Meet Aaron Spikol

A mandatory constitutional law class for undergraduates at West Point influenced Aaron’s decision to study the intersection of political science and the law.  
 

Growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Aaron Spikol thought he might like to one day explore questions related to justice and war. After completing his undergraduate degree in international relations and serving in the U.S. Army for five years, he landed on the idea of studying law and political science. 

Aaron looked at many top schools around the country and decided he wanted to pursue a joint degree with Stanford Law School and the doctoral program in political science through the School of Humanities and Sciences. At first, he planned to focus on security and international law, but since starting the program his interests have evolved toward political theory and the history of political ideas. 

Now in his third year at Stanford, Aaron enjoys deeply researching the intersection of these two fields — and he makes a point of leaving campus now and then to experience the wilderness areas in the West.

How did your focus on political science and law develop from a younger age?

Looking back, I was always fascinated by the topic of justice. In high school, I thought about issues like how we make and assess political decisions. I was specifically curious about times of war and whether choices made during conflicts are morally correct or not. That led to an interest in political theory and moral political philosophy, which I explored as an undergraduate student at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Then during my time in the Army, I also took a mandatory constitutional law class, and that exposed me to the idea of potentially studying law after completing my service.

Now, I am primarily interested in the overlap between constitutional law and American political thought. I’m focusing on theories of judicial review and American political thought from the founding of our country up to the progressive era.

How did you decide to come to Stanford?

Stanford looked like a great place to pursue my interests in political science and law and to be able to work at the intersection of those fields. I initially applied to study political theory, war, and international law. But since then, I've shifted my focus toward constitutional law and American political thought, which seemed to present more research opportunities. 

How do you spend your time as a student at Stanford?

I am taking a full load of law courses, including legal ethics. I am also a teaching assistant in the political science department, which involves teaching undergraduates two sessions a week, working with the professor, and grading assignments. Additionally, I help run the law school’s pro bono program that provides legal assistance for veterans in the community through an organization that works out of San Francisco. We’re trying to reach veterans in the South Bay and San Jose because the services there aren't as robust as they are in San Francisco.

Along with another Knight-Hennessy scholar, I started a weekly get-together on Thursdays. No matter how busy we get, a core group of us always makes time to connect with each other. I also attend events like the McMurtry Leadership Lectures. In my free time, I like to backpack and I’ve been visiting some of the national parks in Utah and southern California. I’m from Pennsylvania, so I’m taking advantage of the opportunity to explore around the West. 

In what way is Knight-Hennessy Scholars shaping your experience at Stanford?

It is really important to have another community that's not tied to your academic discipline. It’s common for people to remain siloed in their PhD program or their professional school. But through Knight-Hennessy Scholars, I have friends who are in sociology, engineering, medicine, and many other fields. I am grateful for that. There’s a wide range of interesting people at Stanford, and Knight-Hennessy Scholars provides a way to meet them. Also, my closest friends now are people from all over the world. If I were only interacting with law school students, they would be mostly Americans.

Has the multidisciplinary and multicultural approach of the program influenced your experience as an academic?

Yes, I have been exposed to a different perspective on American politics and American law, just from talking with friends who are from other countries. Law school can be focused on the problem of the day or whatever is happening currently at the Supreme Court. As a result of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, I can apply a longer view and wider scope to American constitutional law and history, as well as American politics and political thought in general. Being a Knight-Hennessy scholar has helped me take a different approach to the subject than some of my peers at the law school are pursuing.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

The community is the biggest draw, especially if you are a law student who is interested in public service. Many people enter law school with a higher purpose in mind, but then the combination of debt and job opportunities leads them to large firms that serve corporations. I tell prospective applicants who are thinking they want to change the world that it’s going to be easier to stay true to that value and commitment if you are with a group of people who share your passion.

I would also add that before I applied for the scholarship, I did not feel like I was anyone special. For five years, I was a platoon leader and executive officer in the 1-14th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington, and then an operations officer in the 8th Army Headquarters at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. These were not glamorous roles or intellectually demanding positions. But now I know that if you are committed to doing well in your job and being true to who you are, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars team appreciates that this makes you special. 

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