WASHINGTON—The United States Institute of Peace is pleased to announce that Timothy W. Docking, African affairs specialist in the Research and Studies Program, has been named a 2003-2004 White House fellow.

Docking is one of 12 Americans chosen to serve one-year fellowships starting Sept. 1, 2003. Fellows, representing a broad range of academic and military disciplines, are chosen at the end of a rigorous and competitive selection process.

Docking's career has focused on the study of political development, civil society formation, and conflict resolution in Africa. His recent research and writing have focused on the nexus of AIDS and violent conflict in Africa, U.S. foreign policy toward the continent, and the West Africa regional war. He also coordinates and directs working groups and workshops examining the Sudan peace process, Africa's role in the war against terrorism, and the conflict in Zimbabwe.

Docking holds a Ph.D. in political science from Boston University and a B.A. from Albion College. He has held research fellowships at the Boston University African Studies Center, the Centre d'Etude d'Afrique Noire at the University of Bordeaux and spent a year at the University of Mali as a Fulbright fellow. He also served in Mali as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Before joining the Institute in 2000, he consulted with numerous non-governmental organizations, the United States Agency for International Development, and various international development consulting firms. He has written and published numerous articles on democratic transitions, peacekeeping, and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the White House, selection as a fellow is "based on a record of remarkable professional achievement early in one's career, evidence of leadership potential, a proven commitment to public service, and the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the federal government."

White House fellows typically spend one year working as full-time, paid special assistants to senior White House staff, the vice president, Cabinet secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally.