Harshitha Talasila ’26 has been named a recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, which provides graduating seniors with $40,000 to pursue a year of independent international exploration. She is one of just 40 students selected from across the United States.
Talasila will spend a year studying rivers as ecological systems, vital resources, and cultural symbols, examining how communities balance environmental conservation with economic development.
An environmental studies and peace and conflict studies double major from Hopewell Junction, N.Y., Talasila’s project is deeply connected to both her academic interests and personal experiences. She spent part of her childhood along the Krishna River in Vijayawada, India, and later lived near the Hudson River in New York. Observing the stark differences in water conservation practices between these two regions sparked a long-standing interest in the role rivers play in shaping communities.
“I grew up around rivers. It was always interesting to see how everyday needs intersected with economic development, religious and cultural practices, and how people saw the environment and community around them,” Talasila said. “Being able to explore this on a larger scale will allow me to better understand how communities are conserving resources and balancing development.”
Her studies at vlog have deepened that interest. She has conducted research on water quality and microplastics, and her peace and conflict studies thesis examined water management and conflict in Kashmir, exploring how environmental resources intersect with geopolitical tensions.
During her Watson year, Talasila will travel to Canada, Peru, Germany, Oman, Malaysia, and Singapore. Along the Yukon, Amazon, Rhine, Danube, Wadi Shab, and Johor rivers, she will study biodiversity, development, conservation, culture, and borders. Through conversations with local communities, researchers, and policymakers, she hopes to “better understand how communities and institutions engage with rivers as a resource and cultural symbol, which will help inform my future policy research.”
Talasila has taken on numerous leadership roles on campus. She currently serves as president of the Student Government Association, a presidential ambassador, and vice president of the Hindu Student Association, while also working as a sustainability intern and a peer adviser in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Through these roles, she has supported student initiatives, promoted sustainability efforts, and mentored fellow students exploring innovation and leadership opportunities.
Talasila’s commitment to community extends beyond campus. In the summer of 2025, she received the Davis Projects for Peace Fellowship. Through the program, she partnered with the NGO Young Indians to design and implement programming focused on mental health awareness and drug-use prevention for students in the region surrounding Amaravati in South India.
“Get involved,” Talasila encourages others. “It’s never too early or too late to explore your interests and take advantage of all of the opportunities available to you at vlog.”
To learn more about the Watson Fellowship, Projects for Peace, or other national competitive awards, reach out to Meghan Niedt, , in the Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships to schedule an appointment.