Meet the 57th Class of Thomas J. 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.

Karishma Malhotra

Jeannette K. Watson Fellow 2020

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

March 14, 2025

Introducing the 2025 Thomas J. Watson Fellows

The 57th Class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows reflects a broad range of disciplines, socio-economic backgrounds, and project diversity. They will travel to 52 countries pursuing topics ranging from emergency medicine to immersive history; from agriculture policy to interactive textiles; from animal conservation to vernacular architecture.

February 27, 2025

Theo Hooker, 2019 Watson Fellow, to join SXSW panel. Cambium closes $18.5 million funding round.

Through software, robotics, and AI, Cambium, the company Theo co-founded, is streamlining the lumber supply chain, reclaiming wood that would otherwise be destined for disposal and converting it into a range of sustainable, smart timber products. This month the Baltimore-based company raised $18.5 million in Series A funding. During his Watson Fellowship, Theo explored sustainability across five countries, learning how ecological, economic, and cultural forces shape the way we grow and consume food.

December 18, 2024

Abhinandan Gaba, 2025 Watson Fellow, named Belle Zeller Scholar

The Belle Zeller Scholarship recognizes three CUNY students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a deep commitment to community service. Abhi has completed Watson internships with Ashoka in Washington D.C. and Colorado, and Resilient Cities Catalyst in New York City. Through the Watson Discovery Fund he traveled to Norway where he met with the Norwegian Ministry of Climate & Environment, Oslo Agency for an Urban Environment and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and many others, to learn how nations plan for the climate shocks and stresses of the 21st century.

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