Franklin & Marshall graduates have a long history of securing prestigious fellowships and research opportunities across the globe. In this series, we spotlight alumni living, teaching and learning abroad. The World Needs Diplomats. Will you be next? 

Two accomplished alumni will begin their careers in global diplomacy this fall through the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. 

Lam Tran ’21 and Munahil “Muna” Sultana ’24 were both named recipients of the fellowship, a competitive award that prepares outstanding young people for foreign service careers in the U.S. Department of State. Both will begin graduate school at Georgetown University this fall.

As two of the 45 Pickering Fellows selected this year, Sultana and Tram will receive funding toward a master's degree in any subject related to the work of the state department; a funded summer internship at the state department; a funded summer internship at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad between the first and second years of graduate school; and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service as a foreign service officer.

F&M now has five Pickering recipients. Paolo Caglioti '21 received the award in 2023. Melissa Sandoval ’13 and Maribel Vasquez ’09 received the award in 2012. 

The Pickering Fellowship is closely related to the Rangel Fellowship, awarded to Sheldon Ruby '17, and the Payne Fellowship, awarded to Taina Perez '20. All three awards seek to diversify the state department. After graduate school, awardees join the U.S. Foreign Service and USAID’s Foreign Service, respectively. 

What inspired you to apply to the Pickering Fellowship? 

My inspiration to apply for the Pickering Fellowship stems from my upbringing in Vietnam, where my father worked for the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi as a local hire. He often took me to embassy events, such as Halloween parties and summer barbecues, and hosted dinners with his colleagues, allowing me to interact with U.S. diplomats from various backgrounds. These experiences sparked my interest in global affairs and diplomacy, nurturing my dream of becoming a diplomat myself one day. This interest was further solidified through my education at F&M, where I built a strong academic foundation in international relations. The Pickering Fellowship represents an opportunity to pursue this lifelong aspiration and contribute to U.S. diplomacy and interests abroad.

What have you been up to since graduating from F&M?

I have been working as a research assistant for various think tanks, with a focus on international relations in Washington, D.C. In my first year after graduation, I was a policy research fellow with the Reischauer Center at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where I conducted research on cooperation between the U.S. and Japan on security and development matters. Following this fellowship, I worked at the Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and focused on U.S.-Australia relations. 

Why did you choose F&M?

I chose F&M because of its robust liberal arts curriculum, which allowed me to pursue my various academic interests. The professors' emphasis on developing strong writing skills was also particularly appealing and helpful to me. Additionally, the generous financial aid package made it possible for me, a first-generation immigrant student, to attend college.

“These experiences sparked my interest in global affairs and diplomacy, nurturing my dream of becoming a diplomat myself one day. This interest was further solidified through my education at F&M, where I built a strong academic foundation in international relations.”

- Lam Tran '21

What inspired you to apply to the Pickering Fellowship? 

I heard about the Pickering Fellowship when I was a sophomore in high school. At the time, I was an Alexander Hamilton Scholar. I got paired with a mentor who was a Pickering Fellow. I had done Model United Nations since I was about 7 years old. Coming from a first-generation background and having parents that are immigrants, I've thought a lot about diplomacy and the impact of aid – specifically international aid – and my parents' journey to come to the U.S. and their visa process. I didn't realize that I could make a career out of it.

My mentor told me about the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program. She told me about her study-abroad experience in Korea. She told me about how she was basically able to travel the world and make an impact. I remember being a sophomore in high school knowing that this is what I want to do. When I applied to F&M, I wrote about it in my application!

Why did you choose F&M?

As a first-generation, low-income woman of color, financial stability was one of the most important factors when making my college decision. F&M allowed me to get the education I deserve at a price that I can afford.

When I look back and talk to high school students who are thinking about coming to F&M, the first thing I always tell them is that the support I've received here is unmatched. Now, as an alumna, I'm able to get coffee with 10, 15 or 20 people in D.C. who will take the time to meet with me because I graduated from F&M.

“Coming from a first-generation background and having parents that are immigrants, I’ve thought a lot about diplomacy and the impact of aid – specifically international aid.”

- Muna Sultana '24

Fellowships at F&M

Eager to continue your academic and professional development across the globe? Fellowships offer funded experiential learning opportunities.

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Class of 2024 graduate Munahil Sultana, a government and international studies major, was the College's first recipient of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service.

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