U.S. Foreign Service

Abdul Sanderson

Economic Officer | Data Analyst | Policy Professional

Rangel Fellow and Johns Hopkins SAIS candidate 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 three languages (English, Russian, Spanish) to his work in economic diplomacy and international development.

M.A. International Relations

Johns Hopkins SAIS

Washington, DC · Expected May 2026

Focus on International Economics & Finance. Regional concentration on the Americas and Europe-Eurasia. GPA: 3.59

B.A. Economics & International Relations

SUNY Geneseo

Geneseo, NY · May 2020 · Cum Laude

GPA: 3.56 · Dean's List · Sigma Iota Rho International Honor Society. Study abroad at Université de Fribourg, Switzerland.

Languages

English

Native

Russian

Intermediate-High

Spanish

Intermediate

Fellow, Political-Economic Section

U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, U.S. Department of State · Jun 2025 – Aug 2025

Drafted policy memos, analytical reports, and a comprehensive country assessment for a Deputy Assistant Secretary. Reported on economic issues including investment conditions and regional trends affecting U.S. interests.

Rangel Fellow — M.A. International Relations

Johns Hopkins SAIS · 2024 – 2026

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow. Pursuing an M.A. in International Relations with a focus on International Economics & Finance. Coursework includes sanctions, risk analysis, and statistics for data analysis.

Fellow, Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko

U.S. House of Representatives · May 2024 – Aug 2024

Coordinated with 50 congressional offices to secure bill cosponsors. Composed 45 position letters addressing constituents' key issues.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant

Fulbright Kyrgyzstan · Sep 2023 – May 2024

Taught English classes and conversation clubs at a university in Naryn. Served as a U.S. citizen diplomat through cultural and educational engagement across Kyrgyzstan.