Shortly after graduation, Annabelle began a research internship with Thomas J. Duesterberg, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and an expert on trade, manufacturing, economics, and foreign policy. The internship focused on social welfare reform in China and hydro power in South Asia, and her strong performance led to the offer of a full-time role at the Institute, one of the United States’ most influential think tanks. Today, Annabelle serves as a Public Affairs Associate, working directly under Hudson’s Director of Public Affairs.
In this role, Annabelle is immersed in the daily life of a major policy institute. Her responsibilities range from monitoring media coverage of Hudson’s experts and managing the institute’s global events calendar, to supporting public programming, producing internal reports, curating visual media, and helping maintain Hudson’s robust digital presence.
Reflecting on the journey from AUR to Washington, Annabelle credits her international education for both the confidence and the clarity of direction that have guided their career so far:
“My time at AUR helped me discover what truly interested me. Through student leadership roles, I realized I was drawn to public affairs, journalism, and project management, while my classes sparked my interest in research and the think tank world. AUR’s teaching style encourages you to develop skills and explore passions beyond the text, and that guidance helped me in my job search. It helped me find a role that combines my interests in both foreign policy and public affairs.”
The leap from Rome to Washington was not without its challenges.
“After graduation, I was nervous about what was next. Moving to D.C. and leaving Rome behind felt like stepping into a completely new world. But the confidence to take that leap came from the academic foundation, professional experiences, and most importantly, the support of the AUR community. Professors and peers not only guided me but advocated for me, giving me the courage to take risks - whether that was studying abroad in China or beginning my career in Washington.”
Annabelle’s successes underscore the mission of The American University of Rome: to prepare students for lives of impact across the globe. From internships and research opportunities to faculty mentorship and an education that bridges theory with practice, AUR continues to equip graduates with the tools to navigate - and shape - the complex challenges of today’s world.