Roberts '16 awarded Truman Scholarship

Thomas Roberts ’16 was awarded a 2015 Truman Scholarship, which will support his graduate studies in public policy and international affairs.

Roberts is currently concentrating in astrophysical sciences with a certificate in Russian and Eurasian studies.

This year, the Truman Scholarship was awarded to 58 students from a pool of 688 candidates, according to information released by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. Truman Scholarsreceive up to $30,000 to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in public service.

“I was super surprised when I heard that I got it, but I’m so humbled and honored to represent not only Princeton but also my home state of Minnesota with the Truman Scholarship,” Roberts said, adding that he had no idea he was eligible for this kind of scholarship as a science major with no experience in policy.

Since 1980, 24 out of the 32 past Truman Scholarship winners from the University have majored in the Wilson School, Roberts said, citing information given to him from the University’s Fellowship Advising Office.

Hanna Lee, assistant director of the Fellowship Advising Office, was not available for comment.

Roberts said he is the first student from the University's astrophysical sciences department to receive this award.

“I think I decided to go for it because I really need that sort of support after I graduate with a science degree to go into a field like public policy and government work,” he said.

Interested in space policy and international science collaboration, Roberts cited his fifth grade science class as an inspiration to pursue these studies, in which he learned about history, English and science through the context of the Space Race and Cold War era.

“With China coming up as a huge space superpower, we’re entering a new era that’s similar to that of the Space Race we’ve seen before,” Roberts said, adding he believes space policy is an emerging area that has room for change. “I think that pursuing a career in public service, policy advising and policy making could help me become a key player in these changes.”

In graduate school, Roberts said he hopes to concentrate on global security and international relations, with an emphasis in scientific collaboration.

Through his undergraduate experience at the University, Roberts said he has acquired a regional specialty in Russia with an area specialty in astrophysics and astronomy and that this background will help him in his graduate studies.

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Roberts said he hopes to gain work experience in Washington, D.C. or abroad before graduate school.

The Fellowship Advising Office was helpful, he added.

“I made a distinct decision when I didn’t choose to pursue an undergraduate career in public policy,” he explained, saying that he wanted to use the opportunity as an undergraduate to study the natural sciences.

Roberts is conducting research this semester in the Wilson School. Last semester, he said he was working on research in computational astrophysics but is now reading people’s papers and opinion pieces to put together a report on anti-satellite weapon programs.

“It’s really interesting," Robert said. "There are a lot of nuances in what actions mean and how [governments] describe them."

On campus, Roberts acts and helps manage the Princeton University Players. He also volunteers with the Pace Center for Civic Engagement, where he helps run Community Action, and is a photographer for multiple groups.