Depending on project needs, fellows may also contribute to external research projects for policy-facing audiences.

Fellows may work on:

• Cleaning, organizing, and reviewing datasets
• Updating model inputs and supporting model infrastructure
• Testing scenarios in IFs
• Pulling and interpreting IFs results
• Creating figures, tables, and concise summaries
• Reviewing literature and documenting methods
• Comparing IFs outputs with other data sources or forecasting tools
• Supporting written analysis for reports, briefs, or presentations

This work requires curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to build quantitative and analytical skills over time. Fellows regularly use tools such as Excel and IFs while learning how to communicate research findings clearly for academic and policy audiences.

Fellows receive structured training and hands-on experience with IFs, data analysis, literature review methods, and applied research. 

Through the program, fellows can build skills in:

• Scenario-based analysis
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Data management and interpretation
• Long-term integrated modeling
• Policy-focused writing and communication
• Research documentation
• Cross-sector thinking
• Applied analysis for real-world questions

The experience is especially relevant for students interested in international development, economics, public policy, government, global affairs, international relations, or research careers that require careful analysis of interconnected systems.

Fellowship support and commitment

Required materials

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter
• One-page statement of alignment

The statement of alignment is meant to demonstrate your understanding of Pardee and how you may fit within that understanding by connecting your goals and interests to our work. You are encouraged to reference previous Pardee work to reinforce your narrative. To help you start, we provide selected exemplary works to the right. Consult our Publications page for recent and additional works.

The cover letter should make a pitch for why you would be a good fit for this role and program, connecting your strengths and eligibility.

Optional materials

• Letter or letters of recommendation
• Transcript or other documentation showing enrollment and academic program progress

The application form allows you to upload letters of recommendation. Recommenders may also send letters directly to Pardee by email with your name referenced in the subject line.

Please save each application component as a PDF using this naming format:

Last name_document type_Pardee Fellow

Example: Smith_Resume_Pardee Fellow

Pardee Fellows may support the data, modeling, and analysis infrastructure behind a wide range of research. Previous Pardee work has examined development policy, geopolitical influence, recovery from conflict, food security, climate and poverty, sustainable development, and long-term global change.

Examples of Pardee work include:

• Evaluating development policy choices for Uganda
• Assessing development trends in Ethiopia
• Examining possible futures for international influence after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
• Forecasting China’s rise under alternative scenarios
• Assessing pathways for recovery in Yemen
• Studying conditions for success in the African Continental Free Trade Area
• Examining sustainable development in a world reshaped by COVID-19
• Analyzing links between climate and poverty
• Studying how COVID-19 may affect global poverty
• Contributing analysis on the Sustainable Development Goals

These examples show the kinds of questions Pardee researchers examine: how development systems interact, how policy choices may affect long-term outcomes, and how integrated modeling can help researchers and decision-makers compare plausible futures.