Mentorship and LAPP

Bird Law and Public Policy Research Lab

I am committed to developing programs supporting undergraduate professional development and research skills. Research opportunities at the undergraduate level teach translatable skills and prepare students success after college. I founded the Bird Law and Policy Research Lab in 2021 and was happy to join forces with my Co-Director, Zachary A. McGee, in 2023. The lab’s mission is to offer outstanding undergraduate students opportunities to develop professionally and engage in the research process. Interns learn translatable skills which will prepare them for success after college. The lab also provides a community for students in an effort to make the large-university experience more tailored to high-achieving student needs. I modeled the Bird Lab off of my graduate training where I contributed to undergraduate research training and advising with the United States Policy Agendas Project and the Clark Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies. The lab is affiliated with the Comparative Agendas Project– an international research consortium.

Meet the Team!

Co-Director: Zachary A. McGee, PhD

Zachary A. McGee, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Kenyon College. His research and teaching interests center on American political institutions, especially the U.S. Congress and political parties, as well as on the decision-making processes of elites within the policy process. His research thus far has traced the influence of intraparty factions in the polarized United States Congress, explored the influence political parties have on interest groups’ policy agendas, probed the travel behavior of members of Congress, and identified the creeping and systematic influence of the conservative judicial movement on both Congress and the federal courts. He teaches courses on American politics, particularly on the topics of Congress, political parties and public policy. His research centers on questions of power among elites and utilizes a variety of methodological approaches including quantitative statistical modeling, archival work and interviews with elites. McGee’s classes are informed by interdisciplinary research and experiential learning opportunities, like visits to local government meetings and simulations of election betting markets. His courses insist that students take more than one explanation for our present political ills seriously. Originally from the Appalachian region of Maryland, he enjoys the contrast between his home in bustling Columbus and Kenyon’s serene campus in Gambier, which reminds him of his childhood hometown’s close-knit community.

Current Research Interns:

  • Patience Lightfoot (Oklahoma State 2024) Patience Lightfoot is a first-generation, honors graduate from Oklahoma State University. Patience recently received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Pre-Law degree with minors in Nonprofit Management and Sociology. At OSU, Patience served as the founder and president of Nonprofit Club and is currently Community Outreach Coordinator for the campus open education program, OpenOKState, working to eliminate learning material cost barriers. Patience has worked with organizations such as The Bail Project, the Congressional Hunger Center, and the Center for Law and Social Policy, each with causes that aim to alleviate conditions associated with poverty and inequity. Patience also works at Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services as a Shelter Advocate, helping disrupt the cycle of domestic violence by providing survivors with basic needs and safety accessibility. Patience is passionate about being an advocate for underserved people and their communities as she wants her career’s primary focus to be helping others.
  • Baylee Gregg (Oklahoma State 2026)Baylee Gregg is majoring in Political Science with minors in Law and Legal Studies and American Indian Studies. Passionate about advocating for Indigenous communities, Baylee aspires to pursue a career in tribal law and policy after attending law school. A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she actively engages in cultural events and initiatives that promote Native heritage and awareness. On campus, Baylee is an executive member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, where she contributes to fostering leadership and community among her peers. She is also a dedicated member of the Native American Student Association, participating in programs that celebrate and support Indigenous students. Baylee’s commitment to her education and heritage reflects her drive to create positive change within tribal governance and policy, combining her academic focus with her passion for advocacy.
  • Annis Thompson (Oklahoma State 2026)Annis Thompson is majoring in Political Science Pre-Law with minors in Philosophy and Law & Legal Studies. She has interned for Tate Law Firm, PLLC in Tulsa and works as an undergraduate TA under Dr. Ringsmuth. She has been a member of Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society since 2023, and a member of the Black Student Association since 2022. Annis plans to graduate in the fall of 2025 and attend an HBCU to study law. Her interests include constitutional law, tort law, and the Supreme Court.
  • Garrett Wolff (Oklahoma State 2026)Garrett Wolff is originally from Edmond, Oklahoma who is majoring in History with a concentration in Pre-Law. He stays involved in his university as an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and as part of the History Club. Also, Garrett works as the racket stringer for Oklahoma State’s Men’s Tennis program. After graduating, he hopes to attend law school to focus on a career that highlights his interests in intellectual property and music law.
  • Hunter Wall (Oklahoma State 2026)Hunter Wall is pursuing a degree in Political Science with a pre-law focus. Passionate about law and governance, Hunter plans to attend law school after graduation, aspiring to advocate for meaningful change in Native American policy and tribal sovereignty. As an associate member of the Osage Shareholders Association, Hunter is deeply engaged with issues affecting the Osage Nation, particularly the protection of property rights and the preservation of cultural heritage. He combines his academic studies with a commitment to understanding the intersection of history, policy, and law to address contemporary challenges. Outside of his academic pursuits, Hunter values staying connected to his Osage roots and contributing to his community. His dedication to Native American tribal sovereignty, history, policy, and justice drives his ambition to effect lasting, positive change for future generations.
  • Emerson Salome (Kenyon College 2025) Emerson Salome is a Kenyon College senior studying political science and anthropology with a hope to one day pursue environmental law. She is particularly interested in the intersection of climate change and international human rights. On campus, Emerson is an associate for the Kenyon College Center for the Study of American Democracy, where she conducts research to create voter guides and prepare election analysis for the local Ohio area. She also co-leads an all-female student theater organization and is the communications director for Kenyon’s Model UN.
  • Lilly Yon (Oklahoma State 2026)Lilly Yon is majoring in Political Science with a in concentration in pre-law with a minor in Law and Legal Studies. She plans to attend law school after graduating. She is currently a Resident Assistant for Oklahoma State Housing and Residential Life. She is also serving on the Board of Directors for the Residential Halls Association. Her interests are in medical law and child advocacy.
  • Griffin Singleton (Oklahoma State 2026) Griffin is a senior at Oklahoma State University, majoring in Agribusiness with a minor in law and legal studies. He plans to attend law school back in Texas. He has an unwavering drive for advocacy, and through the help of past work and family experiences, he plans to use his expertise in legal knowledge to help achieve proper representation in rural communities. His other interests include Greek life involvement through FarmHouse Fraternity, playing the guitar, and working outdoors whenever the opportunities arise.
  • Alora Thompson (Oklahoma State 2026) Alora Thompson is a Philosophy and Political Science (Pre-Law) student at Oklahoma State University. Focused on the intersection of legal theory and public administration, Alora has served as a Research Assistant for AUCRA, where she managed complex data coding and qualitative analysis for sociology and municipal research projects. To date, her academic contributions include co-authoring three research manuscripts currently under review and aiding in presenting findings on media impacts at professional seminars.
  • Sophie Barrett (Oklahoma State 2026) Sophie Barrett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Law and Legal Studies. Through her undergraduate education, she has grown an interest in federal institutions and how they function, social norms in politics, and public policy at the state level. During her undergraduate career, Sophie has been an active member of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL), a learning organization that simulates the legislative process and promotes policy-based debate. Through her participation in OIL, she has developed strong analytical, research, and oral advocacy skills. Her academic and professional excellence was recognized when she was awarded Best House Delegate in Fall 2025. Sophieplans to pursue a Juris Doctor degree to further her education in the legal field.
  • Sophie Hodgson (Oklahoma State 2026) Sophie Hodgson is from Ponca City, Oklahoma. She is pursuing a double major in accounting and management with a pre-law concentration. With an interest in understanding the intersections of business, law, and governance, Sophie is preparing for law school after graduation. She is particularly interested in exploring how legal and political frameworks shape business operations and societal structures.
  • Joseph Perdue (Oklahoma State 2027)Joseph Perdue is a student at Oklahoma State University. He is studying for a B.S. in Political Science and plans to enter a Masters program in Political Science at Oklahoma State. Joseph is interested in a political science doctoral programs.
  • Alaina Whittington (Oklahoma State 2027)Alaina Whittington is from Diagonal, Iowa, and is a student leader at Oklahoma State University pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Business with a strong interest in law and public service. She is actively involved in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, where she has held multiple leadership roles, and serves in the Student Government Association, contributing to campus-wide advocacy and governance initiatives. Alaina is also a member of Tri Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science, reflecting her commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service. Professionally, Alaina works as a legal assistant for an attorney in Stillwater, where she supports legal research, client communication, and case preparation. She also serves as a night auditor at the Atherton Hotel, balancing responsibility, organization, and customer service. Through her academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences, Alaina is dedicated to leadership, integrity, and making a meaningful impact.
  • Andrew Schultz (Oklahoma State 2028)Andrew is an undergraduate student from the state of Washington studying Agribusiness with a Pre-Law concentration and a minor in Law and Legal Studies. He is dedicated to serving the agricultural industry through means of government advocacy. Before attending Oklahoma State, he spent a full year as the Washington FFA (formerly ‘Future Farmers of America’) State President serving and representing about 14,500 members throughout the state. As a college student now, he has involved himself as a Ferguson College of Agriculture Student Council executive member, Ferguson Career Liaison, a Student Government Association Senator, and the Treasurer of the Aggie X Agribusiness Club. He is also a proud member of the McKnight Leadership Program for out-of-state students.
  • Jordan Vogler(Oklahoma State 2027)Jordan Vogler is a junior at Oklahoma State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. She is from a small town in Murdock, Nebraska, and plans to attend law school. Jordan is actively involved in Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislation, a student-led organization that simulates a mock legislative body. Through OIL, she writes, debates, and votes on proposed legislation, gaining practical experience in the legislative process, policy analysis, and parliamentary procedure. Her academic interests include criminal prosecution and defense, legislative decision-making, and the role of law in democratic governance. She has developed strong skills in legal research, critical writing, and public speaking through rigorous coursework and extracurricular involvement. Jordan is active in her sorority and four additional student organizations, and she serves as Secretary for the College of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors. She is committed to ethical leadership, public service, and informed civic engagement.
  • Lauren Glasco (Oklahoma State 2027)Lauren Glasco hails from Hartshorne, Oklahoma. At OU, she received scholarships from Lissa & Cy Wagner, the University Scholars Program, and the Graves Family for academic excellence. She was also a finalist in the 2021 Josh Lee Memorial Speech Contest, earning a scholarship for her original speech. Outside the classroom, Lauren sang with the OU Women’s Chorus, led a group for The Big Event, helped prepare the OU Young Men’s Vocal Workshop, and contributed to three senatorial campaigns—one in Oklahoma and two in Georgia. In Fall 2024, she transferred to Oklahoma State University majoring in Political Science. Lauren is considering a career in political consultancy or lobbying.
  • Savannah Valgora (Oklahoma State 2026)Savannah Valgora is a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Law and Legal Studies at OSU. She is an active member of the OSU Ethics Team and Vice Chief Justice for the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature Supreme Court. She also works as a part-time legal assistant for a local law firm. She plans to attend law school next year after completing her undergraduate degree.
  • Makyla Nitzel (Oklahoma State 2025)Makyla Nitzel is a first-generation graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and a minor in Law and Legal Studies. Makyla plans to attend law school in the near future.

Past Research Interns:

  • Caroline Crum (Oklahoma State 2026)Caroline Crum received her degree in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. She plans to attend law school and specialize in public policy and education law.
  • Avery McIntyre (Oklahoma State 2025) Avery McIntyre is a current Political Science student at Oklahoma State University, minoring in Law & Legal Studies, Intelligence & Security Analysis, and Speech Communication. She anticipates graduating in the spring of 2026. After graduation she plans to pursue her graduate education either through law school or through pursuing a masters degree. Her interests include artificial technology, gender equality, and public policy.
  • Aiden Minton(Oklahoma State 2024) Aiden Minton (He/Him) graduated from Oklahoma State University in May 2024 with a degree in Agribusiness (Pre-Law) with minors in Political Science and Law & Legal Studies. While in college, he participated in Student Government, the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, College Democrats, and the McKnight Scholars. He has also participated in research with Dr. Rebeckah Herrick. While in his gap year, Aiden is participating in the 2024 election cycle assisting on both state and federal elections in his home state of Indiana. He plans on applying to law school for Fall 2025 admissions.
  • Cannon Mitchell (Oklahoma State 2025) Cannon is a Junior at Oklahoma State University studying Finance with minors in Political Science and Law and Legal Studies. Cannon plans on going to law school following his undergraduate studies. Cannon is active in his fraternity, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, and has held several leadership positions in Oklahoma State’s Student Government Association including University Committee Chair and Speaker of the Senate.
  • Kait Pinkerton (Oklahoma State 2024) Kait Pinkerton is a senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in Political Science. They have received several awards, a few being the National Indian Health Board’s Youth Leadership Award, Cherokee Phoenix Seven Feather Award for Health, and UNITY 25 Under 25. They are an active member of the Honors College, was Miss American Indian OSU 2021, and is the current president of the Native American Student Association. At Oklahoma State University they are a Community Mentor and a Student Leader at the Center for Sovereign Nations. Outside of school, they have interned in the Cherokee Nation Chief’s office under the Delegate to Congress, Kim Teehee, as well as in the Attorney General’s office, was a Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute Civic Leader Fellow, and was an intern for Cherokee Federal. Kait is a 2023 Udall Scholar.
  • Kennedi Pogue (Oklahoma State 2025) Kennedi Pogue is a Junior at Oklahoma State University pursing her undergraduate degree in Political Science. She hopes to further her education in Law School in the year 2025.
  • Tate Robertson (Oklahoma State 2024) Tate Robertson is a recent college graduate from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agribusiness. Tate Robertson has an agricultural background with an emphasis in cow-calf operation. Over the years, Tate Robertson has contributed to numerous Honors College Contracts, showcasing expertise in legal research as well as agricultural research. Through those research projects, Tate Robertson has demonstrated the ability to provide valuable information in the legal court systems and the cattle market. Outside of his professional pursuits, Tate Robertson is an avid hunter and show cattle enthusiast, further proving the diversity in his background and ability to take on different challenges.
  • Reece Sconyers (Oklahoma State 2024) Reece is a current undergraduate at Oklahoma State University majoring in Political Science, with a minor in Sociology. He is currently working as an intern for Harper County District Attorney in his homestate of Oklahoma. Reece also is the current President of the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, along with serving in other ways throughout Oklahoma State University. Reece has plans to graduate and attend law school, and will likely specialize in either criminal defense or family law.
  • Sonnie Simons (Oklahoma State 2025) Sonnie Simons is a student at Oklahoma State University studying business pre-law. She is involved in things like Pre-Law Club, working as a law firm assistant and Teaching Assistant, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and more. Sonnie is originally from Owasso and has a deep-rooted love for the Tulsa area and state of Oklahoma. She hopes to attend law school after graduating from OSU, and is excited to further her education.
  • Tallie Tynes (Oklahoma State 2025) Tallie is a senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in Philosophy with minors in Law and Legal Studies and Political Science. Tallie is from Ardmore, Oklahoma and hopes to someday pursue a career in the legal field. After graduation she hopes to attend law school. Tallie is involved in the Student Government Association where she is the chair of the University Committee. She also founded the Oklahoma State Harm Reduction Association where she has helped make harm reduction resources more available on campus. Tallie is a member of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature where she works as a legislative consultant for her chapter and the Director of Delegation Resources for the statewide organization. This group creates mock legislative sessions where individuals draft, present and debate legislation that may eventually be sent to policy writers. Her greatest interest is in drug policy reform and sentencing reform. In her spare time she love traveling and spending time with friends.
  • Ethan Warren (UAlbany 2023) Ethan Warren is enrolled at the University at Albany SUNY in Rockefeller College class of 2023. Hoping to one day be an attorney he is currently pursuing a well-rounded undergraduate education; majoring in political science with a minor in chemistry. Primarily interested in learning about judicial behavior as well as the Supreme Court many of his courses center around this scholastic focus. Ethan is currently interning for Dr. Christine Bird beginning the summer of 2022. As well as interning on a congressional campaign for New York’s 19th congressional district. On the SUNY Albany Campus, Ethan is on Mock Trial. Hobbies include reading, kickboxing and weight lifting to stay balanced outside of academic and professional life.
  • Dylan Bruton (Oklahoma State 2024) Dylan is a first-generation college graduate, having attended Oklahoma State University graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science with minors in Law and Legal Studies and Ethics. Dylan plans to attend law school in the near future.
  • Izzy Doyle (Oklahoma State 2025) Izzy is a senior at Oklahoma State University and is interested in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. Izzy is planning on attending the University of Tulsa Law School or the University of Oklahoma’s Law School. She initiated the first Pre-Law Club at Bixby High School where she was president. Izzy attended a summer course at Stanford University where she was taught by the Stanford law professor’s and participated in a mock trial at the Supreme Court of California. Her other interest includes Greek Life where she was the director of Spring Sing 2024 and is now the director for Follies 2024. She holds the position of Belonging chair in her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha. Izzy is also a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation Tribe of Oklahoma.
  • Simon Bloesch (University of Texas at Austin 2025) Onboarding with us as a Pickle Fellow from the University of Texas in the Spring of 2024, Simon has been very active in our construction of both the Supreme Court and Federal Court of Appeals databases. Currently an undergraduate, he is a Senior majoring in both Government and Sociology, hoping to attend law school in order to work as a legislative counsel.
  • Emmalee Green (Oklahoma State 2025) Emmalie Green is a senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in English with a Concentration in Pre-Law. She plans to attend law school after graduating from OSU in the spring of 2025. She is currently a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the nationally recognized English Honors Society, and is the group leader and founder of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Study Group on campus. She is also working toward the Departmental Honors Award and the General Honors Award as an Honors student on campus and will work with the Choctaw Nation’s Legal and Compliance team as an intern this summer in Durant, Oklahoma. Her interests lie in Tribal and Intellectual Property Law, and she immensely enjoys participating in legal research and reading political and English literature.
  • Callie Gray (Oklahoma State 2025) Callie Gray is a senior at Oklahoma State University (OSU) who is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Law and Legal Studies. She plans on taking the LSAT in June and then attending law school. Callie is a member of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature organization. Callie has held the position of Director of Retention and Recruitment and now is the Secretary for the OSU Delegation. Along with being a full time student, Callie works as a student worker on campus and as a campaign manager for a local Senate race. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her dogs, being outdoors, reading, and photography.
  • Ian Gilcrest (Oklahoma State)
  • Madaline Gomez(Oklahoma State) Madalene Gomez, originally from Tulsa, OK, is a Senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in Political Science with a pre-law track. On campus, she is an active member of the Greek community through Zeta Tau Alpha and has all been a part of organizations like the Student Government Association and the Oklahoma State Panhellenic Council. Madalene is also involved in undergraduate research through the AURCA program, where she works as a research assistant on terrorism and counterterrorism related research projects under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Nemeth. After graduation, she plans to either attend law school or pursue a Ph.D. in Security and Intelligence Studies. Before starting her postgraduate education, Madalene intends to join the United States Army and continue to work closely with the military throughout her post-graduate academic career.
li>Molly Helm(Oklahoma State 2025) “Molly Helm, a senior at Oklahoma State University, epitomizes ambition and dedication in her pursuit of a career in law and public service. Majoring in Political Science with a pre-law focus, Molly exhibits a profound interest in the intricacies of governance and legal systems. Her academic journey is marked by rigorous study, active engagement in campus discourse, and a commitment to excellence.Driven by her passion for justice and a desire to effect meaningful change, Molly aspires to earn her Ph.D. in Administrative Business, positioning herself as a formidable force in both academia and the legal arena. Her ultimate goal is to attend law school, channeling her expertise and determination to one day serve as a beacon of justice on the Supreme Court. With unwavering determination and a keen intellect, Molly Helm is poised to make a profound impact as a future leader in law and public policy.”
  • Sarah Abdou (UAlbany, 2023) Sarah is a senior political science major at UAlbany with a minor in philosophy and law. She is also in the 3+3 law program. Sarah plans to attend law school. She is from Waldwick, New Jersey. As an undergraduate, Sarah is an active member of the Debate Team. She was elected as the Debate Team’s Public Relations Director, where she helped coordinate events, handled public-facing communications, and recruited new members. Sarah is currently working on the circuit court data collection project.
  • Joshua Baldwin (UAlbany, 2022) Josh Baldwin recently graduated from the University at Albany (SUNY), with a bachelors degree in Political Science, minoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology. He interned for the Youth Justice Institute in 2022, and now holds a position at the institute. At the institute he has collect research, coded research and conveyed findings. He has also helped publish a legislative history on a the Safe Harbour Law in New York State for the Office of Children and Family services. With the Bird Lab, Josh is working on projects concerning the role of the Federalist Society in American politics, state high court citations patterns, and the dynamics of oral arguments before the Supreme Court. Josh is now working toward PhD in Political Science at the University of Georgia, with his research interests being in Constitutional Law and Judicial Politics.
  • Evie Bombard (UAlbany, 2023) Evie graduated from the University at Albany with a bachelors in Political Science and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. She is currently working full time as the Program Coordinator for Capital EAP. Evie has interned with the Center for Law and Policy and taught an Intro to Feminisms class as part of the women’s studies collective at UALBANY. Most recently, she has had the amazing opportunity to intern with Senator Nathalia Fernandez in her Assembly office in 2022. Evie plans to attend law school in the Fall of 2024. She is also interested in government office.
  • Cole Burkhardt (UAlbany 2022) Cole Burkhardt is a Junior at The University of Albany pursuing a major in Philosophy with minors in Philosophy of Law, and Political Science. Cole has been a member of UAlbany’s competitive Mock Trial team and is an E-Board member of UAlbany’s Chapter of Democracy Matters. As a member of Democracy Matters, Cole helped co-found the International Committee which aims at discovering how the influence of money in politics domestically affects the actions of the United States internationally along with the goal of making the systems of American government more democratic. Cole, additionally, is a member of UAlbany’s Student Association Civil Action Committee. After graduation in Fall of 2022 Cole plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in law or public policy.
  • Aryanna Carter (UAlbany, 2023) Aryanna has recently graduated from the University at Albany (SUNY) Honors College, with bachelors degrees in both Criminal Justice and Political Science, minoring in Legal Studies. In her time at UAlbany Aryanna was; a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a member of the Political Action Committee for the Albany State University Black Alliance, and was very active within local communities in forms of community service. In her free time, Aryanna loves to travel, she loves to attend all things live entertainment, and she loves to spend time with her family, friends and puppies! Ary is currently working on Supreme Court network data collection project.
  • Giuliana Crocco (UAlbany, 2023) Giuliana recently graduated from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs majoring in political science and minoring in French and legal studies. She worked as an undergraduate research assistant at SUNY Albany and I am currently an intern with the NYC Mayor’s Office of State Legislative Affairs. I expect to graduate attend law school, and I hope to specialize in business or immigration law.
  • Gregory Dancy II (UAlbany, 2023) Gregory Dancy II an undergraduate student at SUNY University at Albany majoring in criminal justice with a minor in legal studies from Brooklyn, NY. He is part of the 3+3 Combined JD law program with Albany Law and a member of the Pre-Law Fraternity Phi Alpha Delta. He plans to become a lawyer. Gregory is currently studying for the LSAT and working on the circuit court project.
  • Cami Eder (UAlbany 2023) Cami is a senior at UAlbany majoring in political science with a concentration in American politics and minoring in business administration. Previously, she was a member of the UAlbany volleyball team for three years and was a member of the team leadership council. She held an internship with Elliot Stern Calabrese LLP where she worked on contract, business and real estate law. In her free time she loves to travel and hangout with family and friends.
  • Elan Ellis (UAlbany, 2022) Elan Ellis is a recent graduate from UAlbany from Brooklyn, NY. He earned his bachelors degree in political science and is currently studying for the LSAT. He describes himself as an ambitious learner who likes to take on challenges because the harder the challenge the greater the triumph.
  • Sarah Finklestein (UAlbany, 2023) Sarah Finkelstein is a Senior at The University of Albany completing a Bachelor’s in Political Science and minoring in Journalism. Sarah is a member of Democracy Matters and Students for Sustainability. In her free time, Sarah embraces her passion for finding the truth by writing for the Albany Student Press. After graduation, Sarah plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in public policy.
  • Alex Gomez (UAlbany 2023) Alex is from Champlain, a small town in upstate New York right on the U.S. Canadian Border. He is currently a senior at UAlbany and plans to attend law school to become a criminal lawyer. He is currently interning with a county district attorney’s office but was formerly a cook at a banquet hall and a small ice cream/burger place. Alex loves hands-on experiences like internships because he believes it is the best way to understand how things truly work. He enjoys playing golf, but just like most others who like golf, thinks he is not good at it. He also loves to watch and play basketball (Go Spurs!) and also enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends.
  • Kira Gruber (UAlbany, 2023) Kira Gruber is a senior in the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs majoring in political science with a minor in sociology. She is also a part of the writing and critical inquiry peer mentor program which gives support to incoming freshman and helps them improve their writing skills. Kira has been accepted into the combined BA/MA program at the University of Albany and has hopes to further her education into law school. In the future, Kira has hopes of working in the civil law sector wether that be with the ACLU or other organizations.
  • Peter Hagan (UAlbany, 2024) Peter Hagan is currently a sophomore at the University at Albany. He is double majoring in History and Political Science with a concentration in Security and Statecraft.
  • Axelle LaBaw (UAlbany, 2024) Axelle is a sophomore in the University at Albany, SUNY Honors College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with minors in Law & Philosophy and Creative Writing. Axelle has served as a peer mentor for the Writing & Critical Inquiry program, where she helped improve the research abilities of freshman students as they transition to college-level writing. UAlbany has awarded her work centered around criminal justice, including a short story about the difficulty of escaping domestic violence and a research paper highlighting the neglect of incarcerated people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon graduation, Axelle aspires to attend law school, with hopes of specializing in international human rights.
  • Shawn Ness (UAlbany, 2024) Shawn Ness is a senior at UAlbany studying journalism and political science, he hopes to work as a broadcast news anchor covering politics in Washington D.C. He is the managing editor at UAlbany’s student newspaper the Albany Student Press.
  • Ava Pipa (UAlbany, 2022) Ava Pipia is a recent college graduate from the Rockefeller School of Public Affairs at the University at Albany. She is passionate about research and statistics in the social sciences. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in December 2022.
  • Kathryn Smith (UAlbany, 2022) Kathryn is currently a senior in the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany, SUNY. She is a transfer student from SUNY Adirondack, where she graduated in 2020. Her major is Political Science with a concentration in Law & Institutions, with a minor in English. Kathryn previously interned at Furlan & Associates, a small criminal law practice in Rutland, VT. At UAlbany, she recently joined the National Society of Leadership and Success. After her bachelor’s, Kathryn hopes to attend law school in the fall of 2023. My favorite hobbies include hiking, doing puzzles, and anything Harry Potter.
  • Colton Repsher (UAlbany 2022) Colton is a senior from Binghamton, New York. He plans to graduate in December 2022 with a dual major in Political Science and Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity. He plans to earn his Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps where he currently has an aviation contract. Since high school, Colton has always been extremely interested in politics and trying to understand how things work in the government. After taking a class with Dr. Bird, he found that he wants to further his education and research on the branch that most people do not understand– the Supreme Court.
  • Abigail Richter (UAlbany, 2023) Abigail is a senior at UAlbany majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Public Law and a minor in Economics. She is from a small town outside Rochester, NY. She previously attended Genesee Community College where she received an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences.
  • Aryanna Russell (UAlbany 2023) Aryanna Russell is a senior at the University at Albany, where she is majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Political Science. She transferred to UAlbany from Mohawk Valley Community College in 2020, where she earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Aryanna is a member of the Tau Sigma Honor Society at UAlbany, and has been recognized on Dean’s List of Distinguished Students for multiple semesters. Aryanna enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. She graduates in the fall of 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree and plans to join the workforce. Aryanna hopes to pursue a career in public policy or the criminal justice system.
  • Anandi Barker (UT, 2022) Anandi Barker is a junior in the College of Liberal Arts studying Government and French. She also holds memberships to the Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Jefferson Scholars Program at UT. She joined the Clark Center in the fall of 2021 as a research intern after a summer of research with the Government Department. In addition to the academic programs on campus, Anandi is involved in the Texas Orators publication organization and the French Language Club. She has published articles in the Daily Texan as an opinion columnist and in the Digitizing Politics blog which is aimed at educating the public on domestic and international affairs. In her free time, Anandi enjoys exploring coffee shops around the Austin area and spending time with friends and family.
  • Amy Burr (UT, 2022) Amy Burr is a sophomore in the McCombs School of Business, pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems, a minor in Marketing, and a certificate in Forensic Science. She joined the Clark Center as a Research Intern in the spring of 2019 where she began coding the policy areas of bills introduced to the Australian Parliament. She also collected data from Senate reports published under the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in order to analyze voting patterns in the Australian Senate. In addition to her work as a Research Intern, Amy works as the Human Resources Intern at RKD Group, a direct marketing and fundraising agency for nonprofits. She is involved in Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and Phi Chi Theta, a professional business and economics fraternity. After she graduates in the spring of 2022, Amy hopes to pursue a career in government intelligence and security. 
  • Isaiah Chancellor (UT, 2023) Isaiah Chancellor is a junior in the Liberal Arts Honors program pursuing a degree in History with a minor in Government. He joined the Clark Center as a Research Intern in the spring of 2020. Isaiah is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma Joint Honor Societies, Phi Alpha Theta, and the Black Student Alliance. During his sophomore year, as the Black Student Alliance Political Action Chair, Isaiah collaborated with the NAACP UT Austin Chapter to create an event where over 50 people were registered to vote in Travis County. Isaiah also served on the U.T.P.D. (University of Texas Police Department) Oversight Committee as an Undergraduate Student Representative where he contributed to the suspension of a U.T.P.D. initiative. Currently, Isaiah is the Vice-President of the Pre-Law National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) Chapter at the University of Texas at Austin. Isaiah also serves as the BIG XII Political Action Chair, where he provides oversight over all BIG-XII-member school’s Political Action committee representatives. Additionally, Isaiah serves as the Director of the Black Presidents Leadership Council, charged with convening and organizing the over 40+ black student organizations on campus to advocate for black student issues on the University of Texas at Austin’s campus. After graduation, he aspires to go to law school, where he plans on specializing in either civil rights law or public interest law.
  • Andres Cerda (UT, 2021) Andres Cerda is a recent UT graduate, having received his Bachelor of Arts in Government (with honors) and Bachelor of Journalism (with honors) in the Spring of 2021. Andres joined the Clark Center as a Research Intern in the Fall of 2021, after previously serving as a Research Intern during the Summer Research Internship program. Prior to his work at the Clark Center, he helped code, collect, and upload thousands of Supreme Court briefs as part of a project looking into the influence of the Solicitor General of the United States. Andres hopes to enroll in a Political Science PhD program in the near future, with his research interests being American Institutions, Judicial Politics, and American Elections.
  • Henna Rae (UT, 2022)
  • Allison White (UT, 2021, Now at UT-Law)
  • Nico Gonzales (UT, 2021)
  • Kristina Sherrill (UT, 2022)
  • Natalie Weidenbach (UT, 2020)
  • Kate Stickland, (UT, 2019, Now at Harvard Law)
  • Antoinette Dao (UT, 2019, New Business Owner)