Enterprise Institute. In the 2024-2025 academic year, he worked at TRADOC’s Analytic Control element as a Game Developer/Designer for the William & Mary Wargaming Lab, which he now directs. He is also the president of the W&M chapter of the Alexander Hamilton Society and Hamilton National Fellow. This past summer, he interned at FDD's Center on Military and Political Power. Outside of academics, Luke competes on the William and Mary club fencing team as an epeeist.

Aditi Mishra '26

Aditi Mishra is a senior from Richmond, Virginia, majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Health, Medicine, and Well-Being and minor in Biochemistry at William & Mary. Her academic interests focus on global health and clinical medicine, with research spanning health policy, the impact of climate change on tropical diseases, and maternal healthcare systems in Nepal. Aditi is a Monroe Scholar and has received multiple grants, including a Charles Center Summer Research Grant and a highly selective fellowship from the Tyler Center for Global Studies, to support her undergraduate honors thesis. On campus, she serves as a Resident Assistant, Vice President of Women in STEM, and is involved with Minorities in Medicine and the Library Ambassadors program. She is also a past participant in the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship, where she studied Hindi in Jaipur, India. In her free time, Aditi enjoys solving jigsaw puzzles, running, and traveling. She plans to pursue medical school after graduation.

Sara Munson '27

Sara is a junior from Alexandria, Virginia, majoring in International Relations at William & Mary. She is especially interested in global health, international security, and international development. She is excited to join the Global Scholars Program and deepen her understanding of pressing global issues and expand her knowledge of global policy. On campus, Sara is a part of a student-driven team researching indigenous diplomacy in Williamsburg, on the Special Events Committee for Alma Mater Productions, works at the front desk at Campus Recreation, and is a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and running.

Sam Newell '27

Sam is a sophomore from Seattle, Washington, and is studying Government and Economics. He is particularly interested in global organizations and the implementation of policy. At William & Mary, Sam is a member of the Young Democrats and Student Assembly. He has also worked on the campaigns of various Democratic candidates in the local community. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in public service and potentially an advanced degree. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Saoirse O'Hair '28

Saoirse is a rising sophomore from Northern Virginia studying International Relations and French. Her academic interests include foreign policy, human rights, peace and conflict studies, and diplomacy. During the summer of 2025, Saoirse conducted research on the Rambouillet Conference, combining her interests in French culture and diplomacy. She is also involved with AidData as a research assistant and is an associate editor for the Monitor. Outside of academics, Saoirse is involved with the Botetourt Chamber Singers, the International Relations Club, and Ethics Bowl. She loves to read, swim, and is trying to learn to play piano.

Hallie Pellish '28

Hallie Pellish is a sophomore at the College of William & Mary pursuing a degree in International Relations, with a deep interest in diplomacy and sustainable development. Hallie’s interest in the field began while volunteering abroad in Central America and directing her high school’s Model United Nations Club. This passion has continued through her work with the on-campus research lab DisinfoLab and the Monitor Journal of International Studies, which has fueled her passion for understanding global systems and fostering cross-cultural communication. She aims to use this experience with the Global Scholars Program to build a career in international diplomacy.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Hallie is involved on campus as a tour guide, orientation aide, and member of Pointe Blank Dance Company, further demonstrating a commitment to civic engagement and leadership. She is excited to contribute to and learn from the diverse cohort of the Global Scholars Program, leveraging this opportunity to foster mutual understanding and drive impactful global change.

Lily Pickworth '27

Lily Pickworth is a junior at William & Mary pursuing a degree in International Relations and has a strong interest in the Middle East. Born and raised in Herndon, Virginia, Lily actively seeks to broaden her perspective and knowledge through various academic and social involvements. Having studied French in high school and now Arabic at W&M, she has reached the intermediate level in both languages. As a research assistant on the geoBoundaries team, she applies critical thinking, GIS technical skills, and data analysis in order to contribute to an open database of international political boundaries. Lily also served as a coder for the Democratic Erosion Consortium, under the guidance of Professor Jaime Settle, where she tracked and coded state-level events within the United States to identify patterns of democratic backsliding.

Committed to community engagement, Lily volunteers with Girls on the Run through her membership with the sorority of Gamma Phi Beta, where she has helped organize fundraising events to aid the empowerment of young girls in local schools. Additionally, she is also a member of the Compost Club at W&M, where she collaborates with fellow students to create lesson plans and activities for local elementary school students to teach and encourage environmentally conscious practices, as well as advocating for increased awareness and utility of eco-friendly practices on William & Mary’s campus. Lily brings an adaptive mindset, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative spirit to all her commitments, both in and outside the classroom.

Martina Queijo '28

Martina is a sophomore at William & Mary studying International Relations and Economics. She’s originally from Argentina and speaks English, Spanish, and French. As an aspiring attorney, Martina’s primary area of interest is international law and foreign trade policy. She is particularly excited to explore these subjects throughout her time in the Global Scholars Program, whilst continuing to tap into new research interests. Currently, she aims to pursue a career that combines her interests in international relations and law. At William & Mary, she serves as the assistant to the Pre-Law Office and is a Griffin Ambassador in the Admissions Office. This past summer, she had the opportunity to work as an intern for OPANAL, the Organization for Nuclear Non-Proliferation in Latin America and the Caribbean, enhancing her understanding of nuclear weapons-free zones and the functions of international organizations. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Martina enjoys cooking, fitness classes, and spending time with her dog Dali.

Sabrina Saifuden '26

Sabrina Saifuden is a senior at William & Mary, pursuing a B.A. in International Relations. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she grew up surrounded by cultural diversity, which shaped her passion for learning about people, their histories, and their stories. At her international school in Addis Ababa, she studied Turkish, English, and Amharic—her native language—while building friendships across cultures.

At William & Mary, Sabrina has focused on understanding the intersections of culture, identity, and politics on the global stage. Her Freeman Fellowship internship with Fulbright Indonesia in Jakarta this past summer introduced her to educational diplomacy and the role of cultural exchange in international development, sparking her interest in how global systems impact local communities. These experiences have fueled her ambition to pursue graduate studies in International Relations, with a long-term goal of contributing to the field through research, diplomacy, or international law.

Beyond academics, Sabrina is passionate about storytelling in all its forms. She enjoys photography, art history, traveling, and outdoor adventures, as well as spending time with her younger cousins, which keeps her grounded and connected to her family. On campus, she is actively involved in multicultural clubs, including the Muslim Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association, and Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association, reflecting her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding. Passionate about people and driven by curiosity, she believes that every individual has a story worth hearing and that cross-cultural understanding is key to building a more inclusive world. She is excited to be a part of the Global Scholars Program and looks forward to the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and discovery that this journey will bring.

Jacob Schildkraut '28

Jacob is a sophomore from McLean, Virginia, studying Government and Public Policy at William & Mary. He is interested in pursuing a career in international affairs, specifically as a Foreign Service Officer. Outside of class, he gives tours of the Wren Building as a member of the Spotswood Society, works on repairing trails around campus as project head of the Circle K International’s trail crew project, participates in Quiz Bowl, and enjoys traveling and watching baseball in his free time.

Henok Sentayhu '28

Henok Sentayhu is a sophomore studying Government and Business Analytics with a focus in Data Science. At William & Mary, he participates in activities such as the African Cultural Society (ACS), the International Mini-Mart, and Merrimac Mentors. He enjoys playing basketball and long walks in the woods during his free time.

Sri Somarapu '28

Sri is originally from Northern Virginia and is studying International Relations and Math at W&M on the pre-law track. She is an active member on campus, including as a Merrimac Mentor, a Badminton Club officer, an involved member of the International Relations Club, and a Peer Advocate with the Haven. She also volunteers her time at the Avalon Center, which aims to end domestic abuse and sexual violence. Her hobbies include listening to true crime podcasts, reading historical fiction, binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy, and spending hours on jigsaw puzzles. She's super excited for GSP and is most looking forward to meeting her fellow cohort members and traveling to Paris and Brussels over spring break!

Max Wang '28

Max Wang is a rising sophomore at William & Mary, studying Finance and International Relations. He’s originally from South Beloit, Illinois—a small town that shaped his drive to think bigger and build solutions that make a difference. Over time, Max has developed a strong interest in how business and capital can be used to solve real-world problems, especially around sustainability. He’s particularly excited by how private equity and venture capital can back the kinds of ideas that push society forward—from clean energy to inclusive technology. Recently, Max has also become interested in the role that policy and legal systems play in shaping how companies grow and operate. Whether it’s through financial regulation or the legal side of corporate strategy, he’s curious about how rules and resources can work together to support meaningful, long-term change. His goal is to build a career that combines business strategy, legal expertise, and social impact.

On campus, Max serves as a Shadow Analyst for the Mason Investment Fund, Marketing Chair for TEDxWilliam & Mary, and is a member of Tribe Innovation, a student-run consulting group. He also helps organize events through the Geopolitics of Technology Initiative and competes on the Club Tennis A-Team. In the past, he interned at NanoGraf, a clean energy battery startup, and this summer, he worked in Nairobi with BFA Global as a Venture Capital Intern focused on climate and financial access. Outside of class, Max enjoys lifting, wakeboarding, cooking, and spending time on the lake with friends and family.

Lily Wershbale '28

Lily is a sophomore from Richmond, VA, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Data Science. Her research interests include disinformation campaigns, the ethics of emerging technologies, and transitional democracies—topics she hopes to explore through digital rights law and policy opportunities. Lily has conducted cybersecurity research through the Coastal Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, interned at the U.S. Army War College, and held numerous positions in community outreach and engagement. On campus, she's an associate director and percussionist in the pep band, plays cello in the William & Mary symphony orchestra, leads consultations at the writing and communication center, helps plan events with the AMP homebrew committee, supports the William & Mary Global Innovation Challenge, and takes part in various other organizations. She looks forward to the global policy coursework and the program's experiential learning opportunities!

Ethan Wilson '28

Ethan is a sophomore from Ashburn, Virginia, studying Government and Public Health. He's especially interested in contemporary political thought, as well as health policy and exploitation. Outside of the classroom, Ethan acts as a Student Advisor for the Conduct and Honor Advisor Program, is a Griffin Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admission, serves on W&M's Student Culinary Council, is a Peer Advisor for the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, and is a Staff Writer for The Flat Hat. In his free time, Ethan enjoys hiking, going to the gym, or doing anything outdoors. After graduation, Ethan plans to work on Capitol Hill before attending law school.