Andy Robaina, a final-year student majoring in mathematics and philosophy within the Arts & Sciences at WashU, has been appointed as a Gaither Junior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Annually, roughly 15 graduating seniors and recent alumni from across the nation are chosen to serve as research assistants for Carnegie’s esteemed scholars. Robaina will participate in the South Asia Program, concentrating on strategic rivalries in the Indo-Pacific.

“I aspire to gain insight into the geopolitical strategies of South Asian nations, mainly how they are addressing the escalating tensions between the United States and China,” Robaina expressed.

During his tenure at WashU, Robaina has held positions as a legislative intern in Congress, engaged in research at a national think tank, interned with a political consulting agency, and acted as an editor for WashU’s professional philosophy journal.

His journey into foreign relations commenced while studying abroad at Oxford University in 2024 when he enrolled in his inaugural foreign relations course, igniting his fascination with the subject.

“I came to understand that studying international affairs often means exploring solutions to intricate issues that significantly affect real people’s lives. It seemed like I had encountered a discipline that fused the finest aspects of mathematics and philosophy — I was captivated,” Robaina articulated in his personal statement. “My ultimate ambition is to contribute positively to shaping U.S. foreign policy through a career in public service.”

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