When asked about the mentors and advisors who have had a significant impact on him, William “Brady” Stoffregen (SFS’26) is quick to name a few. He credits Professor Michael Bracy and Dean Mitch Kaneda, whose classes and guidance helped him explore research and sharpen his academic focus. But long before Georgetown, his grandfather, Mike Lemon, set him on this path.
“His desire to impart a love for the world and international affairs drove me to seek out the SFS, and he continued to support my studies throughout my time here,” Stoffregen says about his grandfather. “Never was I more excited than to recount to him some of what I had learned.”
This May, Lemon will make the trip to the Hilltop to watch Stoffregen walk across the stage at his graduation ceremony, where he will receive a degree in science, technology and international affairs (STIA) with a minor in music.
Exploring science, technology and international affairs
Stoffregen was drawn to STIA for its unique ability to combine the hard sciences, technological ethics and policy, especially in a world being reshaped by public large language models, a type of AI trained on massive datasets to understand, summarize, generate and predict text and code. As part of the program, he took the Rules-Based Global Economy Proseminar with Professor Marc Busch.
“I thought it more important than ever to ensure that I left Georgetown understanding how technology would affect my life and the lives of others,” he says. “In no other major could I explore my interest in physics, business and science policy all at once.”
Stoffregen’s off-campus experiences reflect his drive to connect theory with real-world impact. After his freshman year, he returned to his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, to work as an administrative assistant in Columbia Township. The following summer, he served as a business development intern at Ultratech Capital Partners, a deep-tech venture capital firm based in the UK and Washington, DC.
Seeking to translate these experiences into meaningful policy change, Stoffregen designed a global research project spanning Santiago, Vienna, Cape Town, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo. The project examined housing adequacy and translated lessons into U.S. policy recommendations. With the support of Georgetown’s 2025 Circumnavigator Grant, he produced a 100+ page research paper, a detailed presentation and a self-produced photography magazine.
Finding community through creativity and coursework
On campus, Stoffregen balances rigorous academics with creative pursuits and leadership. Alongside SFS curriculum staples such as Maps of the Modern World and the STIA introductory course, Science Tech in the Global Arena, Jazz History has stood out as a favorite class.
“Blending my love of music with a deep dive into DC’s local jazz scene made the history feel alive and personal,” he says. Over the semester, he attended eight shows as part of class assignments while also taking the opportunity to explore the city with friends.
Like many students, Stoffregen initially honed in on the idea that his studies needed to align with what was most “professionally viable.” That perspective shifted as he stepped outside his comfort zone, exploring physics, music, fashion and urban planning research. In doing so, he gained a clearer understanding of his interests—and of Georgetown itself.
“Between our music, comedy, fashion and arts organizations, there is so much to be excited about as a student here beyond just academics and pre-professional opportunities,” he says.
His early on-campus activities included the Hilltop Microfinance Initiative, Georgetown Eco-Consultants and the Georgetown University Space Initiative. Over time, his interest shifted to creativity: photographing and directing shoots for Georgetown University’s fashion photography magazine, Added to the File, serving as director of operations; hosting on WGTB radio; and singing in the Georgetown Concert Choir. Describing these as niches and favorite communities, Stoffregen says he values the shared enthusiasm, academic or otherwise, that defines Georgetown.
“People here devote themselves wholeheartedly and are unafraid to put that passion on full display,” he says. “There is no ‘doing too much’ at Georgetown, and it constantly inspires me to strive for more.”
Spain, New York and beyond
Taking advantage of his time at Georgetown, Stoffregen decided to study abroad in Seville, Spain, in the fall of his junior year, an experience he describes as life-changing. At the same time, it served as a reminder of how much he valued his academics and community back on the Hilltop.
“Returning to a cascade of reunions and hugs with the friends who have made this school a highlight of my life, plus a beautiful snow storm to boot, remains a snapshot of pure bliss in my memory,” Stoffregen says.
As graduation approaches, Stoffregen hopes to pursue a career centered at the intersection of creativity, technology and social systems, particularly through entrepreneurship. He is drawn to spaces where culture and infrastructure meet—where tech can empower artists, reshape fashion or help communities access better-designed systems. He also sees himself returning to urban policy and planning, whether through socially minded ventures, local government work or future graduate study, and is considering moving to New York next year.
“I’ve learned to communicate across technical and political contexts and understand how values are embedded in design choices,” he says.
“That foundation gives me the confidence to move between disciplines and build things that connect people, ideas and real-world impact.”
Beyond the coursework, Stoffregen says he will miss the constant inspiration that comes from being surrounded by Georgetown students.
“There is something incredibly motivating about walking across campus and knowing that the people around you are building startups, creating art, doing research, organizing for change and pushing themselves in meaningful ways,” he says. “Being in that environment has made me feel more driven, more curious and more confident in what I can contribute.”