Department of Political Science Abstracts

Presenter(s): Adrianna Jones, Raengel Farner, Ethan Gish, Ariana Chowdhury

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Christina Cardona

Abstract: Students who are interning with lobbying, advocacy and policy communication firms, as well as legislative reporting organizations, will share about their part-time internship experiences. They will highlight their organization's mission, typical internship tasks, a favorite project they worked on, and how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include how these offices impact public policy and participate in the legislative process. Panelists' internship sites include: District Council 37, Families Together in New York, Relentless Awareness LLC, and Communication Services.

Presenter(s): Kayla Blake, Camya Newsom, Benjamin Sepello, Anlis Rodriguez Arias

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Joan Marso

Abstract: Students who are interning with lobbying, advocacy and policy communication firms, as well as legislative reporting organizations, will share about their part-time internship experiences. They will highlight their organization's mission, typical internship tasks, a favorite project they worked on, and how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include how these offices impact public policy and participate in the legislative process. Panelists' internship sites include: District Council 37, New York StateWatch, and Communication Services.

Presenter(s): Alexandra Antunez, Christopher Sanchez, Irelsa Arauz-Henry, Gaheul Yi, Xaview Lamar

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Kate Martineau

Abstract: Students who are currently serving as Session Assistants in New York State Assembly and Senate offices will share about their full-time internship experiences. They will highlight their particular office, describe typical internship tasks and duties, share a favorite project they worked on, and discuss how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include what they've learned about the legislative process in New York State, what it's like to work full time compared to being a student, and some of the real world skills they have gained through this experience. Panelists' internship sites include: several New York State Assembly and Senate offices.

Presenter(s): Anthony Cervera, Jonah Martinez, Daginaa Rozenberg, Shaun Lucier, Katelynn White

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Joan Marso

Abstract: Students who are doing part-time internships in the NYS legislature will share about their experiences. They will highlight their offices' mission, typical internship tasks, a favorite project they worked on, and how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include how the actual legislative process differs from what they expected and what they learned in classes. Panelists' internship sites include: NYS Assembly and NYS Senate.

Presenter(s): Halimah Lawson, Troy Serao, Shafin Hossain, Sabrina Byrne, Abhay Randhawa

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Christina Cardona

Abstract: Students who are doing part-time internships in the NYS legislature will share about their experiences. They will highlight their offices' mission, typical internship tasks, a favorite project they worked on, and how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include how the actual legislative process differs from what they expected and what they learned in classes. Panelists' internship sites include: NYS Assembly and NYS Senate.

Presenter(s): Akeria Adams, Janelle Collado, Sean Caruso, Alexsis Romain

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Ashley Dwyer

Abstract: Students interning in several different areas of public service will share about their experiences. They will highlight their organizations' mission, typical internship tasks, a favorite project they worked on, and how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include how public service careers can be found both inside and outside of the government. Panelists' internship sites include: NYS Department of Labor, Capital District Latinos, Albany Police Department, and US Army ROTC.

Presenter(s): Ariadna Fuentes, Dajanique Stewart, Diana Felts, Karen Pasato

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Christina Cardona

Abstract: Students interning in several different areas of public service will share about their experiences. They will highlight their organizations' mission, typical internship tasks, a favorite project they worked on, and how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include how public service careers can be found both inside and outside of the government. Panelists' internship sites include: Access Supports for Living, NYS Division of Budget, NYSERDA, and NYS Division of Criminal Justice.

Presenter(s): Macy Faye, Tenzin Yingsal, Ethan San Pedro

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Moderator: Joan Marso

Abstract: Students from the Semester in Washington program will share about their full-time internship experiences in Washington, DC. They will highlight their particular office or organization, describe typical internship tasks, share a favorite project they worked on, and discuss how their internship has impacted their future career goals. Discussion will include what they've learned about policy at the Federal level, what it's like to work full time while still being a student, and some of the real world skills they have gained through this experience. Panelists' internship sites include: Office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, West End Strategy Team, The Strathdee Group and CHC BOLD PAC.

Presenter(s): Maddisen Nelson, Benjamin Sepello

Showcase Advisor: April Roggio

Abstract: Research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based education, however, this research seems to be inconclusive, and the effectiveness of simulation seems furthermore to be contingent on the aims and means of the particular exercise or interactive. In this study we conduct En-ROADS Climate Interactive workshops, in conjunction with 15% Solutions Liberating Structures, to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based education. These workshops use interactive simulation to instruct participants in climate systems, and Liberating Structure’s 15% Solutions structure to guide participants to contemplate reasonable strategies available to them in order to make positive contributions to mitigation and sustainability. The workshops end with a section for participants to debrief. This study uses a qualitative methodology, primarily studying participants’ debriefs, the interpretation of which exposes the relative effectiveness of simulation-based education.

Presenter(s): zuhal demirel

Showcase Advisor: Christina Cardona

Abstract: During my internship at the New York State Assembly with the Black Legislative Task Force in Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson’s office, I gained hands-on experience in legislative processes, policy research, and community advocacy. I assisted with drafting briefing materials, tracking legislation, and analyzing policy proposals related to social justice, education, and economic equity. This experience allowed me to observe how elected officials collaborate with constituents, stakeholders, and advocacy groups to shape state policy. I also participated in meetings and community outreach initiatives, which enhanced my understanding of the intersection between policy-making and community needs. Through this internship, I developed practical skills in research, communication, and legislative analysis, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the role of advocacy in advancing equitable policies. This presentation will share key insights from my experience and reflect on how legislative internships can prepare students for careers in public service.

Presenter(s): Lucienne Burns

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Abstract: I plan to share my experience at New York StateWatch as an undergraduate intern, tracking and reporting legislation at the State Capitol.

Presenter(s): Jennifer Garufi

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Abstract: I will be creating a poster based on my internship experinces at NYS ITS. I will talk about ITS in general, what I do daily, a standout project, connection to my future career and my main takeaways from this internship/ reflections.

Presenter(s): jamana awan, Gabriella Kolodziej

Showcase Advisor: Niloufer Siddiqui

Abstract: This presentation will explore the role of sports diplomacy in India and how it influences both domestic and international politics. It will analyze  how sporting events like  cricket shape political agendas and national identity. First, the presentation will examine the role of sports in the relationship between India and Pakistan, where cricket matches often reflect broader political tensions as well as moments of diplomatic engagement. It will discuss how social inequalities, such as the caste system, can affect access and opportunities within Indian sports. Finally, the project will explore how political leaders such as Modi use sports and nationalism to strengthen political messaging and public support. By examining these themes, the presentation will highlight how sports is used not only as entertainment but also as a powerful tool in shaping political identity and diplomatic relations.

Presenter(s): Plabon Saha

Showcase Advisor: Phil Nicholas

Abstract: In November of 2013 Bill DeBlasio was elected to be the mayor elect of New York City. Mayor DeBlasio was the first Democrat elected to the position of mayor in New York City after 20 years. His election was supposed to mark the era of liberal policy making and the near impossible task of fighting economic inequity that plagued the city. Universal pre-K was seen as one of the answers to the inequity of the current system because of it allowing for more equitable educational and financial opportunities. In retrospect universal pre-K was a rare win for progressive politics and this paper seeks to walk through the implementation of the program, and attempt to critically analyze the success of the initiative as a whole and assess whether or not the first ten years of the program has left a positive mark on the city.

Presenter(s): Chloe Falk

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Abstract: My poster presentation will examine women in leadership positions within the New York State Senate through my experience serving as a Legislative Session Aide in the Office of Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. Senator Stavisky serves as the Dean of the Senate, Vice President Pro Tempore, and Chair of the Higher Education Committee. My presentation will provide background on the leadership structure of the New York State Senate and consider the role of women within that structure, including Senate Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore Andrea Stewart-Cousins. It will also outline my experience working in Senator Stavisky’s office during the legislative session and explain how day-to-day work in a Senate office supports the broader functions of legislative leadership. By connecting my internship experience with the Senate’s leadership structure, the presentation will explore how women serve in and shape leadership roles within the New York State Senate.