In this role, I have been trained in the use of Datawrapper, an online interactive visualization software, that allows for production of high-quality maps, charts and graphs. I have also performed quality assurance when reviewing colleagues' data analyses in Excel and STATA. Additionally, I have developed a strong knowledge base in a wide array of Medicaid topics, including eligibility and enrollment policies, managed care, and performance metrics. Finally, I have assisted in the execution of the annual Child Health Policy conference, which convenes experts, advocates, and state leaders to for informative sessions and to share best practices.

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025: Engaging in an independent quantitative project with the Center for Children and Families, exploring state Medicaid policies and pediatric dental care.Fall 2023 - Summer 2024: Authored a report on medical-dental data integration, conducting qualitative interviews with dental directors at Federally Qualified Health Centers in a research assistantship with Dr. Pamela Herd and Dr. Donald Moynihan

In this role, I provided administrative support to staff who evaluate operating and capital budgets of state agencies. I also utilized Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as Adobe software to format, edit, and proofread policy analyses and reports. Additionally, I facilitated the Joint Chairmen’s Report submission process for the budget function, monitoring the mailbox and managing the internal Access database utilized to organize submission data. I also provided staff support, including formatting agendas, rosters, meeting materials as well as hosting and livestreaming Zoom meetings, for the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness as well as Oral Health Task Force in Maryland. During the 2023 legislative session, I assumed a leadership role, coordinating the capital budget workflow amongst my colleagues.

As a Mayoral Fellow with the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, I updated sections of the DHCD Community Development Framework, which was released in 2019, related to the West and Park Heights Impact Investment Areas. This process involved writing new descriptions of each impact investment area's ongoing projects and activity, as well as conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders in these areas. Additionally, I provided analytical support for a school-centered housing research and development pilot program, which DHCD has engaged in with UPD Consulting. I worked collaboratively with another intern to analyze data on vacant properties near three Baltimore City Elementary Schools, to identify potential housing sites for the pilot. Finally, I provided administrative support to Baltimore City's COVID-19 Temporary Rental Support program, communicating with potential applicants and connecting them to DHCD staff members.

I prepared testimony and conducted policy research for bills introduced by Senator Clarence Lam. I also regularly monitored the bills which appear in the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. Throughout my internship, I engaged with a variety of stakeholders, including constituents, on key legislative issues.

As a teaching assistant for Dr. Forestiere’s POLI 301: Research Methods in Political Science course, I gained experience conveying instructional material to the class; provided individualized assistance to students; graded written assignments; and worked collaboratively with other members of the teaching team.

I created a toolkit with information about the homelessness prevention portion of the Homelessness Solutions Program. This toolkit was designed for Continuums of Care (CoCs) and providers in Maryland to use. It highlighted best practices on how to do homelessness prevention, and shared resources. I presented the toolkit through a webinar at the end of my internship.Throughout my internship, I also helped to coordinate the Rapid Re-Housing workgroup, created an on-boarding flier for new colleagues in my team, and updated the DHCD document which shares contact information for each Continuum of Care in Maryland. Additionally, I was involved in analysis of data from the current and prior years' Point-in-Time (PIT) Counts. Finally, I attended meetings of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Family Violence Council, and other inter-departmental meetings within state government. I also attended meetings where we convened CoC leads and providers together to discuss general program information, or more specific topics.

I worked with the chair of the Political Science Department, Dr. Carolyn Forestiere, to evaluate scholarly articles within the field of Political Science. I scrutinized these articles to determine whether they would be appropriate for Dr. Forestiere to incorporate as examples into the newest edition of her research methods textbook, Beginning Research in Political Science.

I cooperatively organized a five-day service-learning experience exploring homelessness in Baltimore from a variety of perspectives, through engaging with nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. I also engaged in fundraising and budgeting efforts to ensure participants’ food and housing needs were met.

While at GAO, I collaborated within a team to prepare background material for report interviews. I also was involved in leading interviews, and in analyzing quantitative and qualitative information, to be used in the development of a GAO report.

As an intern with UMBC Hillel, I designed and initiated creative events surrounding Jewish holidays. I also gained a greater understanding of how members of the UMBC community view social justice and community engagement.

I evaluated federal and state legislative and budgetary information, related to mental health and suicide prevention. I also assisted in the development and execution of the annual Advocacy Forum.

As a Camp Assistant, I coordinated beforecare and aftercare activities for children enrolled in the program. I also ensured that activities during the camp sessions ran smoothly, and that the class instructor as well as the students were on task during the day.

As an intern with the Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network, I conducted case research involving federal immigration laws and informal policies. In an independent research project, I focused on unaccompanied minors and the challenges they face coming to the United States. Please view the Projects section of my profile for more details.

Supported decision making is a term that encompasses a variety of alternatives to adult guardianship, most of which provide an individual with the opportunity to make their own decisions with help from others on actualizing their choices. As an intern, I contributed to the Maryland portion of a "50 State Review of Supported Decision Making" exploring laws, policies, and practices within the state. As a part of the review, I conducted research on how much autonomy policies within special education, financial, and medical sectors provided individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.