Fox Cities News

Senior Paola Saldana Galvan has secured a fellowship with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), following her years at Lawrence University. The FAS will support Saldana Galvan through her graduate studies, after which she will work for them full-time.

“Throughout the time, I’ll be having internships and mentorship opportunities with Foreign Service officers, learning more about American agriculture and diplomacy,” Saldana Galvan said.

Saldana Galvan's work will focus on international USDA business, trade policy, and food security initiatives. She aims to help connect American agricultural businesses and farmers with opportunities abroad.

An international relations major from Chicago, Illinois, Saldana Galvan is passionate about travel, global affairs, and political science. A clarinet player for over 10 years, her journey to Lawrence began with music. She first encountered Lawrence at the Merit School of Music in Chicago. Two Lawrence alumni have led Merit since 1993: Duffie Adelson ‘73 and Charles Grode ‘91.

“I knew that Lawrence had a really good conservatory and that I wanted to keep playing clarinet while I was studying,” Saldana Galvan said.

Although initially considering a dual degree program due to her love for the clarinet, she ultimately found her passion in international relations. Her interest was sparked during a visit to Jason Brozek’s Intro to International Relations class at Lawrence.

“It (international relations) was not something I had previously heard of or considered studying,” Saldana Galvan said. “I ended up choosing international relations because I was interested in being able to travel and learn more about the world...and just immerse myself in that learning.”

During spring break, she participated in an interdisciplinary course Field Experience in Development trip to The Gambia. Led by Brozek and Claudena Skran, the trip allowed students to conduct research abroad and contribute to a local community.

While in The Gambia, Saldana Galvan learned about the agricultural sector, government collaborations with IGOs and NGOs, as well as food security initiatives. She engaged with organizations such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Green-Up Gambia.

“It was a really transformative experience for me,” Saldana Galvan said. “It helped me learn a lot about what makes up the agricultural sector in other places...and how closely international travel aligns with my values.”

Her involvement extends beyond academics; she serves as president of the Model United Nations organization on campus. As part of this group, participants simulate diplomatic discussions representing various countries to solve global problems.

Model UN also participates in annual conferences; recently they traveled to New York City for one such event where they worked on issues like child displacement within the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) committee.

“Even though it’s a simulation...it feels meaningful while you’re there,” Saldana Galvan said. “It’s a really good opportunity to grow some of our diplomatic skills.”

As a first-generation student, she appreciates Lawrence University's efforts in connecting students with opportunities and mentors across campus.

“I think that Lawrence does a really good job of connecting you with opportunities...to get what you need out of your education,” Saldana Galvan said.

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