Fellowships Program

Lloyd and Lilian Vasey Fellowship

The Lloyd and Lilian Vasey Fellowship program is named after Pacific Forum founder, the late Lloyd R. “Joe” Vasey and his wife Lilian.

The Vasey Fellowship affords promising scholars from outside the US the opportunity to serve as researchers at the Pacific Forum to develop hands-on expertise on US-Asia policy issues and gain an appreciation of Indo-Pacific economic and security affairs and policymaking challenges.

Eligibility and How to Apply:

Have completed their undergraduate education and
Have several years of experience in Indo-Pacific security issues or
Have completed or are completing their graduate education (master’s or doctoral)
Proficient in English (verbal and written skills)
Must be eligible for an extended stay in the US

To apply for the Vasey Fellowship, please complete the Non-resident Vasey Fellowship online application form and include all materials listed below. All materials must be written in English. Any statement in your application that is found to be false will be grounds for disqualification.

A cover letter detailing interests and why the Vasey Fellowship will contribute to the applicant’s professional development
Curriculum Vitae
A letter of recommendation
A description of a research project to undertake as a Vasey Fellow (not to exceed 1,500 words)

Current Resident Fellow:

Yerin Yoon

Yerin is a resident Korea Foundation Fellow at Pacific Forum. Prior to joining Pacific Forum, Yerin worked as a US foreign policy researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Korea. She also gained valuable experience regarding North Korean research as an Intern at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies (IFES).

Her research interests are centered around the US-ROK military alliance, national defense policy analysis, maritime security, and war prevention. Her dedication to these topics stems from her practical experience as a surface ships officer in the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served for five years. Through her military service, Yerin acquired firsthand knowledge and expertise in the field of security. Notably, she was engaged in naval combat with a North Korean warship in 2014.

She holds a BA in International Relations and Military Science from the Republic of Korea Naval Academy. Driven by her unwavering commitment to peace and stability, she is pursuing further studies in graduate school. With her multifaceted background and expertise, she is dedicated to making a valuable contribution to promoting peace and security in Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on the Korean peninsula.