Kaia Lehenbauer

Kaia Lehenbauer graduate from UVA in 2026 with a double major in Foreign Affairs and Jewish Studies. Her academic interests focus on counterterrorism, national security, extremism, and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. Having lived in Israel, Kaia developed a deeper appreciation for Jewish history, identity, and contemporary Israeli society — experiences that continue to shape both her academic and professional goals. After graduation, she began her career with a national security consulting and analytic firm specializing in strategic intelligence and emerging global threats.

Kaia considers her time as a Susan and Mark B. Sisisky Jewish Studies Undergraduate Fellow to have been one of her most meaningful undergraduate experiences. She enjoyed getting to connect closely with faculty, staff, and fellow students in ways that deepened both her academic interests and personal connection to Jewish studies.