Ramos Research Institute Expands Research and Operations Teams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ – July 29, 2026 — The Ramos Research Institute (RRI) is proud to announce updates to its research team with the addition of eight new Junior Research Associates, and the promotions of Allison Labutin from Junior Research Associate to Research Associate, and McKinley Coontz and Molly Williams from interns to members of the Operations Team. This new group of individuals strengthens RRI’s growing community of researchers to support the Institute's work in democracy, public policy and civic engagement. 

The Research Associate team now includes eleven young scholars and researchers from universities across the United States and abroad. Their studies span a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the unique combination of skills this team will bring to the Institute's work. Together, this group will work on the projects that develop the answers to some of society’s toughest civic questions. 

“I am thrilled about this new cohort, the largest and most diverse in the Institute’s history and, in my view, our most talented,” said Executive Director Alejandro J. Ramos. “This group reflects both continuity and growth: nearly every member of the cohort has contributed to our community in some capacity, and many rank among the strongest interns we have worked with since our founding. In their new roles they have developed intellectually ambitious, timely and brilliantly interesting projects, and I look forward to working alongside them over the coming year. I hope this next chapter marks the beginning, or continuation, of a long-standing relationship with the Institute for each of them. They will set an exceptionally high standard for the cohorts that follow.”

The 2026-2027 Research Associate team now includes: 

Amaya Gaines, a PhD candidate at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy, who will continue her role as a Research Associate. Her work examines American politics, public policy and political economy, with a focus on how identity, inequality and lived experiences shape policy preferences and perceptions of government responsiveness.  

Carolina Story, a PhD candidate in Applied Anthropology at Texas State University, joins RRI as a Research Associate. Her research explores language, identity, activism and the social impacts of emerging technologies through ethnographic research.  

Allison Labutin, a graduate of Virginia Tech and incoming master’s student in International Political Economy at King’s College London, has been promoted from Junior Research Associate to Research Associate in recognition of her previous work and dedication to RRI’s mission. Her research focuses on democratic resilience, international trust and the relationship between economic systems and democratic legitimacy. 

Marchus Chae, a student at Columbia University studying American studies and religion, joins RRI as a Junior Research Associate. His interests include local government, public policy, civic engagement, and democratic ideas. 

Sydnee Cooler-Grossman, a recent graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in psychology, forensic science and Law, Society and Policy, joins RRI as a Junior Research Associate. Her research focuses on Gen Z civic engagement and trust in democratic institutions. 

Paige Duffy, a student at Villanova University studying political science and French and francophone studies, joins RRI as a Junior Research Associate. Her research examines economic policy, democratic participation and the relationship between economic systems and civic trust. 

Caleb Ferronniere, a student at The Ohio State University studying international relations and diplomacy, joins RRI as a Junior Research Associate. His research interests include U.S. foreign policy, international drug policy and China’s influence in Latin America. 

Madison Jongewaard, a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, joins RRI as a Junior Research Associate. She is the co-author and primary data analyst of RRI’s Democracy at the Crossroads report examining youth civic disengagement and democratic reform. 

Marianna Ruggiero, a student at Cornell University studying government and information science, is continuing as a Junior Research Associate at RRI. Her research interests include minority advocacy, inclusive policy and the role of identity in political participation.

Valentina Scassiano, a dual-degree master’s student at Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics and Political Science, joins RRI as a Junior Research Associate at RRI. Her research focuses on international political economy, global governance and comparative public policy.

Varun Raju, a student at Florida State University studying political Science and economics, continues his work as a Junior Research Associate. His research focuses on artificial intelligence governance, national security, civil liberties and emerging technologies.

Additionally, RRI added two new members to their Operations team, McKinley Coontz, the Strategic Communications & Public Engagement Associate, and Molly Williams, the Program Operations Associate. Coontz and Williams will be charged with the internal tasks that keep the Institute running smoothly. 

The Ramos Research Institute is excited to support this group of young scholars and to see what work they are able to produce while members of the RRI team.

To learn more about our team and the projects our associates will be working on over the next few months, visit www.ramosresearchinstitute.org/research-associates or follow us on LinkedIn.

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About the Ramos Research Institute:

The Ramos Research Institute (RRI) is an emerging research institution dedicated to original research, polling and policy analysis focused on addressing today’s most complex societal challenges. Founded by Alejandro J. Ramos, RRI produces rigorous, relevant and accessible research across key areas including civic education and engagement, media literacy, democratic resilience and renewal, education policy and the voting behavior of minority communities. Through evidence-based inquiry and public-facing scholarship, RRI seeks to generate insights that strengthen democratic culture and inform policy and practice.

Contact:

McKinley Coontz

Public Engagement Associate

Ramos Research Institute

Cliffside Park, NJ 07010

https://www.ramosresearchinstitute.org 

Email: mckinley.coontz@ramosresearchinstitute.org