In this Q&A, we speak with Fern Hinrix, a senior majoring in international studies, who was selected as a 2024-25 recipient of the Donald C. and Margery S. Hellmann Scholarship award.
Unique to the Jackson School, the Hellmann Scholarship provides a $5,000 stipend to support the education and training of Jackson School undergraduates with demonstrated excellence in international studies, clear interest in a career in international affairs, and a strong and creative commitment to promoting the international public good.
Fern Hinrix
Name: Fern Hinrix
Degree: B.A. in international studies
Expected to graduate in: Spring 2025
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
What made you choose the University of Washngton?
I chose the University of Washington because I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to study but I knew I would have a wide variety of great options. UW has so many resources for students regardless of college or department, all at a beautiful Seattle campus. Four years later, I know I made the right decision. Go Huskies!
What led you to the Jackson School?
When I started at UW, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue. But one quarter I took a class on gender, diplomacy, and human rights in the interdisciplinary honors college, and I was hooked. I was able to combine my newfound interest in international affairs and Chinese language skills by majoring in international studies and concentrating in East Asia. Within the Jackson School I found so many great classes and opportunities to build on this interest and find my niche within the field.
What was your reaction like to becoming a Hellmann Scholar?
I was surprised and honored. I am very grateful to the Hellmann family and the Jackson School faculty for supporting me in pursuing my goal of working in the field of international affairs. Scholarships like the Hellmann Award are essential for making the international affairs field more accessible and encouraging young global thinkers.
How will this award help your goals and career path?
The Hellmann Award will allow me to take time off of working part-time during school to dedicate myself to class and other commitments, including a Task Force on global internet security, my position as an editor of the Jackson School Journal, and the time-consuming process of applying for full-time positions post graduation. I will be able to better prepare myself for entering the workforce and reaching my goal of working to shape and create U.S. foreign policy.
What Jackson School class has impacted you the most and why?
The most impactful class I took was [JSIS B 480: Fundamentals of Global Cybersecurity] with Professor Jessica Beyer. I signed up because it was a topic I knew nothing about, but I learned so much and it sparked my interest in cybersecurity and digital policy. From there, I became a Cybersecurity Research Fellow in the International Policy Institute, and next quarter I will be participating in a Task Force on global internet security. I would never have ended up here without taking that first class!
What key skills have you learned at the Jackson School that you’ll apply to your career?
The Jackson School has transformed my writing and research skills. I am able to develop ideas addressing complex international issues, support them with solid evidence, and express my thoughts clearly and effectively. These skills are essential to any career path but particularly in the social science and policy world.
Any advice for prospective Jackson School students?
The great thing about the Jackson School is you are able to customize your experience. There are so many different areas to explore, so once you find something you’re interested in, make sure to reach out to your professors and see how you can be more involved!
