Undergraduate Student Interns at the New York State Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 3, 2022) - Public health major Shaniya Morrison interned with Senator Samra Brouk (55th District) at the New York State Senate, where she gained critical experience for her future in public health policy and management— and now works for Senator Brouk as a legislative aide.

In the fall of 2021, a guest speaker in one of Morrison’s classes presented on internship and research opportunities for undergraduate students. The position with the senate was included in the presentation, and Morrison was immediately interested as it aligned with her goal to specialize in health policy.

“The application process was extensive,” Morrison says. “I put about a month of work into preparing the required materials. We were required to write a memorandum, have three letters of recommendation, and provide a personal statement, as well as a resume.”

Her hard work paid off. Towards the end of the fall semester, she received a call from the Director of Student Programs for the Senate to offer her the position.

“It was pure excitement, mixed with a little bit of shock,” Morrison says. “I couldn’t stop smiling and I immediately called my loved ones to tell them the news. I felt incredibly accomplished but more so honored because the program is extremely selective. As a former foster youth, this was a huge milestone in my personal and professional life.”

As a legislative aide and former intern, Morrison fulfills administrative responsibilities such as writing emails, answering phone calls, and collecting and organizing mail for Senator Brouk. She also listens to and notates constituent concerns, attends meetings, conducts research, and helps to draft legislation.

“In the Senate you never know who you are going to meet, and when you are going to meet them. I really had to put myself out there and focus on the positive qualities I know I have to offer,” says Morrison, who has made an effort to network and build relationships during her time as an intern and a legislative aide.

“I have met so many people that I would never have crossed paths with without this experience and feel the relationships I have developed are lifelong. I sincerely thank Dr. Erin Bell and Brandon Lewis here at UAlbany for their mentorship, encouragement, and support when I shared my interest in applying for the internship position. I’d also like to thank Kristin Bensen-Hause, my former professor at SUNY Broome Community College, my mentor Qiana Watson from SUNY Binghamton, and my friends and family who have also supported me throughout my higher education journey. Of course, I also want to thank Senator Brouk and her staff for this opportunity, as it has prepared me immensely for future years to come.”

After she graduates with her public health degree, Morrison plans on pursuing a career in health policy and management, with the intent to advocate for misrepresented and underserved communities.

“Growing up in Binghamton, New York, I saw firsthand what lack of access to care looks like and the racial disparities that emerge within the health system both on a personal level and community level,” explains Morrison. “I want to see a change in the way healthcare is addressed in rural communities, particularly in relation to black and brown communities.”