The Center for Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS), with support from the Office of the Chancellor-Public Engagement, is proud to introduce the participants of the AY2022-2023 Policy and Research Legislative Fellows Program! The six students in this cohort represent five units in four different colleges, encompassing a diverse array of fields of study, from civil and environmental engineering to special education to political science. This cohort of scholars was selected from a competitive pool of applicants possessing the skills, the research expertise, and the passion to work on public policy and help make Illinois a better place to live. Both students and legislators are working to bridge the gap between theory and practice at the state level and connecting research to real-world implications.

James Steur is a graduate student in political science placed with State Representative Michael Marron. James’ project has two primary aims: collect preliminary data about housing blight in District 104 and draft a succinct literature review that highlights the costs of housing blight and the benefits of a land bank for Illinois District 104. The goal of the project is to analyze this data and use existing policy and academic research to pass legislation in spring 2023 to create a land bank that addresses housing blight in the district. Other tasks in this project include communicating with local municipalities and researching current rehabilitation or demolition statutes in the State of Illinois.

Rebecca Folkerts is a graduate student in Special Education placed with State Representative Carol Ammons. Rebecca’s project addresses the various problems of the Child Welfare System in the State of Illinois by researching US and international legislation and policies that could be applied to Illinois. The goal of the project is to design legislation and policy that will provide further preventive measures for families and youth in Illinois. Rebecca is also collaborating with a Child Welfare Working Group that includes a variety of stakeholders invested in child service provision and research. Learn more about Rebecca’s experience.

Dalton Stewart is a graduate student in Civil & Environmental Engineering placed with Senator Scott Bennett. Dalton’s project tackles the current spike in electricity bills in Illinois and researchers whether this price increase is caused by recent enactment of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Moreover, the overarching goal of this project is to determine the best legislative approach to helping constituents with elevated electricity bills. To accomplish so, Dalton is exploring the scope of legislative authority, related existing programs in Illinois, and initiatives undertaken by other states. Learn more about Dalton’s experience.

Caleb Griffin is a graduate student in political science placed with Senator Chapin Rose. Caleb’s project addresses the following questions: 1) is police recruitment and retention a problem in Illinois and 2) if so, what can be done from a legislative perspective to improve that trend. To answer these questions, Caleb is conducting a literature review on police retention and recruitment policy, talking to relevant stakeholders (political leaders, police officials, etc.), interviewing former, current, and prospective police officers, and potentially surveying civilians to identify which reasons for not joining the police are most salient to them.

Ha Young Choi is a graduate student in Human Development and Family Studies and placed with State Representative Michael Marron. Ha Young’s project aims to determine why young individuals do not stay and find jobs in the state of Illinois (a growing trend that has intensified in the last few years). This project will collect survey data from three key population groups: young job seekers, young employees, and employers. Based on the collected data, Ha Young will work together with Marron and his staff to explore policy and legislative options that could address the gap between “the needs of young adults entering the labor force” and “the needs of the region’s industries.”

Edwin Monarrez is a graduate student in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership and placed with State Representative Carol Ammons. Edwin’s project focuses on teacher shortage(s) in Illinois. Edwin is organizing the Teacher Shortage(s) Working Group (TSWG) to meet regularly and discuss the issues, trends, ideas, legislation, solutions, and goals for drafting legislation that will help circumnavigate the issues around the teacher shortage. Discussions of this working group will address: 1) should the legislative research focus be on smaller, more tangible solutions or should the attention be geared towards larger barriers/issues, and 2) how can the Teacher Shortage(s) issue be resolved without consideration for the shortages for other related staff and faculty professions?