2028, University of California, Berkeley
Major: Political Science
RRI Project: TBA

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Salma-Maria Bankston is a Political Science student at the University of California, Berkeley interested in public policy, legal research, and civic engagement. Her experience spans legal, nonprofit, and government settings, including student government policy initiatives and research on workforce development and emerging technology. A bilingual English and Spanish speaker, Salma is particularly interested in labor policy, technology policy, language access, and evidence-based policymaking. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest or policy law.

2026, George Mason University
Major: Government and International Politics
RRI Project: TBA

Sydney Victoria Boerner is an honors student at George Mason University studying Government and International Politics and Foreign Languages and Cultures, with concentrations in International Relations and Korean Language, respectively, and a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Their research interests include geopolitical analysis, structural reform, and mass media polarization. Sydney has experience in policy analysis, data entry, and open-source intelligence research and plans to pursue a master’s degree in International Security at George Mason beginning in 2027.

2028, Fordham University
Major: Political Science
RRI Project: TBA

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Madison Boyd is a junior at Fordham University studying Political Science with interests in political polarization, civic engagement, and democratic institutions. At Fordham, she has served on the Dean’s Council and as a copy editor for the Fordham Political Review. Madison has also interned in the offices of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey, gaining experience in constituent services, legislative work, and community outreach. She hopes to pursue a career in public policy or law.

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2028, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Majors: Political Science and Economics
RRI Project: TBA

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Ellie Ceraso is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Political Science and Economics. Her interests include socioeconomic policy, geopolitical relations, democracy, civic engagement, and media literacy. Ellie has gained experience through campaign work in the 2026 Illinois Democratic Primary and an internship with the Office of Legal Counsel at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. She is eager to deepen her policy research skills while contributing to work on democratic institutions and public policy.

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2029, Wellesley College
Majors: History and Political Science
RRI Project: TBA

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Naomi Cohen is a sophomore at Wellesley College studying History and Political Science, with an interest in how American historical precedents and social movements shape current policy. On campus, she participates in debate and civic organizations and has worked with Real Kids Real Food, Amnesty International, and the Los Angeles Superior Court. Naomi is especially interested in law, public service, structural injustice, civic engagement, and the evolution of American capitalism. She hopes to pursue community-centered change through policy and public service.

2028, Syracuse University
Majors: Policy Studies and Law, Society, & Policy
RRI Project: TBA

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Juliet DiGiacomo is a junior at Syracuse University pursuing a dual degree in Policy Studies and Law, Society, and Policy in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, along with a minor in Applied Data Analytics in the School of Information Studies. Her interests bring together public policy, data analysis, political research, and democracy. Juliet hopes to pursue a career in political campaign strategy and political research, combining these interests in her future work.

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2028, Tufts University
Majors: International Relations and Economics

RRI Project: TBA

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Averie FitzSimons is a third-year student at Tufts University studying International Relations and Economics, with a concentration in International Security. Her experience includes policy research, advocacy, fundraising, and student journalism through organizations including the Alliance for American Leadership and One Track International. Averie’s interests include economic development, democratic backsliding, humanitarian assistance, foreign aid, and international organizations. She is especially interested in translating complex policy issues into accessible research and examining how policy can support democracy and development.

2028, Brown University
Majors: Economics and Philosophy
RRI Project: TBA

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Gabriel Gonzalez is a third-year student at Brown University studying Economics and Philosophy, with additional interests in Political Science, Education, and Law. His research focuses on both quantitative and qualitative questions, especially microeconomic outcomes in education and health. Gabriel currently works as a Research Assistant with Brown University’s Annenberg Institute, contributing to research on the economic value of quality education and research design. He is exploring future paths in academic research, government, independent research, and law.

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2026, Loyola University Chicago
Majors: Political Science and Psychology
RRI Project: TBA

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Chloe Hills is a third-year student at Loyola University Chicago pursuing degrees in Political Science and Psychology. Born in Australia, her research interests include immigration, international relations, democracy, civic engagement, and public policy. Chloe has gained research experience through a social psychology lab and has participated in NGO work connected to the United Nations Status of Women’s Conference. She has also been recognized for community service and public welfare. After graduating, she intends to attend law school.

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2027, Virginia Tech
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
RRI Project: TBA

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Reese Mathison is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a minor in Science, Technology, and Law. Her interests include constitutional law, civic education, voting rights, access to justice, and public trust. Reese conducts research on constitutional law and the Voting Rights Act and has held leadership roles in Mock Trial and PPE programming. She plans to attend law school and pursue criminal defense, with a broader interest in expanding access to legal and political knowledge.

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2027, Indiana University in Bloomington
Majors: International Studies and Quantitative Econ
RRI Project: TBA

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Vasco McAlear is a senior at Indiana University Bloomington studying International Studies and Quantitative Economics, with minors in Mathematics and Chinese. His interests include economic policy, data analytics, and communicating complex ideas to broad audiences. Vasco has served as an economics teaching assistant, participated in Model United Nations, founded an aviation club, and interned in the Atlanta Fed’s research division. Fluent in French with strong Mandarin proficiency, he is interested in consulting and may later return to academia for graduate study.

2029, George Washington University
Major: International Affairs
RRI Project: TBA

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Luke Park is a sophomore at the George Washington University studying International Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs. He is also pursuing a minor in Public Health and Spanish and is a member of the University Honors Program. Luke’s research interests include foreign policy and civic engagement, religion, Middle East studies, and public health policy. He hopes to pursue a future career in foreign service and humanitarian work, drawing on his interdisciplinary academic interests.

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2029, University of Chicago
Majors: Economics and Philosophy
RRI Project: TBA

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Charles Ponyicsanyi is a sophomore at the University of Chicago studying Economics and Philosophy. His research interests include infrastructure policy, democracy and private corporations, behavioral economics, and the influence of influencers on young men’s self-perception. Charles previously interned at The Levitt Lab, where he developed accessible educational seminars, and leads the Asian Futures in Law program at UChicago. He also serves in student leadership and hopes to attend law school and work at the intersection of economics, corporations, and law.

2027, Virgina Tech
Major: International Relations
RRI Project: TBA

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Anneli Sample is a fourth-year student at Virginia Tech studying International Relations, with minors in Spanish, Data Analytics, and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Her research interests include authoritarianism and fascism, progressive economic policy, international development, environmental justice, and the relationship between research and advocacy. Anneli has worked on political campaigns and serves as a campus organizer with Planned Parenthood. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in public policy and research focused on equitable and effective governance.

2029, Brown University
Major: Behavioral Decision Sciences
RRI Project: TBA

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Mia Vargas is a sophomore at Brown University concentrating in Behavioral Decision Sciences and competing in Division I rugby. Her interests include human rights, civic engagement, public transportation, and law. Mia has interned at a refugee center, where she supported translation and casework, and at a family law firm. She has also researched candidates for a nonpartisan voter information organization. These experiences strengthened her interest in how legal systems affect people and how young voters can become more informed and engaged.