Major: Political Science
Minor: Legal Studies
What is your current position/career? What are your plans beyond where you are now?
I will be starting a fellowship in Sacramento through the Capital Fellows Program working with a state senator. Beyond the fellowship, I am hoping to stay in the world of politics, especially in California, working full-time for a state senator looking at state laws that affect Veterans and the current homeless crisis they face. I also hope to work in the future to bridge gaps between California’s government and several Veteran’s non-profit organizations.
How did Cal Lutheran and/or your political science program set you up for success in this position/career?
I owe most of my success post-graduation to the Political Science Department Professors, especially Dr. Hoang and Dr. Huckle. They provided me with countless opportunities within Cal Lu and outside Cal Lu as well as always encouraging me to strive for what I wanted. They prepared me for multiple research symposiums and encouraged me to apply for the Lutheran College Washington Semester where I interned at the U.S. Capitol with. high ranking Congressman.
What skills or proficiencies did you acquire at Cal Lutheran, through your studies or other activities, that you now use in your current position/career?
I learned how to work in a team environment and work collaboratively with my peers. I also honed my writing skills which collectively allowed me to thrive in my internship and will allow me to succeed in my future role in Sacramento.
In general, what were some of your favorite aspects of the political science program? Such as research, classes, professors, etc.
Some of my favorite aspects of the political science program would be the classes especially Model United Nations where I was able to travel to New York City and Santa Barbara to compete against other schools and Politics of Community Development class where I was able to first research about the mental health crisis amongst veterans and help create a plan of action for different communities. While in the program I was also able to complete a year of research about the recent Dobbs v. Jackson case and how it has and will affect young women voters.
What research and presentations have you done at Cal Lutheran? How has that opened the door for more opportunities?
I have done several research presentations while attending Cal Lutheran. I presented three times at Cal Lutheran: The Fall 2023 Student Research Symposium, The Festival of Scholars Perspectives in Political Science, and the Poster Session for Student Research at the Festival of Scholars. I presented also while I was in Washington D.C. at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society Research Convention at George Washington University.
What type of research have you done with Professor Hoang? How did you obtain this opportunity? Did you receive funding? Where is it published?
I did research with Dr. Hoang about the recent Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson and how it has and will affect young women voters in the future, especially during the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election. I was given the opportunity by Dr. Hoang and we were funded by the Culver Research Fellowship.
How was it collaboratively working with Professor Hoang? What did that opportunity teach you?
Dr. Hoang and I worked collaboratively with Dr. Hoang starting in the Summer of 2023 and we researched various topics while conducting field tests as well.