The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law has selected seven new Next Generation Scholars for the 2012/2013 academic year. These young scholars, all undergraduates at the University of Texas at Austin, will be paired up with Strauss Center faculty members who will act as mentors and will guide Next Generation Scholars through an independent research project.

The program was launched in 2010 with the goal of providing new research and mentorship opportunities for promising undergraduate students. Involving undergraduates is an important part of the Strauss Center’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders to help develop solutions to the most pressing global problems. The program is part of the Center’s Next Generation Project, which is generously sponsored by Jon and Rebecca Brumley.

The 2012/2013 Next Generation Scholars are:

Denise Forsthuber is a junior majoring in International Relations and Global Studies who aspires to be an Ambassador to Germany. Denise will be working with Dr. William Inboden.

Mark Jbeily is a sophomore in the Plan II Honors program majoring in Government and Arabic who plans to make a career in the Navy. Mark will be working with Strauss Center Director Francis J. Gavin.

Nicole Kruijs is sophomore in the Plan II Honors program majoring in Public Health who is interested in attending medical school to inform a future career in health policy. Nicole will be working with Dr. Joshua Busby.

Travis LaGrone is a senior majoring in International Relations and Global Studies with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies who is interested in studying multi-lateral diplomacy. Travis will be working with Dr. Jeremi Suri.

Matt Smith is a senior majoring in Government with a minor in Arabic who plans to continue his studies on the Middle East and humanitarian intervention with Dr. Alan Kuperman.

Joshua Tang is a senior with a dual major in History and Government interested in international and public interest law who plans on pursuing a career in legal scholarship. Joshua will also be working with Dr. Jeremi Suri.

Billy Yates is a senior majoring in International Relations: Political Economy and Asian Studies: China who has a passion for studying transnational labor and labor rights. Billy will be working with Dr. Catherine Weaver.