Jackson School students Chaoying Li and Tin Pak were recently recognized by the Mortar Board Alumni/Tolo Foundation for their excellence in the study of international relations with the Eleanor Hadley Encouragement Award and Dr. Eleanor Hadley Scholarship.
The two scholarships are given in honor of economist and Seattle native Eleanor Hadley. Hadley, known for her significant contributions to the study of East Asia, served as a key advisor on the Japanese economy for General Douglas MacArthur after World War II and received the Sacred Treasure of the Third Order award from the Emperor of Japan.

Chaoying Li, a master’s student in China Studies
“I was excited about winning this award and [am] truly inspired to continue my academic pursuit with even greater dedication and commitment,” Li, who received the Eleanor Hadley Encouragement Award, said.
Li hopes to use the $1,000 award to finish her master’s in China Studies and conduct fieldwork in China. Her research focuses on Chinese history and anthropology, specifically examining social memory, cultural heritage, and state-society relations from the late imperial period to contemporary times.
“I admire Dr. Hadley’s great contributions to East Asian Studies and genuinely wish to further her work through my endeavors,” Li said.
Pak, an international studies major and International Policy Institute cybersecurity fellow, was awarded the $5,000 Dr. Eleanor Hadley Scholarship.
“I felt a deep sense of gratitude and excitement,” Pak said. “It motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my studies and to pursue my independent research projects.”

Tin Pak, an undergraduate in international studies.
The scholarship will support his research on China’s high-altitude electromagnetic pulse weapons and their implications for nuclear deterrence, in collaboration with U.S. Army Lieutenant General (Ret.) Stephen Lanza. Pak also aims to use his scholarship to assist his independent study of Hong Kong’s political and economic trajectory post-2047 under Assistant Teaching Professor Jessica Beyer and a trade report on relations between Vietnam and Washington with Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho.
“The award will enable me to generate impactful policy recommendations that could further strengthen regional trade relations,” Pak said.