NC State Students and Alumni Achieve Prestigious Awards and Fellowships

NC State University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of its students and alumni who have recently received prestigious awards and fellowships. Kaurwaki Babu, a senior in computer engineering, was granted a $2,000 Project Supply Grant for the International Security & Intelligence Program at Cambridge University. Joshua Wasserman, majoring in international studies and Spanish, was honored with the 2024 Mathews Medal for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the university. Furthermore, recent graduate Jeanine Ikekhua was chosen as a recipient of the USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program, providing significant support for her graduate studies and a future role in the USAID Foreign Service. Keep reading to learn more about these amazing students!

Summer 2024 Project Supply Grant with the Office of Undergraduate Research – Kaurwaki Babu

Kaurwaki Babu was awarded a $2000 Project Supply Grant through the Office of Undergraduate Research that she will use toward the International Security & Intelligence Program (ISI). Additionally, the NC State EYE (Engineer Your Experience) Program will be covering Kaurwaki’s travel expenses to and from London for the program.

A statement from Kaurwaki Babu:

The International Security & Intelligence Program (ISI) is held at Cambridge University by the Cambridge Security Initiative (CSi) in partnership with the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London. The four-week program explores Western intelligence organizations’ methodologies and challenges through lectures, seminars and supervised research. Topics covered include the operation of intelligence organizations, the threats posed by cyber warfare and radicalization, mechanisms of intelligence collection and analysis and much more.

As a senior in computer engineering, the IDS department has allowed me to explore the interdisciplinary applications of engineering through the STS minor. In the last few semesters, I’ve been drawn to the intersections between computer engineering and political science, especially regarding how a deep understanding of technology can allow for more robust, up-to-date national security approaches and policies. Courses such as STS 402: Peace and War in the Nuclear Age have allowed me to explore this field by giving me a well-versed understanding of the myriad of threats faced by nation-states and the relationship between governmental institutions and those they aim to protect. Beyond the foundational knowledge, these courses—and the IDS department in general—have provided me with the skills and confidence to pursue and participate in programs such as ISI. I’m excited to utilize my existing knowledge and experience to excel in and contribute to this program this summer!

The Mathews Medal – Joshua Wasserman 

Joshua Wasserman has been chosen as a recipient of the 2024 Mathews Medal. Wasserman mentioned that majoring in international studies and Spanish have been integral to how he has been a leader here at NC State through Voluntarios Ahora en Raleigh (VOLAR), cross-cultural experiences and international experiences.

As the highest non-academic distinction awarded to NC State students, the Mathews Medal honors graduating seniors who have served as student leaders and made significant contributions to the advancement of the university.

The Mathews Medal is named in honor of Walter J. Mathews, the first student to arrive on the North Carolina School of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts campus in October 1889. As an alumnus, Mathews remained deeply involved with the university and this annual award – given each year at the Founders Day dinner – encourages student recipients to envision themselves as future alumni leaders.

NC State Alum Selected for USAID Fellowship – Jeanine Ikekhua

Recent graduate Jeanine Ikekhua, has been selected as a recipient of the USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program. Jeanine was one of the 30 chosen from over 800 applicants to receive the fellowship, which provides up to $104,000 towards her graduate school studies and a position in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Foreign Service after she completes her graduate school studies.

Find out more about the Payne Fellowship Program.

Having graduated in spring 2024, Jeanine Ikekhua was a Park Scholar and studied international studies and communication, with a minor in Chinese studies. Passionate about journalism, Jeanine was the managing editor of Nubian Message, NC State’s student-led newspaper that highlights minority voices. Jeanine’s plans after graduation include getting two master’s degrees at New York University and becoming a foreign service officer. 

You can read more about Jeanine Ikekhua on her Payne Fellow profile.