2015 Scholars

Marshall Scholarship Recipient

Ryan Roco, Political Science

Ryan Roco, a Truman Scholar and human rights activist, has been awarded the Marshall Scholarship for graduate study at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Roco will graduate from UNM in July 2015 with a B.A. in political science and minors in Asian studies and philosophy. He will pursue a M.Sc. in Asian Politics and an M.A. in South East Asian Studies, with both degrees including advanced Burmese language instruction.

With interests in human security and political violence, Roco has worked extensively in Burma and Thailand amid armed conflict and forced displacement. His research and reportage as an investigator, photographer and filmmaker have been widely published by international news and humanitarian organizations.

Roco feels privileged to have the opportunity to study in the U.K. “I can't imagine a better place to go next than SOAS. I know my time there will help me contribute to peace and conflict research on Burma and greater South East Asia."

Besides studying, Roco is looking forward to volunteering alongside refugees resettled in Britain as well as connecting with policy think tanks and human rights organizations.

Fulbright Scholarship Recipients

Goldwater Scholarship Recipient

Udall Scholarship Recipient