KU senior from Lawrence is first-ever Jayhawk to be named a James C. Gaither Fellow

LAWRENCE — The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has named Charlie Johnson a James C. Gaither Junior Fellow, making the University of Kansas senior the first KU student or graduate to be awarded the honor.

Johnson, from Lawrence, is majoring in religious studies, political science, history and global & international studies. As part of the fellowship, he will be assigned to scholars in Carnegie’s Middle East Program in Washington, D.C., assisting them with research and writing on projects related to the Middle East and North Africa.

“I'm excited to continue deepening my understanding of the region alongside leading scholars at Carnegie and to contribute meaningfully to the program’s work on Middle East foreign policy and international peace-building,” Johnson said.

The Carnegie’s Middle East Program combines in-depth regional knowledge with comparative analysis to provide informed recommendations. Projects range from climate change to governance to power competition in the region.

Each year, James C. Gaither Junior Fellowships are awarded to only about 15 uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. Johnson was selected from potential fellows who were nominated by several hundred participating universities and colleges across the nation.

“Words cannot express how impressed I am with Charlie’s drive, intellect and maturity,” said Erin Wolfram, program director of the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships. “A student of his caliber is truly unique, and I am delighted to see his efforts rewarded through his selection as a James C. Gaither Junior Fellow.”

Johnson said the “invaluable” guidance and support he received throughout the application process came in part from Jayhawks like Wolfram, Brian Lagotte of the Center for Global & International Studies and Rami Zeedan of the Jewish Studies Program.

According to Carnegie, strong reading fluency and the ability to perform academic as well as online research in Arabic is essential for junior fellows working with the Middle East Program. A strong background in Middle East politics and history is a huge plus.

“I also want to thank the countless KU faculty and staff whose mentorship and dedication helped shape my undergraduate experience and prepared me for this opportunity,” Johnson said.

The one-year fellowship begins Sept. 2.