Claire has the background, energy, ability, and even the already-established personal connections to succeed. She has shown an amazing level of leadership and gone way beyond the typical expectations of a first-year graduate student.

The combination of substantive work experience, Carnegie's collegial and supportive scholars, and the program's unmatched reputation should significantly enhance my ability to get involved in the sorts of projects that interest me after the end of the fellowship.

As a fellow I am working on my dissertation research and also using the Senegalese National Archives to help me understand the colonial origins of the present-day bureaucracy. I hope to learn more about the ways in which the bureaucracy can shape public policy, and how the bureaucracy’s interactions with citizens help government stability and development.

The fellowship application process was excellent preparation for graduate school applications, and being a Goldwater and Astronaut Scholar was undoubtedly a huge factor in my successful graduate school admissions so far - I’ve been accepted to several of the top Physics PhD programs in the country. The Fellowships Office has been an integral part of my success in applying for these fellowships. I was always encouraged and made aware of opportunities, and I’ve received feedback on my essays and interview preparation help.

Studying psychology already holds extra incentive for me with my Christian faith and the Navajo teachings of Hózhó (reverence for the beauty in everything on earth), which have taught me the value of human connectedness, spreading hope and finding meaning in life.

Without URFM and the Spark Program, I wouldn’t have understood the full range of opportunities available to me as a Penn State student. I feel that I’ve truly made the most of my time here, and I can’t wait to see where my education will take me.