The Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia engages practitioners, scholars, and students from a wide range of disciplines and sectors to deepen understanding of and strengthen support for democratic institutions and principles.
Practitioner Fellows
Each year, the Karsh Institute collaborates with active professionals from various sectors and backgrounds who are working to advance good governance and meaningful engagement in civic life.
Mike Ellison
Distinguished Fellow in Culture and Democracy, Karsh Institute of Democracy
Executive Artist
Kat Calvin
Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, Karsh Institute of Democracy
Founder and Executive Director, Spread The Vote + Project ID
Co-Founder and CEO, Project ID Action Fund
Reed Howard
Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, Karsh Institute of Democracy
Chief Strategy Officer, Future Caucus
Sally Hudson
Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, Karsh Institute of Democracy
Founder and Executive Director, Ranked Choice Virginia
Sam Pressler
Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, Karsh Institute of Democracy
Research Affiliate, Harvard Human Flourishing Program
James Burnett
Fellow in Journalism, UVA’s Gun Violence Solutions Project
Founding Editor and Managing Director, The Trace
Khari Johnson
Fellow in Journalism, UVA's Digital Technology for Democracy Lab
Technology Reporter, CalMatters
Research Fellows
The Karsh Institute collaborates with scholars at various stages of their career to examine and research democracy’s greatest challenges—and the solutions to address them.
Iris de Rode
Gibson Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Lauren Duval
Gibson Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Assistant Professor of History, University of Oklahoma
Learn more about the John L. Nau III History & Principles of Democracy Lab.
Ahmed Alrawi
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, University of Virginia
Yasmin Curzi
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, University of Virginia
Maria Lungu
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, University of Virginia
Andre Sobral
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, University of Virginia
Megan Wiessner
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, University of Virginia
Learn more about the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab.
Student Fellows
Launched in 2024, the Karsh Institute’s Student Dialogue Fellowship brings together dozens of UVA undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds and with a diverse range of views and experiences. The fellowship program is supported by schools, centers, and units across Grounds, including:
College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Contemplative Sciences Center
Darden School of Business
Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
School of Data Science
School of Education and Human Development
Student Affairs
Learn more about the Student Dialogue Fellowship and see the full list of 2024–25 fellows.