Name: Georgia Varlan

Title of Program: East Asian History and Political Economy

E-mail Address: georgia@utk.edu

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Year: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2009

Description of Program: My program focuses on the concept of globalization as it pertains to the rising markets and changing political systems of East Asia, centering on the study of Chinese language, Asian history, global economics, and international policy.

Departmental Emphases: Political Science, History, Economics, Chinese

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Yang Zhong (Political Science)

Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After completing my undergraduate education, I plan to attend law school and concentrate my studies in governmental or corporate law with an international focus.  My ideal career would be to work for an organization or firm that focuses on international trade and U.S.-China relations.

Other Academic Interests: Government, History, Public Policy, Cultural Studies

Study Abroad: Semester abroad at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China (Fall 2008); Teaching Volunteer at Tsinghua University Summer English Summer Camp in Beijing, China (July 2007); Political Science Mini-Term in China (May 2006). Previous travel includes Japan, Poland, and Greece.

Research Experiences or Internships:  White House intern for the National Economic Council (Spring 2007); Washington intern for Senate Majority Leader William H. Frist, M.D. (Summer 2006); Senior thesis research in Beijing, China, on Chinese trade policy and the growing trade relationship between China and the state of Tennessee (Fall 2008)

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Chi Omega, Baker Scholar at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Student Alumni Associates, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi