Meet the 55th Class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows and the 24th Class of Jeannette K. Watson Fellows.

Watson expands vision.

The Watson Foundation expands the vision and develops the potential of remarkable students.

Our Fellows

Through two, one-of-a-kind programs we encourage students to create personal pathways... then support their journeys.

Saifeldeen Zihiri

Jeannette K. Watson Fellow 2019

Regina Joseph

Thomas J. Watson Fellow 1987

Wadzanai Motsi

Thomas J. Watson Fellow 2013

Drake LeBrun

Thomas J. Watson Fellow 2012

Oscar Baez

Thomas J. Watson Fellow 2008

Kamelia Kilawan

Jeannette K. Watson Fellow 2014

Reggie Thomas

Jeannette K. Watson Fellow 2007

MaryBeth Apriceno

Jeannette K. Watson Fellow 2012

Lincoln Ajoku

Jeannette K. Watson Fellow 2003

Watson News

Map with pins

March 15, 2023

Introducing the 2023 Thomas J. Watson Fellows

The 55th Class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows comes from 20 states and 4 countries and exhibits a broad range of academic specialties, socio-economic backgrounds, and project diversity. They will travel to 54 countries pursuing topics ranging from climate refugees to pediatric cancer; from contemporary African art to disability care innovation; from entrepreneurial inclusion to urban animals; from coastal resilience to modern opera.

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Dr Susan Alberts Headshot

February 14, 2023

Dr. Susan Alberts, 1979 Watson Fellow, receives Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Ecology and Conservation Biology

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards recognize contributions of singular impact in science, technology, the humanities and music. Dr. Alberts spent her Watson year studying the behavior and ecology of baboons in Kenya, a focus that continues in her work today at the forefront of biodiversity conservation. In July she will join Duke's Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as their next Dean of Natural Sciences.

Read more on DUKE.EDU Link out

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