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Class of 2019 First-Year Fellow: Ryan Spector

  • As a First-Year Fellow, Ryan Spector was placed at the Congressional Research Service with alumnae Mentor, Mary Beth Nikiti ’96.

  • Ryan Spector '19 with other First-Year Fellows and Judge John Mott '82 at the Rockefeller Center's annual Student and Alumni Reception in Washington, D.C. Photo by Laurie DeWitt.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Ryan Spector ’19 graduated Glenbrook North High School and continues to serve as Glenbrook North Debate Team’s assistant coach.

As a First-Year Fellow, Ryan was placed at the Congressional Research Service with alumnae Mentor, Mary Beth Nikiti ’96 in the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division. During the 8-week experience, Ryan was tasked with research and analytic tasks and had the opportunity to work with multiple members of staff.  

His favorite element of the fellowship experience was living with the other students in the program. “Not only were they a support system, but it was incredible to share our experiences with each other,” says Ryan. “The sense of community we were able to construct—through group dinners, outings, and events—ranks as the single most rewarding component of First-Year Fellows.”  

Back on campus in the fall, Ryan expanded his policy research skill-set to state and local matters, working in the Rockefeller Center’s Policy Research Shop. He is also pursuing music and theater while at Dartmouth, and has performed in the Handel Society and the Department of Theater's production of CHICAGO: The Musical.

After graduation, Ryan aims to pursue a law degree and run for public office.