St. Lawrence Students Contribute to U.S. Foreign Policy through Diplomacy Lab
St. Lawrence students gain practical experience working with the U.S. Department of State on an impactful Diplomacy Lab project.
This Fall, six St. Lawrence students partnered with senior leadership of the Europe and Eurasian Affairs program at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the U.S. State Department. Under the guidance of Dr. Mert Kartal (Department of Political Science), political science students Alexandra Dettor, Katanu Mwendwa, Emma Cross, Joe O'Neil, Freya Johanson, and Sofi Macero investigated the impact of immigration on the rise of far-right populism in European Union member countries.
On December 11, 2024, the student team presented their semester-long research to an audience of nearly 80 U.S. foreign service officers preparing for assignments in Europe. In addition to delivering a formal briefing, the students produced a comprehensive report, which will serve as reading material for FSI trainees before they deploy to their posts.
This Diplomacy Lab project exemplifies the exceptional opportunities available to St. Lawrence students. By tackling real-world foreign policy challenges, students engage directly with top experts, contribute to meaningful solutions, and help shape U.S. diplomatic initiatives. This partnership underscores St. Lawrence's dedication to integrating its rigorous academic curriculum with unique experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Dr. Kartal encourages all St. Lawrence students to take advantage of the Diplomacy Lab program. While any faculty member can apply to lead a project, student involvement is central to the initiative. Students are encouraged to discuss potential ideas with peers and pitch them to faculty members who may be interested in leading a project. “I strongly encourage students to be proactive and get involved in Diplomacy Lab,” says Dr. Kartal. “It is a unique opportunity to make a real impact while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.” For more information, Dr. Kartal can be reached at mkartal@stlawu.edu.