AHI’s 2026 Summer Interns Engage on Key Policy Issues

(L-R): Bram Rawlings, Nicholas Contos, Noe Kourtzidis, Spyridon Kass

No. 54

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Four college students and recent graduates brought fresh perspectives, strong research skills, and a deep interest in U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations to the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) this summer. Bram Rawlings, Nicholas Contos, Noe Kourtzidis, and Spyridon Kass contributed to AHI’s research and programs while gaining first-hand experience with the people, institutions, and policy issues shaping Washington’s approach to the Eastern Mediterranean.

“AHI is fortunate to have talented interns who bring new perspectives, energy, and a keen interest in U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations,” said AHI President Nick Larigakis. “Our 2026 summer interns made meaningful contributions to our research and programs while gaining valuable insight into how foreign policy and advocacy work in Washington. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to following their academic and professional journeys.”

Each intern brought a distinct academic background and area of interest to AHI, contributing to research and projects across a range of U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations, and Eastern Mediterranean issues.

Bram Rawlings is a recent graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, where he studied Theology and Classical Languages. Prior to joining AHI, he served as a National Security Research Intern at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), focusing on Iran's ballistic missile program and non-proliferation strategy — an experience that sparked his interest in the Eastern Mediterranean. At AHI, Bram completed research projects comparing U.S.-Greek-Turkish relations from the Cold War to the present and examining the status of religious freedom in Turkey, while also monitoring media coverage of the 3+1 alliance. Bram is now a Junior Analyst at Look Ahead Strategies and credits AHI with sharpening his research skills and strengthening his professional experience.

Nicholas Contos is a member of the Class of 2029 at Tufts University majoring in International Relations. He graduated cum laude from Dexter Southfield School in Brookline Massachusetts. During his internship, Contos conducted research on congressional engagement with Greece and Cyprus and related community outreach. He also attended a hearing on Turkey before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, gaining first-hand exposure to congressional discussions of U.S.-Turkey relations and human rights.

"The internship allowed me to get a better understanding of not only the relations between the nations of the U.S., Cyprus, and Greece, but also the work done in D.C. to better those connections through meetings, councils, and outreach," Nicholas said.

Noe Kourtzidis is from Thessaloniki, Greece, and is a member of the Class of 2027 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he is pursuing a B.A. in Global Studies with double minors in Political Science and Religion, Culture & Society. He is a founder and the current President of Lehigh's Hellenic Student Association chapter and serves as a Student Senator for the student body. 

“My time at AHI gave me a deeper understanding of myself, the world around me, and the work that goes into shaping it,” Noe said. “One of the highlights of my summer was being introduced to AHI’s extensive network of members and supporters across the country and around the world. The people I met and the experiences I had this summer will stay with me for years to come.”

Spyridon Kass is a junior at the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he studies Politics and International Relations. He has participated in Model United Nations for several years and recently began writing for his university’s newspaper, further developing his interests in international affairs, public policy, and journalism. As a research intern at AHI, his work included researching foreign contributions to American universities. In addition to his time at the Hellenic House, Spyridon was a participant in the AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus this summer, further deepening his understanding of the region and the issues AHI works on. 

"My internship at AHI has exposed me to a part of Washington that I had not understood before and has educated me on the issues of the Eastern Mediterranean," Spyridon said. "The internship, along with the AHIF Foreign Policy Trip, has been invaluable to me and will prove so later in my career."

“It was a pleasure to work with Bram, Nicholas, Noe, and Spiro this summer,” said Will Martin, Legislative Assistant at AHI. “Each brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and strong commitment to their work. They took on substantive research projects, engaged with important policy issues, and quickly became valued members of the AHI team. I’m grateful for all they contributed to AHI, and I wish them the very best as they return to their universities and continue building on what they learned this summer.”

For five decades, more than 300 students have participated in AHI’s internship program at the Hellenic House in Washington, D.C. The program provides undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates with opportunities to conduct policy research, attend congressional hearings and events at area think tanks, and assist with AHI’s educational activities. Interns gain practical insight into U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations and the policymaking process in Washington while building relationships with professionals working in government, foreign policy, and the broader Hellenic community.

For more information about AHI internship opportunities, visit americanhellenicinstitute.org/internships.