Director, Presidential Fellows Program
Research Associate, Religion in Public Life Program
As Director of the Presidential Fellows Program, Andrew strives to empower each year's academically-accomplished Presidential Fellows with personal insights of our nation’s capital and the federal government. He is committed to expanding the scope of International Fellows as a dynamic and modern addition to this highly successful and longstanding program. A former Fellow and mentor himself, he now manages development, public outreach, and the program's budgets and fundraising. He works closely with the Program Coordinator to plan the Fellows Leadership Conferences, and edit the annual Fellows Review, which highlights the research and writing of the Presidential Fellows.
Andrew also contributes to a portfolio labeled Religion in Public Life. The impetus for his work was sustained commitment by Trustee Francis Rooney, former ambassador to the Holy See (2005-2008). Writing specific to this experience, an essay was published about the foreign affairs of the Pope in the Spring 2011 edition of The Ambassadors Review. Other contributions have led to publishing in First Things, an online magazine, and local newspapers’ editorial sections. A book-length manuscript addressing Holy See (Vatican) diplomacy is the focal point of this effort.
In researching the Catholic influence in international affairs, Andrew has worked with American historians and political scientists, as well as religious leaders, both in America and abroad. Andrew has interviewed high-ranking Catholic leaders in America and in Rome, Italy. He was an attendee at the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) Fall 2010 convention and interviewed Vatican officials in 2011 and 2012.
Here in Washington, he also works with the politically active Episcopal Church. The Trinity Roundtables include biannual meetings, which Andrew attends. He has been a frequent editor of the upcoming document, A Declaration of Mainstream Episcopalians. He assists the Center with the National Cathedral’s forthcoming public outreach projects.
Lastly, Andrew continues writing on a variety of topics that fall under the broad category of religion in America. Commitment to tolerance of many faiths is a defining characteristic of America’s pluralistic culture. More than mere tolerance, the Founding Fathers encouraged robust religious liberty. In an era when secularism undergoes greater public scrutiny and religion receives greater consideration for its contribution to society, it is beneficial to analyze America’s complex relationship with religion.
Andrew is a 2010 graduate of Hamilton College. He was a double major in Chinese language and Government, spending time in Beijing and Washington, D.C.
Staff Contact
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