Lillian Kriese

Fall 2026 John Jay Fellow

Hometown: Summerville, SC
College: Clemson University
Major: Political Science

Lillian Kriese is a recent graduate of Clemson University, where she earned her degree in political science, minored in legal studies, and was a Lyceum scholar. As a Lyceum scholar, she studied the great books of western civilization, spent a summer at the American College of Greece, and developed a profound passion for American political thought and the principles of classical liberalism. In addition, she is grateful to be an alumna of AEI Academic Programs, the Koch Internship Program, and the Hudson Institute’s Political Studies Program. She is especially interested in the American founding, the writings of Abraham Lincoln, and constitutional law.

In her time at Clemson, Lillian rowed for Clemson’s club rowing team and served as the club's secretary and vice president during her junior and senior years. These roles gave her the opportunity to coordinate scrimmages with visiting teams, organize community service projects, and plan the team’s annual spring regatta, Clemson Sprints. She also worked as an academic tutor in Clemson’s athletic department and was an active member of AEI’s Collegiate Network.

Lillian is excited for the opportunity to continue considering the ideas that shape great societies in Christian community as a John Jay Fellow. After the fellowship, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in political philosophy and economics—with the ultimate goal of teaching the great books.

Lillian is originally from Summerville, South Carolina, and enjoys running, hiking, and reading in her spare time.