Meet the 53rd class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows and the 22nd class of Jeannette K. Watson Fellows.

Watson expands vision.

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

Our Fellows

We encourage students to create personal paths 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

Karen Tei Yamashita headshot

September 14, 2021

Karen Tei Yamashita, 1974 Watson Fellow, awarded the 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by the National Book Foundation

Yamashita is the author of eight books and numerous plays and is being honored for her expansive, innovative and genre-defying works. As the 34th recipient of the foundation’s lifetime achievement award, she joins the ranks of Toni Morrison, Joan Didion, E.L. Doctorow and Norman Mailer. Her latest book, Sansei and Sensibility, is a collection of short stories about growing up in Japanese America.

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Atlas of dissapearing places

September 1, 2021

Christina Conklin, 1990 Watson Fellow, releases "Atlas of Disappearing Places"

Sourcing data from scientific papers, Conklin painted 20 places deeply impacted by climate change. Using seaweed as her canvas, when water touches the surface, the painting disappears, reshaping our world. Partnering with climate change educator and planner Marina Psaros, each chapter also highlights potential climate solutions, from planting heat-tolerant kelp to new laws that give nature legal rights.

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Our Programs

We work with over 100 partners to provide two, one-of-a-kind programs.

Thomas J. Watson Fellowship

A year of independent, purposeful exploration.

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Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship

Internships, mentorship, community, and growth.

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