Tulane's first-ever James C. Gaither Junior Fellow

Syna Pal is Tulane’s first-ever James C. Gaither Junior Fellow. Pal, an international student and junior in the School of Liberal Arts, studies environmental biology, economics and political science/international relations. She will serve as a fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics program. 

Through the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows program, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers approximately 15 one-year national fellowships each year. James C. Gaither Junior Fellows work as research assistants to Carnegie’s senior scholars. Pal said she is excited about the opportunity to continue to grow and sharpen her research skills. “The Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics Program at the Carnegie Endowment that focuses on global climate issues seemed like a great place to enhance my methodological rigor and skills to be able to translate complex concepts into accessible work products for advocates and policymakers.”

Growing up in Mumbai, India, Pal developed an interest in how climate decisions are shaped by political and economic incentives. She brought that interest in the intersections of politics, economy and climate with her to Tulane and applied it in her research in Louisiana. 

Pal said that Tulane's interdisciplinary educational model is the central framework that contributed to her success in being awarded this highly competitive fellowship. 

“I am pursuing a dual degree with majors in environmental biology, economics and political science/international relations,” she said. “My economics training has enabled me to analyze questions of regulatory incentives, market failures and energy transition politics. And my political science background in international relations gives me the language to situate local environmental issues within broader geopolitical structures.”

Having the academic experience and interdisciplinary language to address her research goals was only part of what made Pal’s application a success. Through Newcomb-Tulane College’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, she received process and writing guidance, application review and mock interview support.

"Syna is exactly the kind of candidate Carnegie looks for. Her strong research and writing experience make her a great addition to their Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics Program," said Thomas Spencer, director of undergraduate research and fellowships at the college. "The award is highly competitive, so this is an exceptional opportunity for her, and we’re very excited."

Although headed to Washington, D.C., for this program, Pal said she hopes to return to Louisiana to use her gained knowledge and experience to contribute to local environmental issues. 

Pal’s advice to others considering applying for the James C. Gaither Junior Fellow program or other competitive fellowships?

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and other people who can help you prepare through mock interviews or give you feedback on your application. It’s always great to talk to the people who are currently in the position you’re applying for. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them through LinkedIn if you don’t have a personal contact,” she said. “People are always happy to help.”