What inspires you to work in public service?
I am inspired to work in public service because I have seen how public policy directly affects people's livelihoods. After the sudden death of my father, I learned early on how decisions made by the government, regarding health care access, education funding, and economic security, have real consequences for families with limited resources.
Public service thus appeals to me as it sits at the crossroads of values and action. I am motivated by the opportunity to engage thoughtfully with complex problems and listen to diverse perspectives, because my actions can have a tangible impact on people's lives. Washington, D.C. represents a place where I can utilize my skills from the state legislature and undergraduate research roles to have a positive effect on families similar to mine.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Major: Political Science (Specialization: American Politics); Minor: International Studies (Specialization: International Relations & Diplomacy)
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
Several academic experiences have been instrumental in shaping my interests in policy, leadership, and public service. Coursework in American Constitutional Law with Professor Charles William Smith and Introduction to the Policy Process with Dr. Alex Acs in particular has shaped my knowledge and interest in legal and institutional policymaking.
Beyond the classroom, my work as an undergraduate research apprentice under Dr. Janet Box-Steffensmeier has been formative in my understanding of the quantitative impacts of Supreme Court agenda setting and criminal justice outcomes. Working with her as a part of the American Institutions and Methodology Lab has strengthened my analytical skills and reinforced my interest in evidence-based policymaking.
Furthermore, my leadership roles in student organizations, most notably as Secretary of College Democrats at Ohio State, have complemented my academic work and interests by sharpening my ability to collaborate, negotiate, and communicate across differing perspectives. Together, these academic and leadership perspectives have defined my interest in public service as a place where analysis and understanding intersect to address complex problems.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I bring a combination of research, communication, and constituent-facing experience to my internship. Through my work as an undergraduate researcher, a legislative intern, and an executive officer for a political organization, I have developed strong analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information, evaluate the costs and benefits of policies, and clearly communicate my findings verbally and in writing.
Professionally, my experience at the Ohio House of Representatives has allowed me to utilize my research skills for problems in real time. I have learned how to respond to constituent inquiries with clarity and empathy, track key policy issues, and provide support in a fast-paced political environment.
I also bring leadership and collaboration skills through my work as Secretary of College Democrats at Ohio State and a petition captain for the anti-Senate Bill 1 campaign. In both of those roles, I was responsible for managing teams, coordinating events, and discussing with people of diverse viewpoints. Whether it is drafting a memo or talking with constituents, I am eager to apply these skills in Washington, D.C.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When collaborating with others, I most rely on active listening, reliability, and clear communication. I make a concerted effort to understand different perspectives before offering my own. I also make sure to convey respect through my voice and body language, which is crucial to building trust and ensuring productive collaboration with people of various backgrounds, beliefs, and values.
Additionally, I prioritize follow-through, taking deadlines seriously, and communicating early if challenges arise. Whether working on research, organizing events, or supporting a team project, colleagues and supervisors can rely on me to complete tasks thoroughly and on time, regardless of the time constraints or heightened stakes.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My long-term career goal is to pursue a career in public law focused on expanding equitable access to justice. I plan to attend law school and ultimately work in roles that combine legal analysis with public service, whether in legislative counsel, government agencies, or public interest law. I am particularly interested in how law and policy interact to shape civil rights and accountable governance.
The John Glenn Fellowship will allow me to gain firsthand experience in how policy is created and implemented at the federal level. It is my hope that exposure to the daily operations of a congressional office or public institution will help me better understand how legal frameworks function in real-world decision-making environments.
This fellowship will also allow me to further develop and refine professional skills essential for my career, including policy research, legal writing, and stakeholder engagement. Simultaneously, by building relationships with mentors working in public service while working in Washington D.C., I hope to deepen my commitment to public service and contribute most effectively to institutions that serve the public good.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
One of the most impactful projects I worked on was assisting with policy research at the Ohio House of Representatives. Specifically, our office received an email from a constituent in which she expressed frustration over being unable to switch her Medigap plan, which is not allowed after a one-time Open Enrollment Period. After reading her email, I was responsible for gathering research on Medigap Plans in Ohio and other states to help craft policy solutions to a problem impacting many constituents.
This project was meaningful as our office is now working on a bill that would solve this and many other constituents' healthcare problems by creating an annual open enrollment period for those on Medigap plans. Through my research, I was able to have a potentially positive influence on the lives of many Ohioan families, who are going through similar affordability issues as my family did after my father's passing. It has also strengthened skills I hope to continue developing in Washington, D.C., which will enable me for a future career in public service.