Paige Engebretson, Air Force Dependent

During her three years as an undergraduate at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Paige Engebretson completed a double major in Middle Eastern religion and psychology, specializing in cognitive decision-making theory.

After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to intern for the ONE Campaign during the 2008 presidential election. Her role consisted of helping ONE advocate for more effective development aid as a critical element of US national security policy. Throughout her time at ONE, Paige observed the impact that effective development assistance can have on those living in extreme poverty, leading her to conclude that effective political and economic development of other nations is crucial to America’s security.

Paige plans to build upon her academic background in human behavior analysis and the culture of the Middle East through the pursuit of a master’s degree in International Security Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Upon her graduation, Paige will pursue a career in government service as a security policy analyst with the Department of Defense or the Department of State. She looks forward to studying the ways in which underdevelopment in the Middle East and north Africa can lead to civil and international conflict, forced migration, and terrorism. Paige lost her father, a decorated major in the United States Air Force and a Vietnam veteran, at the age of four. She plans to honor his memory by continuing his legacy of service to our country.