Vivek Veluvali '25 Named a CSPC Fellow

As the world contends with the climate crisis, there’s no doubt that science and politics will remain inextricably intertwined and, too often, at odds. As a double major in chemistry and political science, Vivek Veluvali ’25 knows this all too well and hopes to positively influence the world through a career focused on scientific communication and policy. 

“I have always been intrigued by intricate systems,” he says. “Falling in love and learning about the natural world — both political and scientific — was a natural development for me.”

As he navigates his senior year at Haverford, Veluvali’s future will be supported by a Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) Fellowship. Established by the center in 1970, the program intends to inspire college students to serve as the next generation of public servants ready to guide the nation’s future. It allows selected students to learn about leadership and governance, conduct original research, and explore careers in public service.

Through an endowment established by Goldman Sachs in honor of John C. Whitehead ’43, Haverford has, since 2003, nominated one student annually to participate in the program. The program perfectly suits Veluvali, who says the tension between environmentalism and industrialism is the “defining narrative” for the U.S. and his generation. 

“I am interested in understanding how the levers available to the Presidency and Congress can better be used to strengthen environmental protections and help foster a greener economy in the U.S.,” Veluvali says of the opportunity. “Climate change — and problems adjacent to it, including environmental degradation and species loss — presents a significant challenge to the U.S. from an environmental, quality-of-life, and economic perspective.”

As a fellow, Veluvali will attend monthly virtual sessions and engage with CSPC Presidential Fellows, policy experts, government officials, media figures, and business leaders. He’ll also author a 10- to 15-page research paper that will be presented to national policy experts and his peers during a multi-day leadership conference in Washington, D.C.

As Veluvali considered applying for the fellowship, he received some advice from Gabriel Morillo ’24, who participated last year. 

“He asked for some advice on the application process, and I told him to find a topic that connects with all the experience he has accumulated throughout his student career,” Morillo recalls. “Your research idea and experience must connect to land the outstanding opportunity of being a CSPC fellow. I also offered other advice, such as speaking with the CCPA about the interview process and not being afraid to show your passion.”

That passion will emerge in Veluvali’s research, which will be focused on how environmental protections can support a greener economy for the nation. The research will be an extension of a previous National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates at Maryland Sea Grant College, where he explored development in wetlands, urban growth along coasts, and offshore oil and gas production. 

“I am interested in investigating the role of the Presidency and Congress in this challenge and exploring how both parties can better use their tools to help create a better environmental framework for the U.S.,” he says. “I believe that the intersection between environmental narratives and the use of policy levers available to Congress and the presidency — both locally and geopolitically —is one that is ripe for research.”

Haverford students and alumni interested in applying to nationally competitive fellowships are welcome to contact the Center for Career and Professional Advising (CCPA) for guidance and support.