Former UW Killam Fellow Gregory Johnsen (McGill University, Fall 2010) graduated from the University of Washington this June with a BA in International Studies (Canada Track) and BS in Economics. He now researches U.S. fiscal policy full-time with the Peter G. Peterson Foundation in New York City. Although his work focuses primarily on domestic policy, Gregory says his Canadian Studies background is proving quite useful.
“Canada and the U.S. have a lot in common – more than most other countries the U.S. could be compared to. As someone who is researching policy, it is interesting for me to see where the two countries make policy decisions that are similar, and where they diverge. In that respect, Canada serves as a sort of policy experiment to see other ways things can be done. It is a valuable perspective to have.”
Gregory says he is enjoying life in New York and hopes to take advantage of the close proximity to Canada by traveling in Ontario and Québec.
The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in the United States to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in Canada. UW students may participate in the program as a direct exchange student (registering at their home university, paying their home fees, and attending the host university as an exchange visitor). The Killam Fellowships Program provides a cash award of $5,000 US per semester ($10,000 for a full academic year), an all expense paid three day orientation in Ottawa, and a three day all expense paid seminar in Washington (plus other benefits). The Canadian Studies Center is a partner institution with the Killam Foundation enabling up to two full academic year fellowships annually for UW students.