Photo of Katie Elder

Photo of Katie Elder

Operational Support Technician, Federal Bureau of Investigation

LA ’22

She/Her

At the beginning of what is sure to be a promising career in public service, Katie Elder is entering her role as an Operational Support Technician at the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a deep commitment to community safety. She is excited to work within an organization that shares her values.

“Everyone genuinely cares about making communities safer and it shows in their work ethic,” described Elder. “It’s a fast-paced, exciting environment a lot of the time but investigations are handled with the utmost seriousness.”

For Elder, the idea of working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation was not one she had thought of prior to her time at Tulane. It was during her collegiate career that she developed an interest in national security, and this interest led her to a three-year internship with the Bureau.

“I loved learning about international relations and strategy and began taking Russian classes and studying the post-Soviet space my freshman year,” explained Elder. “My academic interests are deeply connected to my professional passions, and I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to apply what I have learned in the classroom in the work space.”

Elder had varied involvement with the Newcomb Institute while studying at Tulane. She was a Newcomb Scholar, served as President of Women in Politics, received a grant to attend the PLEN Global Policy seminar in Washington D.C., and received the 1914-2004 Award for Exceptional Character.

As she continues to identify her spheres of influence in her new position, explore all Washington has offer, and plan for a long career in public service, Elder is grateful for the life lessons, experiences, and advice that have carried her forward to this moment.

“My time at Newcomb and Tulane taught me so much,” reflected Elder. “In the classroom, I learned how to think critically and ask for help. Through my extracurricular activities, I learned to engage thoughtfully with the community as well as how to lead with compassion. I was lucky enough to have several excellent mentors at Tulane whose advice and encouraging words still guide me even now in post-graduate life.”