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York student to join prestigious Schwarzman Scholars programme

Posted on 6 December 2017

A University of York graduate and current student are on track to become one of the next generation of global leaders after their acceptance as a Schwarzman Scholar.

Miro Plueckebaum, who graduated from York this summer with a First Class BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and Colleen Ryan, York's current Fulbright scholar, will join the 2019 Class of Schwarzman Scholars in China.

The Schwarzman Scholars programme gives the world’s best and brightest students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing – one of China’s most prestigious universities.

The programme, founded by Blackstone Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Stephen A Schwarzman, recognises that whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends.

Global Affairs

Miro will pursue a Masters in Global Affairs, focusing on Public Policy, particularly global technology policy and robot ethics. Colleen will study foreign policy to pursue her interests in justice sector reform.

Miro said: “My background in Philosophy, Politics and Economics has given me strong interdisciplinary foundations that I want to build on to affect global change. 

“My goal is to work at the intersection of policy, technology, and ethics, to help solve issues that require proactive global policies to ensure a safe and prosperous future for humanity. 

“I’m particularly looking forward to learning alongside, and from, a diverse and ambitious group of students, and hope the scholarship leads to lasting friendships and impactful working relationships.” 

142 successful candidates

Miro and Colleen were one of 142 Schwarzman Scholars accepted at the end of a rigorous selection process. 

Professor Tom Stoneham, Dean of York’s Graduate Research School, said: “For those ready to make their mark on the world, Schwarzman Scholars represents a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of China’s place in global politics and economy. I am sure Miro and Colleen will be a credit to the Schwarzman programme and Tsinghua University.”

Work experience

Colleen, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, is currently studying post-war recovery at the University of York and has previously conducted fieldwork in Uganda and Kosovo.  She is also an advocate for sexual violence prevention in her home state of Tennessee. 

From September 2017 to August 2018, Miro is carrying out three internships to broaden his experience. He is currently working with McKinsey & Company in the USA, before joining Project A Ventures – a German venture capital fund.  He will then work with SAP, the world's third largest software company in their Machine Learning Division.

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