The Edge Fellows are a group of 25 Tufts first-year undergraduates, selected by a competitive application process, who form a tight-knit community of students committed to deep learning and to grappling thoughtfully with contested issues from multiple perspectives. They work closely with faculty and staff mentors, build camaraderie and skills, engage in a rigorous first-year curriculum, and participate in CEVIHE programming to develop the intellectual capacity and civic maturity needed to pursue life’s big questions. Learn more about the Edge Fellowship here.
Andrew-Lucien Bao is a first-year student at Tufts University pursuing a dual degree in International Relations and Urban Studies with a minor in economics. He was raised across France, Germany, China, and the United Kingdom before settling in Los Angeles. He has been involved in debate and advocacy, ranging from competitive congressional debate to testimony at Los Angeles City Hall, where he has argued opposing sides on issues such as gun violence and military intervention in the Middle East. He is also a contributing writer for the Institute for Youth in Policy, where he has written on issues such as infrastructure. At Tufts, Andrew plans to continue debate and policy writing alongside equestrian polo while running an urban redevelopment startup built on an AI tool he developed. He is drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of his commitment to intellectual honesty and to considering every side of an issue.
Anya Berkowitz is a first-year student at Tufts University from New York City, interested in studying a combination of International Relations, History, Economics, Sociology, and Chinese. Her academic interests include international development, Chinese language and history, social psychology, and the history of different forms of media. She has competed in parliamentary debate since middle school and has practiced Taekwondo since she was four years old. She hopes to continue both at Tufts. Anya was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because she is fascinated by how people’s minds change and she is interested in facilitating environments where people can discuss polarizing issues not just to change each other’s minds but also to learn more about other perspectives.
Teddy Bower is a first-year student at Tufts University from Wayzata, Minnesota, where he attended The Blake School. He frequently moved states growing up, and his experiences in different communities inspired his interest in politics and policy. He intends to study Economics, Political Science, or International Relations. Outside of the classroom, he competes on the sailing team and enjoys playing tournament chess. He also enjoys robotics and flying paper airplanes. He has interned and volunteered on several political campaigns and has led advocacy efforts, including presenting a policy document at the U.S. Department of State during his semester study at The School for Ethics and Global Leadership. Teddy was drawn to the Edge Fellowship for the chance to connect with a diverse group of peers and he is excited to discuss public affairs and conduct research with the cohort.
Carson DeCamp is a first-year student at Tufts University from Woodstock, Georgia, who intends to major in Archaeology or Civil Engineering. He is particularly interested in Aegean Sea civilizations and studying how different cultures influenced one another politically, linguistically, artistically, and architecturally. Beyond his academic interests, Carson enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, climbing, canoeing, and camping. When he isn’t on a trail, he fills his time with woodworking, leatherworking, photography, and the fiber arts. He was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of its emphasis on discussion across multiple viewpoints and its aim to foster truth-seeking curiosity to the hard questions facing the modern world.
Clara Dowdle is a first-year student at Tufts University from Charlton, Massachusetts. She intends to explore political science, social entrepreneurship, and education at Tufts. She hopes to promote literacy and education among disadvantaged populations, including immigrant groups. An author of children’s books that benefit the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Clara will continue supporting the PMC as a cyclist and fundraiser. She plans to play club field hockey and continue her membership in the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Female Pilots. She also plays the violin and enjoys music, especially live concerts and vinyl records. Clara joined the Edge Fellowship because exchanging ideas and respecting differences are what excite her most about learning.
Jacob Flynn is a first-year student at Tufts University from Northborough, Massachusetts. He plans on studying Biology on the pre-med track, with an interest in exploring the intersection of medicine, public health, and civic engagement. He earned his EMT license this summer and aspires to join Tufts EMS, where he can serve his local community and gain experience in emergency medical care. In addition, Jacob interned for a local politician during an election year where he came to appreciate the importance of civil discourse and thoughtful dialogue across different perspectives. Jacob also enjoys playing baseball and basketball. Through the Edge fellowship, Jacob hopes to deepen his understanding of various viewpoints and develop the skills needed for meaningful civil discourse.
Adam Furmanick is a first-year student at Tufts University from Hopkinton, Rhode Island, though he has always preferred the city to his rural hometown. He plans to pursue a co-major in Art History and Civic Studies, with a possible minor in Archaeological Anthropology. His academic interests are history-centric, with a particular focus on the “human” aspects of history, such as how art reflects individual experiences during historical events. He also has a passion for ceramics and sculpture, which he plans to pursue through art courses and extracurriculars at Tufts. Adam was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because it is an opportunity to gain experience navigating a world of diverse perspectives and engaging with ideological, religious, and cultural differences.
Vidhi Golchha is a first-year student at Tufts University. She grew up in Bengaluru, India, where she developed a curiosity for how societies and economies evolve over time. She intends to major in History and Economics, with a particular interest in understanding the relationship between historical events, public policy, and economic development. Beyond academics, Vidhi is passionate about projects that allow for meaningful community engagement, and she led an initiative that taught underserved children in her city creative writing. She values opportunities to learn from people with diverse perspectives and experiences. Vidhi was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of its emphasis on leadership, intellectual curiosity, and impactful engagement with real-world challenges.
Sophia Gurevich, from Houston, Texas, is a first-year student at Tufts University and a prospective International Relations major with a minor in Russian. Within the field of International Relations, she is particularly interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its intersection with American politics. Sophia intends to join The Tufts Daily and Hillel, and to play tennis in her free time. She was drawn to the Edge Fellowship for its emphasis on unpacking the pervasive debates of the modern world, and the fellowship aligns with her interest in the question of ‘objective knowledge’ and her appreciation for dialogue across differences.
Jaya Iyer is a first-year student at Tufts University from Stamford, Connecticut, and intends to double major in Community Health and Middle Eastern Studies, with a possible minor in Child Studies and Human Development. On campus, she plans to be involved in a capella, South Asian affinity groups, activism and civic organizations, and research. She was drawn to the Edge Fellowship for its commitment to fostering discussions on controversial contemporary topics and its exploration of diverse perspectives and ideas. Jaya is also excited to learn more from professors and students across disciplines and especially looks forward to exploring the fields of philosophy, religion, and political science.
Jocelyn Knorr is a first-year student at Tufts University. She hails from St. Paul, Minnesota, where she developed an interest in civic engagement through the Page Program at the House of Representatives and through a public health internship with HealthPartners. In that internship, among other things, she lobbied for more restrictive flavored tobacco laws, including keeping tobacco companies from marketing to adolescents. Jocelyn was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of the opportunity to pursue her interests in civic responsibility, policy making, and bipartisan collaboration further. In that same vein, she is considering studying Biology and Political Science at Tufts, as well as pursuing a minor in History. She hopes to pursue a medical career, either in surgery or public health, and dreams of someday working with Doctors Without Borders.
Hayden Lucey is a first-year student at Tufts University from Ipswich, Massachusetts, intending to major in Political Science or History. She later aims to pursue a law degree. She hopes to join an a capella group or larger chorus to continue singing in college. She plans to join Habitat for Humanity, the Undergraduate Law Review, and the Photography Club at Tufts. Hayden was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of its emphasis on discussion, rather than hostile argumentation, about contentious topics in the modern world. She believes that to resolve any issue, we must first carefully understand the perspectives of all parties involved.
Austin Lynch is a first-year student at Tufts University from Bellflower, California, a suburb of Los Angeles County. He intends to take courses in Political Science and Spanish while majoring in Biopsychology, with the hope of becoming a psychiatrist. His interests include American literature and clinical psychology, which he plans to research as an undergraduate. Austin is excited by the Edge Fellowship’s opportunity to join a community centered around discussing societal and philosophical issues, and contemporary politics across viewpoints. He is also looking forward to taking the required course for the program, Religious and Philosophical Roots of the Modern World, which covers topics that he believes are integral to a well-rounded education.
Leila Kudatgobilik Meilman is a first-year student at Tufts University from London, United Kingdom, and intends to study International Relations and Economics. Raised with Turkish and American roots, Leila is interested in how culture and history influence political and social life. Her academic interests range across the social sciences, with a focus on peace and conflict studies, psychology, public health, and global affairs. Outside of the classroom, she is excited to become involved in various campus organizations, particularly the Leonard Carmichael Society, The Tufts Daily, and Tufts Amnesty International. The Edge Fellowship appealed to Leila because it continues the dialogue-based social service work she participated in with students across London. She looks forward to exploring today’s challenges through exchanges with her peers and deepening her understanding of perspectives different from her own.
Haluka Motozawa is a first-year student at Tufts University from Taipei, Taiwan, and is a prospective International Relations major. She enjoys debating and is interested in joining the Model UN team at Tufts. She is proud of her multicultural background and intends to join cultural clubs and organizations at Tufts as well. Haluka is excited to join the Edge Fellowship for the rich learning opportunities and diverse intellectual community the program offers.
Aleksa Petkovic is a first-year student at Tufts University from Belgrade, Serbia. He plans to major in Political Science or International Relations. His academic interests include international affairs, diplomacy, comparative politics, public policy, and global security. Beyond his athletic involvements, he is passionate about public speaking, political journalism, debate, and civic engagement, and he intends to contribute to a variety of student organizations, leadership initiatives, and community service projects at Tufts. Aleksa was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of its commitment to leadership development, mentorship, and its close-knit community of motivated students. He views the fellowship as an opportunity to challenge himself, learn from others, and develop the skills needed for a future career in public service and international leadership.
Aida Potter is a first-year student at Tufts University from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. She intends to major in Political Science on a pre-law track, with a possible minor in Jewish Studies. Outside of her academic interests, Aida is always up for a hike, a beautiful view, or a meal at an interesting restaurant. She is known for her baking, her willingness to explore ideas she disagrees with, and her ability to find the middle ground on contentious issues. Aida plans to continue playing ultimate frisbee on campus and to join the Tufts Mountain Club and Tufts Hillel. After graduating from a homogeneous high school, Aida was drawn to the Edge Fellowship for its politically, socially, and intellectually diverse student community.
Amelia Rice is a first-year student at Tufts University from Walpole, Maine, intending to major in Political Science with a minor in English. She hopes to work in political communications. She plans to write for The Tufts Daily and looks forward to working with the Tufts Democrats and JumboVote as she continues to pursue her interest in civic engagement. As a prospective journalist, she is drawn to the Edge Fellowship in hopes of understanding diverse perspectives and the origins of beliefs. Hailing from rural Maine, Amelia has found herself able to relate to everyone, from summer visitors to local fishermen, and hopes to continue building on her desire to learn from different people through the Edge Fellowship. She is looking forward to having challenging conversations with those she disagrees with, and to working toward bridging social divides at Tufts and beyond.
Akash Shah is a first-year student at Tufts University from Berkeley, California, intending to study Political Science and International Relations. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys playing baseball, basketball, and golf, as well as playing piano and trumpet. He plans to be involved on campus in research, activism, civic engagement, and club sports. Akash is drawn to the Edge Fellowship’s mission of promoting dialogue and creating respectful debate across differing and unfamiliar viewpoints and experiences. He looks forward to being a part of the program and the greater Tufts community.
Nick Shaikh is a first-year student at Tufts University from Durham, North Carolina, intending to major in International Relations. He has long been interested in exploring ways to navigate social discourse. Inspired by the 2020 election, Nick became deeply interested in conversations across ideological lines, particularly political and religious differences. In high school, he founded a club dedicated to fostering religious understanding and exploration. He plans to continue participating in theatre, community outreach clubs, political organizations, and more at Tufts. Nick hopes the Edge Fellowship will give him the skills to better serve as a mediator and negotiator, in both his personal and professional aspirations.
Justin Spitzer is a first-year student at Tufts University from Durham, North Carolina, where he graduated from Durham Academy. He intends to major in Political Science with a possible co-Major in Civic Studies, and to further explore how to put political advocacy into practice. He is interested in issues of political polarization, US elections, and political ideology/theory. He plans to join the Tufts Debating Society and explore other political advocacy-related clubs and activities. Justin was drawn to the Edge Fellowship due to his interest in political polarization, inspired by his work at Duke University’s Polarization Lab, and his personal commitments to civil discourse and intellectual exchange across differences.
Lily Rose Vallieres is a first-year student at Tufts University interested in studying Biology and Psychology. In addition to her love for science, she is committed to further developing her abilities in French and Spanish at Tufts. She is originally from Harrison, New York, and is passionate about music and technical theater. She intends to join the Tufts Pep Band and work backstage for various shows and events at and around the Tufts campus. Lily was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of her curiosity about both timeless philosophical questions and contemporary socio-political debates. She often finds herself playing “devil’s advocate”—trying to account for and understand as many points of view as possible—and looks forward to making the most of the fellowship’s opportunities and community.
Valeria Vignoni is an Italo-Brazilian first-year student at Tufts University from Castel Goffredo, a small town in Northern Italy. In her free time, she is an avid reader, enjoys going to the gym, and loves exploring anything related to music. She is excited to live in the United States for the first time and to become part of the Tufts community, where she intends to study International Relations. She looks forward to joining the Italian and Brazilian student organizations both to stay connected to her roots and to share the richness of her cultures with others. Valeria is thrilled to join the Edge Fellowship, where she hopes to meet peers with whom she can have eye-opening conversations and learn from their diverse experiences and worldviews.
Emily West is a first-year student at Tufts University from Cranford, New Jersey. She intends to major in History and Museum Studies, pursuing a future that combines her interests in history, advocacy, and service. She plans to get involved with several organizations and groups on campus, most notably music ensembles and other creative outlets, service clubs, civic engagement, and history-based organizations. She was drawn to the Edge Fellowship for its dedication to promoting nuanced, in-depth discussions across viewpoints and for the close-knit community it fosters. Emily is ecstatic to continue pursuing her passion for civics through meaningful discourse with her peers from diverse backgrounds on a wide range of historical and contemporary topics.
Layla Zaatreh is a first-year student at Tufts University from central New Jersey. She is interested in pursuing Biotechnology and Biochemistry on the pre-dental track. On campus, she hopes to become involved in the Tufts Observer, pre-health organizations, and community service opportunities. Layla was drawn to the Edge Fellowship because of its emphasis on thoughtful and productive discussions across challenging moral, philosophical, and cultural questions. She believes the program offers an opportunity to engage with complex issues from diverse perspectives and is excited to learn about these topics alongside her peers. Through the fellowship, Layla hopes to continue developing her curiosity, leadership skills, and ability to thoughtfully engage with others.