What has been one of the most valuable things you learned or experienced while working with CSBS?
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned through my time at CSBS has been gaining a deeper understanding of the social and behavioral sciences, as well as how the research environment operates behind the scenes. I had the opportunity to see how CSBS actively supports and fosters a collaborative research community. As a communication and psychology major, this insight is especially meaningful, as it will help shape how I approach research and collaboration in my future professional work. 

What skills or lessons from this experience do you think you’ll carry with you long-term?
I’ve learned a number of valuable lessons during my time here. One of the most impactful has been the importance of clear and effective communication. Whether I was writing event recaps, contributing to website design, or managing social media content, I developed hands-on experience in tailoring messages to different audiences. Representing CSBS at various events also strengthened my confidence in professional settings and allowed me to grow as a communicator. These experiences taught me how to adapt to new challenges, something I know will be essential in any future career path.

How has this experience shaped your future goals and career plans?
This experience has shaped my future goals by giving me a clearer understanding of the type of work I enjoy and excel at. Interning here has been my first time working in an office setting, specifically in a role aligned with my career interests, and it confirmed that this is the kind of environment I want to pursue. The variety of projects I’ve been involved in at CSBS helped me identify my strengths and areas I’m less drawn to. Additionally, as a graduating senior, receiving guidance from professionals in roles I can see myself in has been incredibly insightful and encouraging for my future career planning.

What has been one of the most valuable things you learned or experienced while working with CSBS? 
One small step forward often requires years of hard work and dedication.  

Meaningful change often begins with a single, small step—one that’s backed by years of dedication and hard work. During my time as a PRLF fellow, I quickly learned that even the most well-intentioned goals come with unexpected challenges. Entering the fellowship with a traditional academic background, I believed my training in quantitative research and access to existing datasets would allow me to conduct a comprehensive analysis of blighted housing in the span of an academic year. But as I delved into the work—reviewing literature, reaching out to agencies, collaborating with my legislative office, and navigating the complex landscape of public policy—I came to understand how differently academia and government operate. Although the outcomes didn’t align exactly with my initial expectations, each step forward contributed to a greater purpose. These small, incremental efforts matter—and they move us closer to building a better Illinois for everyone.

What skills or lessons from this experience do you think you’ll carry with you long-term?Lasting change starts with being present and building trust in your community. 

During my time as a PRLF fellow, I had the privilege of working with legislative assistant Margurite Bailey—an inspiring example of what it means to be deeply committed to public service. Margurite reminded me of a real-life Leslie Knope: constantly engaged in the political process, deeply rooted in the community, and seemingly everywhere at once. As we collaborated on my project around blighted housing, her network and local connections proved invaluable. It felt as if she either knew someone—or knew someone who knew someone—at every agency or organization we reached out to. Thanks to her, doors opened and conversations happened that otherwise might not have. This experience underscored a vital lesson: to drive effective policy change, we must stay active in our communities. Trust, relationships, and lived experience are just as critical as data when it comes to informing research and shaping meaningful policy.

How has this experience shaped your future goals and career plans? 

After completing the PRLF program, I hope to continue using the skills I’ve developed through my PhD program in a role that intersects with government, policy, or program evaluation. As the student representative on the PRLF Advisory Board, I had the unique opportunity to apply my expertise in evaluation by assessing the attitudes, experiences, and impacts the program had on participants. This experience reinforced a key realization: my training in generating valid, reliable data has real-world value. These tools aren’t just academic—they’re essential for driving informed decision-making and achieving meaningful, measurable outcomes in public service.

Was there a project or task you worked on here that you’re especially proud of? 

As a PRLF fellow, I had the unique opportunity to visit the Illinois State Capitol alongside former Representative Michael Marron (R) to help advance a proposed bill aimed at creating a land bank to address blighted housing in Illinois. While there, I engaged with legislators from both sides of the aisle to discuss the importance of the bill and share research supporting the initiative. During this time, the bill gained tentative co-sponsors and generated strong interest among policymakers. Witnessing the legislative process in real time—and contributing to it by applying the research skills I developed at Illinois—was both eye-opening and deeply rewarding. This experience reaffirmed my passion for using data and evidence to drive change, and I look forward to continuing this work across new policy areas as my career progresses.

What’s next for you this summer/after graduation?

After graduation, I’ll be a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Illinois Political Science Department. In this role, I’ll be primarily teaching about U.S. Politics, especially courses related to the U.S. Congress and U.S. Presidency. My time at CSBS was instrumental in helping me secure this role by providing me a greater understanding of how to communicate my relevant skillsets and ideas in a succinct fashion. Ultimately, I’m deeply grateful for my time at CSBS for providing an enriching experience—I’ll deeply miss seeing everyone there.