Graduation is a time of year that leaves many Longhorns with questions about their future. But the next steps are clear for Baneen Al Qaraghuli. This international relations and global studies major, who also earned a minor in social work during her time on the Forty Acres, is a proud recipient of a James C. Gaither Junior Fellowship.
This distinguished fellowship is awarded by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and was renamed in 2016 to honor former Chairman of the Board of Trustees James C. Gaither. Awardees spend one year post-graduation working as a research assistant alongside Carnegie senior associates in Washington, D.C. They receive a competitive salary and full benefits during that period.
Al Qaraghuli, who will be partnered with some of the Endowment’s scholars in the Middle East program, discovered the fellowship while researching postgraduate opportunities. “I was immediately drawn to its focus on international affairs and research. The program's reputation for fostering young talent in global policy and analysis resonated with my academic interests and career aspirations,” she explains. “Especially as I discovered that Samantha Power, one of my role models, was an alumna.”
Al Qaraghuli credits her selection in part to the guidance she received from the Office of Distinguished and Postgraduate Scholarships (ODPS), as well as the support of other faculty and staff: “Their feedback and assistance were helpful in crafting a strong application that highlighted my qualifications and aspirations effectively.” She’s sure that same Longhorn mentorship will lead to success in the coming year. “My experience as a Brumley Next Generation Undergraduate Scholar with the Strauss Center has provided me with invaluable skills and insights,” Al Qaraghuli enthuses. “Moreover, the diverse array of coursework available at UT has enhanced my knowledge base and further improved my readiness to excel as a Gaither Fellow.”
Students and alumni interested in learning more about this prestigious award should contact ODPS at odps@austin.utexas.edu or visit Undergraduate College.