ASU School of Politics and Global Studies

✨ Student Spotlight: Madeline Y. ✨

Madeline, a political science student, is making an impact at ASU and beyond. She serves as an SPGS Ambassador, an ASU Intelligence Community Fellow, and a research aide for Security Initiatives. Her leadership also extends beyond campus — she represented ASU at the 76th Annual Student Conference on U.S. Affairs at West Point and interned in Washington, D.C., as a Capital Scholar.

SPGS Ambassadors represent ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies by connecting with fellow students, sharing their experiences in the program, and helping build community within the school.

🔗 Interested in becoming an SPGS Ambassador? Apply today: https://forms.gle/RukAGHruBsFZmcC87

Make the world your classroom this summer 🌍✈️ 🌟SPGS Summer Study Abroad programs combine academic credit with immersive global experiences. Choose your destination:

🇮🇪 Ireland — Explore Dublin, Belfast, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and more
Learn more: links.asu.edu/Ireland-StudyAbroad2026

🇨🇷 Costa Rica — Immerse yourself in cloud forests, volcanoes, ecological reserves, and local communities
Learn more: links.asu.edu/CostaRica-StudyAbroad2026

🇲🇪 Montenegro & the Balkans — Study democratic backsliding, hybrid threats, and regional politics firsthand
Learn more: links.asu.edu/Montenegro-StudyAbroad2026

⏰ Apply by March 1

🗓️ Undergraduate scholarship applications are due Jan. 31!

💰 We offer a variety of scholarships and honor our students’ achievements with an April ceremony. Pictured here is last year’s recipient, Andrew Montenegro, with Dean of Social Sciences Magda Hinojosa.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for details on undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

Note: Some graduate scholarships have different deadlines.

A huge thank you to our ASU community for casting their votes for their favorite Thanksgiving side dish at our booth this Homecoming Weekend! 🎉🏈🗳️

After a fierce (and delicious) competition, this year’s winning side dish is… mac & cheese!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday filled with all your favorite sides, whatever they may be!

Looking to experience Washington, D.C. as a summer intern and earn course credit? 🏛️💻📚 Our Capital Scholars Program is now accepting applications for the Summer 2026 cohort!

📅 Learn more at our virtual info session next Wednesday, 10/29 at 11:45 a.m.
✅ Apply today to secure your spot for an unforgettable summer!
🔗Link in bio (https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=860628&)

Sami Al-Asady graduated in 2024 with dual degrees in Political Science & Government and Civic & Economic Thought & Leadership. He now serves as a campaign manager in Arizona — making us !

“I routinely implement data-driven insights from Dr. Kenny and Dr. Fridkin’s co-lectured ‘Elections 2024’ course,” Al-Asady says. “Their scholarship illuminated the role of psychological predispositions — such as conflict avoidance and conspiracy thinking — on voter behavior.”

While at ASU, Al-Asady also served as a White House Intern and a Public Policy & International Affairs Fellow at Princeton. “With my ASU political science education, I’m equipped with the quantitative literacy modern campaigning demands. I extend my gratitude to ASU SPGS Director Dr. Tezcür for inspiring students to pursue public service and improve the human condition in Arizona, across the nation, and the world.”

Jadyn, a Global Security, M.A. student, recently studied abroad in Paris, France through the State Department’s Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program.

Learn more about her experience and the application process via Zoom on 9/17 & 9/22 from 7-8 p.m.

🔗 Registration is not required, tune in here: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82960313582

Global studies alumnus Jesus Vega was one of two ASU alumni selected to be part of the 2025-26 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellowship Program.

During his time at ASU, Vega participated in the Policy Design Studio and Internship Program, which he says, “set me up to have mentors from ASU, notably the former ambassadors who teach the course, Edward O’Donnell and Roderick Moore.”

“I feel like I want to build government experience here in D.C. and then find a way to connect it and bring it back to Arizona,” Vega said.

Congratulations, Jesus!

Read the full ASU News story: https://news.asu.edu/20250818-law-journalism-and-politics-2-young-asu-alums-win-prestigious-congressional-fellowships