Grace Deis

2023 Newman Family Scholarship Honorable Mention

My name is Grace Deis and I am majoring in International Studies and Data Science with a certificate in Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Area Studies. I am a member of the College of Letters and Sciences Honors Program and a leader in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

I first became interested in international studies in high school when I joined Model United Nations. I loved researching issues from multiple viewpoints and was fascinated by how complex the world is. I wanted to learn more and decided to major in international studies. During my sophomore year, I was selected to be part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars program where I worked on a project about the Indian judicial system. Through this experience, I learned how important data is in researching international issues, which inspired me to add on a data science major. In the spring of 2023, I studied abroad in Scotland. Thanks to my international studies education, I had the context and analytical skills I needed to get the most out of the experience.

After graduation, it is my goal to work for the government at the intersection of international issues and data science. I am so thankful to the Newman family for this award and to all my professors and IS advisors that led me to where I am.