Biden Institute Summer Internship Program
The Biden Institute at the University of Delaware is proud to announce the launch of the Biden Institute Summer Internship program, designed to place exemplary UD undergraduate students at organizations across the country, helping them gain access to substantive career-building opportunities.
As many organizations across the country are cancelling their internship programs this summer, the Biden Institute and its partners sought to ensure experiential learning opportunities for our students even during these unprecedented times, said Cathy McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Biden Institute. This program will support and encourage students to take on vital public sector internships that otherwise may not have been financially practical for students.
Each intern is funded via stipend by the Biden Institute to help offset the cost of internships that are traditionally unpaid or not well-funded. The 14 inaugural interns will gain hands-on experience in public policy, communications, and advocacy. Due to the complications presented by COVID-19, these students will work virtually to support their host organizations for 8-10 weeks this summer.
Summer Placements
Meilyn Farnell 21 Biology and Public Policy, New York State Department of Health Commissioners Office: one of the most critical health institutions at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic, this agency is charged with leading New Yorks response not only to the coronavirus, but to the opioid crisis, the AIDS epidemic, environmental health challenges, and more. It is led by New Yorks chief physician, Dr. Howard Zucker.
Jill Coelho 21 International Relations, Delaware Department of Justice: responsible for combating crime, safeguarding families, fighting fraud, and protecting consumers across the state, the Department of Justice is led by Delaware Attorney General Kathleen Jennings.
John Cohill 22 Public Policy, Active Minds: with nearly 600,000 students across 800 campuses nationwide, Active Minds is the premier organization focused on the mental health of college students. The organizations mission is to erase the stigma around mental health, educate young people to better nurture and treat it, and help students get the resources they need.
Sarah Mazzarella 21 Public Policy and Music, Researcher for Author Victoria Nourse: the lead staffer on the Senate Judiciary Committee res​ponsible for helping to draft the Violence Against Women Act with then-Senator Joe Biden, Victoria Nourse is now a distinguished Georgetown Law Professor writing a new book about the landmark law.
Devin Brymer 21 Public Policy 4+1, Human Rights Campaign (HRC): the nations largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization, the HRC works to secure a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community.
Thomas Davis 22 Political Science and Public Policy, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence: a federally recognized state domestic violence coalition that engages in public education, economic justice, training, prevention, and systems advocacy initiatives, this organization works with its partners and allies to empower victims of domestic violence and their children through access to services and legal remedies.
Noah Dolan 21 History and Philosophy, Student Veterans of America (SVA): a critical resource for veterans who have returned from their service to further their education, SVA fosters a student veteran community, provides vital resources and networking support, and advocates for student veterans to help ensure that they have access to opportunities that further their ability to contribute and make the most of their skills and experience.
Yara Awad 22 International Relations and Economics, Rise Justice Labs: a first-of-its-kind social movement accelerator, Rise turned the work of its parent movementthe successful effort to pass a Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights at the national level, and the ongoing campaign to replicate that success in statehouses and around the worldinto a model for other issue movements to draft bills, navigate the legislative system, and gain passage for laws that advance civil rights and justice.
Elisa Davila 22 Political Science and Criminal Justice, Delaware Office of Womens Advancement and Advocacy: responsible for the implementation of current womens rights legislation, building support for new legislation, and advising the Governors office, State Legislature, and Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, this office is a key institution in overseeing and furthering the rights of women in Delaware.
Justin Richards 21 History and Political Science, Researcher for CNN National Security Analyst Samantha Vinograd: a CNN National Security Analyst and co-founder and Managing Director of Global Opportunity Advisors, Samantha Vinograd leads high-level analytic, communications, and advocacy projects as one of the nations foremost voices on national security issues.
Gillian Isabelle 21 Criminal Justice and Human Services, Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence: a new organization created to address sexual violence across the state, the Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence is centered on the formation of an inclusive community to support survivors through advocacy, intervention, and awareness.
Sophie Pleva 22 Finance, Financial Womens Association: bringing together high-achieving professionals from every sector of the financial world, the Financial Womens Association is dedicated to developing future leaders, enhancing the role of women in finance, and investing in the community.
Hafsah Mansoori 22 Public Policy and Kohei Akiba 20 Public Policy, Alaska Wilderness League: an organization created to galvanize support to secure vital policies that protect and defend Alaskas public lands, waters, indigenous peoples, and wildlife.
About the Biden Institute
Established at the University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, the Biden Institute works to educate and empower the next generation of leaders by convening students, scholars, activists, policymakers, government officials, and business and nonprofit leaders from a diverse range of disciplines, political ideologies, and backgrounds to advance public policy conversations on issues of critical importance facing our nation.
