Lochlan Zhang ‘25GS Named a 2025-26 Schwarzman Scholar

Zhang is one of 150 scholars from around the world selected for the prestigious graduate fellowship in Beijing.

January 17, 2025

Lochlan Zhang ‘25GS was recently selected to join the tenth cohort of Schwarzman Scholars, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowship programs. As one of 150 scholars from 38 countries and 105 universities around the world, Zhang will have the opportunity to attend a one-year, fully-funded master’s degree program in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

A senior in the Dual BA Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University studying history and English literature, Zhang is the seventh Schwarzman Scholar from Columbia GS. Beyond his studies, Zhang is the publisher of the Columbia Political Review and co-editor-in-chief of the Columbia Journal of Asia. He is also a GS Bancroft Research Scholar and a Saltzman Student Scholar at SIPA’s Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies. 

Zhang shares what he’s looking forward to as a Schwarzman Scholar, his goals following the program, and advice for other students considering fellowships.

How will the Schwarzman experience assist you in pursuing your educational/career goals?

I am very excited by the breadth of opportunities and resources offered by the Schwarzman Scholars program, including its network of scholars and the guidance of mentors spanning academia and industry. Pursuing a master’s degree in global affairs through a rigorous, innovative curriculum—integrating pillars of leadership, China, and global affairs—would provide robust interdisciplinary training while cultivating my leadership skills in academic, humanitarian, and social innovation contexts. I am particularly drawn to Schwarzman’s immersive research opportunities in China’s lesser-known regions that are also rich in culture and history. Engaging with local communities and collaborating with faculty who possess deep expertise on China will help me develop a more nuanced perspective and incorporate these unique narratives into the global discourse.

Academically, I am interested in the history of twentieth-century wars, international law, human rights, and postcolonial studies. While seeking to understand evolving global politics and international crises, I aim to ground my studies in history and critical legal studies. My senior thesis, which explores human rights, the Cold War, and Third World internationalism through the prism of war crimes tribunals, exemplifies this focus. After Schwarzman, I plan to attend law school and pursue advanced studies to explore the intersection of history, literature, and law, with a focus on international justice.

What was the most challenging part of the application process and how did you navigate it?

Because the program emphasizes leadership as a core value, its application process includes an essay on relevant experiences and aspirations. When I first began writing this essay, I struggled to articulate not only my accomplishments but also the kind of leader I aspire to become in a broader, forward-looking context. Reflecting on my campus commitments—serving as publisher of the Columbia Political Review and co-editor-in-chief of the Columbia Journal of Asia—brought clarity. These two publications, which I have been proud to engage with throughout college, foster critical discourse in political commentary and academic research, emphasizing open dialogue and free expression. Through these leadership roles, I came to appreciate even more deeply the importance of creating and protecting inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive. Ultimately, this application process pushed me to think more deeply and creatively about my past experiences, the sense of purpose, and the courage and capacity required to lead with integrity and inclusivity.

What advice do you have for fellow GS’ers looking to pursue similar opportunities?

Staying open to possibilities beyond current interests can lead to some of the most exciting and transformative experiences. Equally important is seeking and embracing support from others along the way. At GS, you’ll find a community of wonderful people eager to help you align unique stories with meaningful opportunities. I’ll always be grateful for the incredible guidance I received from Glenn Novarr, Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. His advice sharpened my long-term vision, clarified the impact I hope to make, and kept me grounded during moments of overwhelm. Our conversations were filled with his humor, practical insights, and encouragement to face big, challenging questions with confidence.