Salisbury University junior Abiodun “Abey” Adeoye has received not one, but two prestigious educational opportunities which will enable him to explore public policy, domestic affairs and international relations.
Adeoye was selected for a United Nations Institute for Training and Research internship with SU’s Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution.
The political science and history major was also accepted into the Public Policy and International Affairs Program’s Junior Summer Institute.
“This is the perfect intersection between my interests in public policy and international relations,” Adeoye said. “I’m being exposed to these fields through active engagement with researchers and leaders, and it will help me refine my career interests and get a head start.”
The purpose of the internship program is to provide a framework by which individuals from diverse academic backgrounds may be assigned to UNITAR.
The individuals' educational experiences can be enhanced through practical work assignment, while they provide the institute with their assistance as qualified individuals specialized in various professional fields.
As part of the United Nations 2030 agenda of quality education; climate action; and peace, justice and strong institutions, Adeoye will be conducting research related to several of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The SU junior is exploring networks related to each goal and identifying non-governmental organizations with aligning missions to see how UNITAR could partner.
Adeyoe is specifically “looking at sustainable developmental goals in the eastern region of the United States.”
Executive Director of SU’s Bosserman Center Dr. Brian Polkinghorn, who is also a recent designated affiliate of UNITAR, praised Adeoye and his work.
Polkinghorn believes Adeoye's work ethic will support the launch of a new UNITAR initiative on “conflict prevention and creative problem solving.”
But, before Adeoye heads off for UNITAR, he will undergo seven weeks of PPIA’s education.
“[They typically] focus on public service and people who are interested in international relations,” said Adeoye.
Taking place at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the goal of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute Program is to help students achieve a master's or joint degree.
“At the University of Minnesota, I’ve been taking courses in human rights, diversity, and economics, meeting a lot of people who are in this field, being exposed to a lot of graduate opportunities and really getting to know the community who have an interest in those fields,” said Adeoye. “This helps me foster new ideas that I can bring back to Salisbury and focus on them, whether it be human right or things in public service or government.”
Adeoye stated that both programs are “really good mixtures of the domestic affairs and international relations.”
Adeoye isn’t stopping there. The junior continues to look to expand his horizons for education.
“Initially, I plan on pursuing a Fulbright Teaching Internship to Kenya so I can enhance my language skills. After that, I want to go onto grad school looking towards African studies, social policy or public policies as my graduate studies,” Adeoye stated.
For information about SU’s Bosserman Center, you can visit www.conflict-resolution.org. For information about national fellowships, SU students or alumni may contact Walton at kpwalton@salisbury.edu or visit www.salisbury.edu/nationalfellowships.
By SAMANTHA SELTZER
Staff writer
Featured photo: SU Office of Public Relations.