In a significant achievement for Yale College, four outstanding seniors and three recent graduates have been named among the select group of 2024-25 Schwarzman Scholars. This prestigious fellowship, supporting graduate study in China, has chosen these individuals from a competitive pool of over 4,000 candidates worldwide.
The seven Yale scholars joining the 2024-25 Schwarzman Scholars cohort are Brendan Campbell, Andrew DeWeese, Nishi Felton, Alexander Sundberg, Fatou Thiam-Bockman, Bryson Wiese, and Claire Zalla. They will each receive funding for a one-year master’s degree program at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
Established in 2013, the Schwarzman Scholarship aims to build a global network of leaders equipped to shape the future. This year’s class comprises 150 scholars from 43 countries and 114 universities, contributing to a growing network of over 1,200 scholars from 100 countries and 424 institutions worldwide.
Meet the Yale Scholars
1. Brendan Campbell
Majoring in cognitive science, Campbell has researched social morality at Yale’s Experimental Philosophy Lab. His unique background, including Mandarin proficiency, and experience in Montana politics, positions him to explore the impacts of U.S.-China relations on rural America.
2. Andrew DeWeese
A classics major with a certificate in Chinese, DeWeese is a Yale senior with a diverse background in music, foreign policy, and strategic analysis. His ambition is to contribute to a more balanced American security strategy.
3. Nishi Felton
Felton, a strategy analyst, holds a bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics, and economics. With a focus on Southern Africa, she aims to contribute to public policy and governance through research and education.
4. Alexander Sundberg
Sundberg, studying economics and political science, is involved in entrepreneurship, NGOs, and global affairs. His interest lies in sustainable manufacturing and industrialization in China, aligning with his work with The Reckoning Project in Ukraine.
5. Fatou (Malaika) Thiam-Bockman
Pursuing a B.A. in ethics, politics, and economics, Thiam-Bockman is passionate about foreign policy, international law, and human rights. She envisions playing a pivotal role in China-Africa dispute resolution mechanisms.
6. Bryson Wiese
Wiese, a political science major with a certificate in energy studies, has a keen interest in climate action. He aspires to leverage his business and policy background to explore private sector solutions to public problems, particularly in the context of U.S.-China cooperation.
7. Claire Zalla
Zalla, a 2021 graduate in global affairs, brings her expertise in negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding. With prior experience at CNN and the U.S. Department of State, she is committed to contributing to conflict management on a global scale.
Stephen A. Schwarzman ’69, founding trustee of Schwarzman Scholars, expressed confidence in the incoming class, stating, “This year’s selected Scholars are keenly interested in learning about China, which is now more important than ever in this complex geopolitical environment.”
As these seven Yale scholars embark on their Schwarzman Fellowship, they join a legacy of global leaders, ready to make a positive impact on the world and strengthen international ties. Yale congratulates them on this prestigious accomplishment.
