Jay Mehta ('23+1) is a historical researcher from Kansas studying Global Affairs. He is particularly interested in the role of Congress in the history of American foreign policy. Jay has been conducting historical research for over ten years, placing 1st in the nation in the National History Day research competition and conducting research with the Albert H. Small Normandy Institute, the National World War II Museum, and the Supreme Court of India. At Yale, Jay participated in Directed Studies, acts in student productions, sings in the a cappella group Redhot & Blue, works as a First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trip leader, and served as the President of Yale Drama Coalition. From June 2020 to June 2021, Jay took a gap year and worked as a staffer for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO). In the Congressman’s office, Jay worked in constituent services and communications, ran the intern program, and handled all of the district’s IRS casework. Since 2021, Jay has been conducting independent research at Yale on the role of Congress in the War in Afghanistan under the guidance of Ambassador Anne Patterson, Ambassador Harry Thomas, and Professor David Mayhew. That research, which has evolved into a working manuscript, is ongoing. Jay is committed to bringing his passion for historical research and storytelling to the world of policy and public service.