Varun Thotli
Admissions Ambassador
Varun Thotli (he/his/him)
Program: MIA
Concentration: International Security Policy
Specialization: International Conflict Resolution
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Varun Thotli '26 is a first-year Master of International Affairs (MIA) candidate at SIPA with a concentration in International Security Policy and two specializations in International Conflict Resolution and International Organization. He is also an Institute of Global Politics Student Circle Member.
Varun came directly to SIPA after completing his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, graduating with two bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Economics with minors in History and Legal Foundations of Society. Varun has interned with the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Supreme Court in the past, and authored a senior thesis titled "A Judicial Extension of the Comparative Agendas Project and the Supreme Court Database." Varun plans to attend law school soon and specialize in international law, either public or private.
In his free time, Varun enjoys playing pickleball and basketball, producing music, exploring Foreign Policy, and going somewhere new in the city. He loves to talk about basketball and football, is a big U.S. presidential history buff, and enjoys a good debate. He is passionate about domestic politics, human rights, criminal justice, and national security. He is eager to meet with prospective students to share his experiences and give his advice on the application process.