Building on his interest in the intersection of climate science and policy that catalyzed at Haverford, Vivek Veluvali ’25 is heading to the University of Copenhagen to pursue his master’s in climate change. Veluvali, a 2024 Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress fellow and double major in chemistry and political science, says that Haverford gave him the freedom to explore both disciplines.
“The interdisciplinary nature of studies at Haverford, and the sense of conscientiousness the school imparts on us,” he says, “made me interested in this sort of dual approach that also imparts some value on the world.”
He credits several courses and professors with helping shape his path, including “Introduction to Political Theory” with former Associate Professor of Political Science Paulina Ochoa Espejo and “Scientific Computing” with Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Rebecca Everett.
His academic mentors played a major role in his development, especially his thesis advisors, Professor of Political Science Craig Borowiak and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Gordon Peterson, who helped him “realize both that I knew much more than I thought I did and that there was yet much more to learn.”
Genny Nesslage and Slava Lyubchich, who advised Veluvali during his 2024 REU at Maryland Sea Grant, helped him build confidence in conducting complex, computational research. “They were super kind and patient with me,” he says, “and helped me figure out my professional development.”
Beyond the classroom, Veluvali was a member of the fencing team, which taught him about teamwork, persistence, and “how to pick myself up and reset after failures.” He also lived in the PANA House for two years, and calls its community “profoundly” influential in reshaping his worldview.
In the years ahead, Veluvali hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in climate science with a focus on computational research and later transition into policy through programs offered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science or the Knauss Fellowship Program.
“It seems like the world is getting increasingly rough,” he says. “So I hope that my fellow graduates are able to have a good time while they pursue their goals and dreams.”