Learn more about previous cohorts of practitioners who have worked with the Karsh Institute.
James Burnett
2024–26 Fellow in Journalism, UVA’s Gun Violence Solutions Project
Founding Editor and Managing Director, The Trace
Kat Calvin
2025–26 Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Founder and Executive Director, Spread The Vote + Project ID
Co-Founder and CEO, Project ID Action Fund
Lise Clavel
2023–24 Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Mike Ellison
2025–26 Distinguished Fellow in Culture and Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Executive Artist
John Hobson
2025–26 Educating for Democracy Fellow, Karsh Institute of Democracy
Assistant Principal, Murray Elementary School
Reed Howard
2025–26 Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Chief Strategy Officer, Future Caucus
Sally Hudson
2025–26 Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Founder and Executive Director, Ranked Choice Virginia
Judge J. Michael Luttig
2023–24 Distinguished Fellow in Law and Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Former Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Roya Pakzad
2023–24 Data & Democracy Fellow, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Senior Fellow, Mozilla Foundation
Founder, Taraaz
Srdja Popovic
2023–24 Practitioner Fellow in Data and Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Founder and Executive Director, Center for Applied Nonviolent Actions and Strategies (CANVAS)
Sam Pressler
2024–26 Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Research Affiliate, Harvard Human Flourishing Program
Evan Smith
2022–23 Distinguished Pracitioner Fellow, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Co-founder, The Texas Tribune
Senior Advisor, Emerson Collective
Sanjay Suchak
2023–24 Practitioner Fellow in Democracy, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy
Photographer and Director
In the News
Making Democracy Flourish in the Classroom
A Karsh Institute fellowship for K–12 educators is exploring how civic learning can prepare students for democratic life.
Gen Z and Millennials Turn to Collaboration as the Path to Better Governance
Rejecting rigid party labels, young officials work together to address real needs and restore public trust.
Coming to a Voting Booth Near You: Ranked Choice Elections
Why proponents hope this new approach gives voters more options—and makes politicians more accountable.
Why Neighborhood Block Parties Are Good for Democracy
Small-size gatherings have a large-scale impact by strengthening social trust and revitalizing civic life.