Undergraduate research interns will work with policy experts to examine state-level policy to address per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS)

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government is proud to announce the selection of four outstanding young undergraduate scholars to its Center for Law & Policy Solutions (CLPS) Spring 2024  Research Internship. The fellows will work under the guidance of CLPS Director Laura Rabinow.

“The Institute is excited to welcome this cohort of young scholars for the spring semester,” said Bob Megna, president of the Rockefeller Institute. “Through a hands-on research approach, the CLPS program has been an invaluable professional development vehicle for students seeking to enter the public policy arena. We look forward to the results of their semester of research.”

As part of their fellowship, Center for Law & Policy Solutions students will expand the Institute’s research into state-level policies to address per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), including broadening the scope of the Institute’s PFAS Policy Dashboard to include data on legislation from 2023.

This group of students represents the latest cohort for the Center for Law & Policy Solutions, which has, since 2018, provided professional development experience to students through research and development of practical solutions to pressing public policy issues.

The CLPS spring 2024 research interns are:

Imani Julianna Brown
Imani Julianna Brown is a senior at the University at Albany studying public policy and management with a focus in environmental policy and a minor in communication. She is a member of the Women in Law Association (WILA) on campus and received the Dr. Seth Spellman, Jr. Academic Achievement Award in 2021 and 2022. During her fall senior semester, she served as a student intern in the New York State Attorney General’s Office in the Environmental Protection Bureau. There she was able to get hands-on experience researching current environmental challenges, such as Superfund sites and climate change, and studying laws, like New York’s Cumulative Impacts Bill. She also supported staff in compiling information for their weekly environmental justice newsletter. After graduation, she would like to work in city government and is considering pursuing a law degree. Imani is a native New Yorker from Brooklyn.

Joselena Joseph
Joselena Joseph is a proud first-generation senior at the University at Albany, majoring in sociology with a minor in law philosophy. In spring 2023, she completed the New York State Assembly Internship, spearheading the first anti-gun violence initiative of the Hon. Assemblywoman Monique Chandler Waterman for which she received a Certificate of Honor. Over the last year, she has worked as a dedicated childhood enrichment leader at School’s Out in Delmar, NY, to children ages five to 10 years old. In addition, she is a three-time Dr. Seth Spellman, Jr. Academic Achievement Award recipient, a Kristen Prendergast Award for Exemplary Attitude & Professionalism recipient, and a proud member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. After graduation, she looks forward to furthering her interest in service through law school.

Zuhayr Bin Badrul Nizar
Zuhayr Bin Badrul Nizar is a senior at the University of Albany from Saratoga County. He is majoring in economics with a minor in political science and is concurrently pursuing a master’s in public administration through a combined degree program. He is involved in various campus organizations, serving in the chapter outreach position for the United Nations Association (UNA-USA) University at Albany chapter. He has received the Capital District Leadership Award, Dean’s List of Distinguished Students, and Dr. Seth Spellman, Jr. Academic Achievement Award. After completing his bachelor’s and master’s, he plans to pursue a PhD in economics and leverage his experience to serve the public good through government.

Biancamaria Scricco
Biancamaria Scricco is a senior at the University at Albany from Long Island, majoring in political science and English. She is involved on campus as a writing and critical inquiry peer mentor, community assistant for a Living Learning Community, and a volunteering student leader for the RED Bookshelf. In the past, she interned as a research assistant under Dr. Christine Bird examining media coverage of the Federalist Society. After completing her degree, she plans to pursue a master’s in political science at the University at Albany.