2025-2026 Scholars

Lauren is a senior at William & Mary, majoring in Government and Global Studies with a concentration in Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies. She is fluent in English, conversationally fluent in Spanish, and is currently learning Russian. Lauren spent the summer working on research as a Global Research Institute Summer Fellow in Tbilisi, Georgia. At W&M, she serves as a research assistant with the William & Mary Democratic Erosion Project and the International Political Affairs of the Caucasus lab. She is also part of the university's women's rugby team. Her areas of interest include democratic development in Eastern Europe, human rights, media involvement in the government, and political perception. Lauren hopes that the Global Scholars Program will enable her to further develop her understanding of foreign policy from an intelligence perspective.

Araella Bruerd is a junior at William & Mary, pursuing a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in Global Development & International Relations. Having grown up across three continents, including extended time in Uganda, Araella brings a deeply personal perspective to international policy, global equity, and development. Her interdisciplinary coursework spans international political economy, public health, and economic theory. At William & Mary, Araella is a member of the Global Scholars Program and a student leader with the Williamsburg Community Chapel. She previously conducted research on homelessness in Virginia, presenting findings to faculty and community leaders, and has worked extensively in refugee camps and children’s homes in East Africa, where she led efforts in videography, storytelling, and volunteer coordination. She is particularly interested in the intersection of international aid, power structures, and the lived realities of communities in the Global South. In the future, she plans to pursue a master's and PhD in Global Development, and hopes to focus on promoting holistic, culturally aware approaches to global development.

Natalie Burg is a junior from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, studying government and philosophy at William & Mary. She is thrilled to be part of the American Statecraft cohort for the 2025-2026 Global Scholars Program. Outside of academics, on campus she is involved with the STEP office as an orientation aide, a student worker at the Omohundro Institute for Early American History and Culture, a member of the editorial board for the James Blair Historical Review, a member of Kappa Delta sorority, co-founder of the Taylor Swift Club at W&M, and a member of the Jeffersonian Pre-Law Society. She is passionate about studying America's ever-evolving role on the world stage and ascertaining how past and present administrations shape and affect the global order.

Allison Chabala is a junior at William & Mary, studying government. She applied for the GSP American Statecraft Cohort because she finds both U.S. public policy and global foreign policy to be immensely fascinating and is interested in a career that explores one of those domains. She is excited to see how these two subjects intersect with each other, and to develop her understanding of how domestic agendas often influence foreign policy. Additionally, she is interested in learning more about how policymakers balance the idea of the United States supporting other countries with the idea of the United States accounting for and prioritizing its own interests. She is keen to see how the interplay of these two notions may or may not reflect American values of liberty and equality.

Elijah is a sophomore studying Philosophy and Environmental Policy at William & Mary. As a former Secretary of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club, Eagle Scout, and avid hiker, Elijah’s main focus is on conserving and encouraging our existing natural institutions, as well as implementing vibrant green spaces into our everyday environments. This effort requires constant effort and is a project on which Elijah is wholeheartedly focused. An active member of both the Parks and Ecotherapy Research Lab, led by Professor Ibes, and the Democratic Erosion Event Database, led by Professor Settle, Elijah is an integral part of generating knowledge at William & Mary and beyond. Through pursuing both a deeper understanding of the legal system and the benefits of equitable green spaces, Elijah hopes to one day bring the benefits of engaging in natural areas to urban hotspots. Accomplishing this requires balancing both the legal and pragmatic benefits of green spaces, as well as encouraging their efficiency through a deeper understanding of natural environments. Elijah hopes to continue advocating for the protection of natural spaces through outreach to local and state governments, as well as the development of personal sustainability projects that will enable safer, cleaner, and greener spaces for everyone.

Grace Dorion is a junior double-majoring in International Relations and Chinese Language & Culture. Her academic focus centers on exploring global diplomacy and East Asian studies, which aligns with her passion for cross-cultural communication and policy research. Last spring, she worked as a research assistant for the Tracking Underreported Financial Flows (TUFF) team at AidData and participated in the US-China Education Trust's Common Ground projects. This past summer, she interned at the Taiwan Association for Human Rights in Taipei, Taiwan, as a 2025 Freeman Intern Fellow in East Asia. This fall, she will conduct research alongside Professor Jo and fellow students in the Asia Policy Lab and work as a Game Developer for the William & Mary Wargaming Lab. Her other campus involvements include Alpha Chi Omega Sorority (as both their Alumnae and Financial Inclusion Chair) and Poker Club (as Social Chair).

Matilda is a sophomore at William & Mary from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, studying Government. She is interested in political communication, campaigns, and policy advocacy in the United States. On campus, she is involved in immigration activism as the Community Outreach chair of W&M Fighting for Immigrant Rights and Equity. Additionally, she serves as a peer advocate for Someone You Know, an organization dedicated to sexual violence prevention. She works as an archival researcher and docent at a museum in her hometown, which focuses on Pennsylvania German and early American culture. Through the Global Scholars Program, she aims to connect her experience in historical research with her passion for politics and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing sports, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends.

Caroline is a sophomore studying Government and English. She is from Yorktown, VA, and hopes to pursue a career in Foreign Affairs. Along with the Global Scholars Program, she is also a member of the Reformed University Fellowship, Nu Kappa Epsilon, and Barksdale Treble Chorus.

Analiese is a senior majoring in Government and minoring in Biology. Analiese has participated in internships with the US Army War College's Study of Internal Conflict and the US Army TRADOC at Fort Eustis. She is a member of Women's Club Rugby, CCM, JQAS, and Jefferson Pre-Law Society at William & Mary.

Arman studies International Relations and Finance at William & Mary. He is the President of W&M Young Independents, a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, Treasurer of W&M Clay Target Club, and also involved in W&M Salsa Club, Theodore Roosevelt Society, and W&M IR Club. His academic interests and coursework focus on foreign direct investment, international project management, policy analysis, and diplomacy. After classes, Arman works at Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill in Colonial Williamsburg. He moonlights as a brass musician with the William & Mary Brass Ensemble and William & Mary Cornet Band. In Summer 2025, Arman interned with the Applied Policy Research Institute in Yerevan, Armenia, working within the think tank on development policy recommendations. In his free time, Arman enjoys reading historical fiction, visiting National Parks, and cooking.

Alex is a member of the class of 2027 from Marblehead, MA. He plans to double-major in Public Policy and Marine Science, focusing on policy and energy in the marine world. He is particularly interested in marine initiatives that involve sustainability and economic development, with a focus on the emerging blue and green economies. At W&M, he conducts coastal and estuarine research as an intern at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), serves on the executive board of the Marine Science Society, and is the Engagement Chair for Students for University Advancement. He spent the summer of 2025 working for the North American Marine Alliance as a Consulting Intern focusing on Industrial Aquaculture Policy. Outside the university, Alex is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain and operates his own fishing guide company in Marblehead. He is passionate about working on the water and bringing together science, policy, and community to shape sustainable marine futures.

Camilla is a junior obtaining a bachelor's degree in international relations. She grew up on and around military bases all her life, which has contributed to her interest in international security and national defense strategy. At William & Mary, she is involved in the Tour Guide Executive Board, the International Relations Club, and a Panhellenic sorority. Outside of the academic setting, Camilla enjoys biking, reading, and spending time with friends.

Liam is a sophomore pursuing a degree in International Relations with a minor in Philosophy. He is interested in international trade, the history of the Atlantic, and international law. Outside of academics, Liam is the editor for the video section of the Flat Hat Student Newspaper and the Social Services chair for the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Robert (Bobby) is a sophomore from Dunkirk, Maryland, studying International Relations. He is also a research assistant researching Democratic Erosion across the United States. Interested in how diplomacy, economic policy, and military power interact within international relations, Bobby hopes to one day work in the international policy sphere. In his free time, Bobby volunteers at the Merrimac center and enjoys reading, playing trombone, biking, and spending time with friends.

Lebron is a sophomore at William & Mary studying Government and Data Science. She is passionate about international law and the philosophical foundations of governance and global affairs. As a research assistant with AidData, she has analyzed Chinese financing in low-income and developing countries. On campus, she is a member of the debate team and performs with the piano club. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops and walking her dog, Ellie.

Peerawut Ruangsawasdi is a senior studying Government. He is passionate about exploring themes surrounding American statecraft and is excited to learn more about it with the GSP. On campus, he is involved in the Student Assembly, Honor Council, the Office of the Provost, and Students for University Advancement, among other extracurricular activities. He is based in Alexandria, Virginia.

Charles Sclater-Booth is a junior at William & Mary, double-majoring in Economics and International Relations. Originally from New York, he is interested in diplomacy, international trade, and policy research—especially where global systems and national decision-making intersect. This past summer, Charles studied at the London School of Economics and interned at Kaya Partners, a political consultancy in London. He is also a member of W&M Students for University Advancement (SUA), where he helps organize philanthropy projects and strengthen connections between the university and its broader community. Charles has always been drawn to international experiences—both academic and personal—and is especially excited for the Global Scholars Program’s trip to India. He looks forward to learning more about how American statecraft adapts in a shifting world and how the U.S. engages with rising powers through diplomacy and strategic competition. He’s thrilled to be part of a cohort that brings together globally curious students with a shared commitment to impact, collaboration, and exploring big questions across borders.

Charlotte is a junior at William & Mary from Houston, TX, and is a U.S.-German dual citizen. She is majoring in Government with a minor in Global Business from the Mason School of Business Summer Program in Dublin. Pursuing her interest in diplomacy and security, Charlotte participated in a DC winter seminar, "Building Trust Through Diplomacy," and is interning with the Army Training Doctrine Command (TRADOC) through the W&M Whole of Government Center National Security Internship Program. Charlotte's coursework and research have focused on security studies, Arctic geopolitics, and interdisciplinary analysis. Extracurricularly, Charlotte enjoys adventures, watching movies, and racquetball. She also performs with the Improvisational Theatre comedy troupe at W&M.