Griffin Trau graduated from the University of Richmond in 2018 with a degree in Leadership Studies and International Studies: World Politics and Diplomacy, and a Master of Liberal Arts exploring national identity. At Richmond, he was a school and conference record setting first team all-American football player with academic all-America finalist honors. After graduation, he completed a US Fulbright grant in the Czech Republic. Through Schwarzman Scholars, he hopes to enrich his understanding of Chinese national identity as it influences foreign policy to guide heightened mutual understanding in diplomatic relations. Griffin is from the United States.