International Relations · Data Analytics · Diplomacy

Abdul Sanderson

Rangel Fellow and Johns Hopkins SAIS graduate with expertise in international economics, data analytics, and diplomatic engagement. Fulbright alumnus with experience across Central Asia, Capitol Hill, and U.S. embassies. Fluent in Russian and Spanish.

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Abdul Sanderson is a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), focusing on International Economics and Finance with a regional concentration on the Americas and Europe & Eurasia. He holds a B.A. in Economics and International Relations from SUNY Geneseo, graduating cum laude.

His career spans economic analysis, diplomacy, and education — from drafting policy memos at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, to serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Kyrgyzstan, to conducting regulatory cost analysis at Industrial Economics, Inc. He brings skills in GIS, Tableau, Excel, R, and four languages (English, Russian, Spanish, Kyrgyz) to his work in economic diplomacy and international development.

GPA: 3.59 · International Economics & Finance · Americas, Europe & Eurasia

Selected Coursework

Corporate Finance Urban Economics International Investment Law Sanctions & Their Effects GIS: Energy & Environment

GPA: 3.56 · Dean's List · Sigma Iota Rho · Study Abroad: Université de Fribourg

Selected Coursework

U.S. Foreign Policy Econometrics International Trade & Economic Policy Labor Economics Money & Financial Intermediation

GPA: 4.0 · President's List · Phi Theta Kappa (Chapter President)

Selected Coursework

World Affairs Cultural Anthropology Western Civilization I & II Environmental Biology

Experience & Education

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Europe

Fribourg,
Switzerland

46°48′N 7°09′E

2019

Spring 2019

Study Abroad — International Economics

Université de Fribourg

Spent a semester studying international economics and French at one of Switzerland’s bilingual universities, situated at the linguistic border between German and French-speaking Switzerland. Deepened both analytical knowledge in European economic policy and language proficiency in French within a multilingual academic environment.

SUNY Geneseo group at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Me at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

North America

Cambridge,
Massachusetts

42°22′N 71°06′W

2022

2022 – 2023

Research Analyst

Industrial Economics, Inc.

Compiled data and developed methodologies for regulatory cost-benefit analysis. Delivered 13 research products for federal, state, NGO, and IGO clients across environmental and economic policy domains. Built deep expertise in regulatory economics and quantitative impact assessment working alongside senior economists on EPA, USDA, and international development projects.

Regulatory Economics Cost-Benefit Analysis Federal Clients

Central Asia

Naryn,
Kyrgyzstan

41°25′N 76°00′E

2023

2023 – 2024

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant

U.S. Department of State

Taught English classes and conversation clubs at a university in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan — one of the country’s most remote provincial capitals in the Tian Shan mountains. Served as a U.S. citizen diplomat through cultural and educational engagement across the country, building cross-cultural communication skills and deep area knowledge of Central Asia.

Fulbright Program Public Diplomacy Central Asia Russian Language

English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) from Kyrgyzstan at the regional media literacy conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Me with my students of Naryn State University in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.

North America

Washington,
D.C.

38°53′N 77°02′W

2024

May – Aug 2024

Congressional Fellow

Office of Rep. Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House of Representatives

Coordinated with 50 congressional offices to secure bill cosponsors on energy and environment legislation. Composed 45 constituent position letters addressing key issues in energy policy, foreign affairs, and environmental regulation. Developed skills in legislative process, multi-stakeholder engagement, and rapid policy communication under real legislative deadlines.

Legislative Affairs Energy Policy Constituent Relations

First day of working on the Hill outside the Rayburn Office Building.

Me with Congressman Paul D. Tonko of the New York 20th Congressional District.

Rangel Fellows meet with Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering at the United States Institute of Peace.

Last day of working on the Hill inside the Rayburn Office Building outside of Congressman Tonko's office.

Central Asia

Ashgabat,
Turkmenistan

37°57′N 58°19′E

2025

Jun – Aug 2025

Fellow — Political-Economic Section

U.S. Embassy Ashgabat — U.S. Department of State

Drafted policy memos, analytical reports, and a comprehensive country assessment for a Deputy Assistant Secretary. Reported on economic issues including investment conditions, energy sector dynamics, and regional trends affecting U.S. interests in Turkmenistan and Central Asia. Operated within the full-spectrum environment of a U.S. diplomatic mission.

Diplomatic Mission Political-Economic Reporting Turkmenistan Central Asia

North America

Washington,
D.C.

38°53′N 77°02′W

2025

2025 – 2026

Research Contributor — Territorial Development

World Bank Group — Europe & Central Asia

Contributed applied policy research on soft infrastructure modernization across Central Asia and the South Caucasus for the SAIS–World Bank Territorial Development Program. Presented findings to the Europe and Central Asia team. Attended the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 and conducted field research in Tbilisi, Georgia, engaging directly with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.

World Bank Territorial Development South Caucasus Field Research

Presenting on territorial development to the Europe and Central Asia World Bank team.

Meeting with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.

Competency Profile

Geospatial & Mapping

QGIS ArcGIS Pro DEM Analysis Choropleth Mapping Spatial Joins Raster Processing

Data Analysis

R Python Excel Statistical Analysis Regression Modeling Cost-Benefit Analysis

Visualization & Reporting

Tableau Power BI PowerPoint Dashboard Design Data Storytelling

Policy Research

Policy Memo Writing Economic Analysis Trade Facilitation Qualitative Research Country Risk Assessment

Photography

Travel Photography Landscape & Nature Architecture Street Photography

Languages

English Native Russian Intermediate-High Spanish Intermediate Kyrgyz Novice

GIS/Story Maps

5 Coastal Cities with High Exposure to Sea-Level Rise

ArcGIS Story Map profiling five major coastal cities facing significant climate risk from rising sea levels, examining population exposure and urban vulnerability.

Sea Level Rise Coastal Risk

View Story Map →