 | Ryland Pitts was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but he spent the next 17 years in Eastern Europe (Belarus and Hungary). He earned a BA from Davidson College in political Science and Russian studies. His honors thesis examined Russian state-controlled media influence in Belarus. Since graduating, Ryland has taught English in Central Asia, most recently as a Fulbright ETA in Qarshi, Uzbekistan. Additional experiences include a State Department internship working on the Magnitsky sanctions, a research assistantship surveying corruption across the regions of Russia with Transparency International Russia, and a role in leading an NSA-funded Russian language program at UGA. Ryland also occasionally volunteers with a global parachurch organization to mentor kids from all over the world through difficult transitions. Past locations include Costa Rica, Spain, Hungary, Ukraine, and Turkey. Ryland is a MALD candidate at Fletcher studying international security and Russia and Eurasian regional studies. As a Pickering Fellow, he hopes to work as a political officer in the Foreign Service. In his free time, Ryland enjoys hiking, playing jazz piano and banjo, and whitewater kayaking.
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 | Chaanakya Seethala is pursuing a master's degree in international business from the Fletcher School, Tufts University, after completing a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science. He's now into International Business. With a specific focus on technology policy, negotiations, and strategic consulting, Chaan is dedicated to utilizing his expertise to navigate the intricate intersection of global business and technology. Before beginning his MIB, he had two years of experience as a software development engineer. Beyond academics and professional life, his interests span far and wide; he's an avid lover of history, society, and photography, often capturing moments that blend his love for nature, travel, and animals. Whether exploring the intricacies of an old city or diving deep into new cultures, he views the world as an endless source of inspiration and knowledge. |
