Senior First Duke Recipient of Gaither Fellowship

Political science major will work with senior scholars at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Adam Israelevitz

Senior Adam Israelevitz is the first Duke University student to be selected for the James C. Gaither Junior Fellowship at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Each year, the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program offers approximately 14 one-year fellowships to qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. Gaither Junior Fellows work as research assistants to Carnegie’s senior scholars.

A political science major who is minoring in Arabic with a certificate in Decision Science, Israelevitz wrote an honors senior thesis exploring the diplomatic origins of the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia to explain how the partnership’s origin has direct ramifications on contemporary challenges.

He was selected for the American Statecraft program and will conduct research examining America’s evolving foreign policy landscape and recommend strategies to address major challenges. The American Statecraft program is attentive to the history and values of the U.S. and suggests foreign policy strategies accordingly.

“I am thrilled that the Duke Nationally Competitive Scholarships office recommended me to be considered for the James C. Gaither Fellowship, and I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable support along the way from Professor Jennifer Siegel and Vice President Chris Simmons,” said Israelevitz. “The Carnegie Endowment is an ideal place for me to jumpstart a career in foreign policy by helping lead briefings on Capitol Hill, engaging with foreign government officials visiting the Endowment, and assisting in timely research projects for senior fellows. Carnegie is known as the global think tank, and I am honored to join an organization that prioritizes a worldwide impact in the foreign affairs space.”

Gwen Volmar, Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, added, “We are tremendously proud that Adam Israelevitz will be Duke’s first Gaither Junior Fellow. His longstanding interest in foreign affairs and public policy is a testament to his dedication to serving the world, a commitment that Duke shares. We are confident Adam will find a home at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and we are eager to see the good work he brings to the field.”

The Gaither Fellowships begin on September 1st, and fellows serve full-time positions for one year.

Duke students and alumni can receive support for opportunities like the Gaither Junior Fellowship from the Nationally Competitive Scholarships team at the Office of University Scholars and Fellows.

A complete list of this year’s fellowship winners can be found on the Carnegie Endowment website.