Center for Law & Policy Solutions
FALL 2025

As part of their research internship, the Center for Law & Policy Solutions students will conduct a county-by-county assessment of how Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are being used in New York State in order to develop a better sense of where these tools are working and where they might be improved.

Meet the Cohort

Zeinab Toure

Zeinab Toure

Center for Law & Policy Solutions Research Intern

Zeinab Toure is a senior at the University at Albany, double-majoring in political science and economics. She is involved with the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Dean’s Leadership Council on campus, where she participates in organizing networking events for students and facilitates connections between students and faculty members. She previously interned as an advisory intern for the Permanent Mission of Côte d’Ivoire at the United Nations, where she had the opportunity to attend daily conferences and experience firsthand how global issues are collaboratively addressed by countries. Toure is eager to further develop her interest and understanding of state government and public policy analysis.

Read More
Andrea Trifunovic

Andrea Trifunovic

Center for Law & Policy Solutions Research Intern

Andrea Trifunovic is a junior at the University at Albany, double-majoring in political science and history with a minor in English. She is part of the Women’s Rowing team at UAlbany. She was previously a research assistant for Dr. Ashley Fox, comparing different international universal healthcare systems. Trifunovic intends to attend law school after graduation to continue her passion for helping others through the law.

Read More
Sanaa Woodley

Sanaa Woodley

Center for Law & Policy Solutions Research Intern

Sanaa Woodley is a senior at the University at Albany, where she is pursuing a dual major in political science and sociology, alongside a minor in Africana studies. She is deeply committed to advocating for equitable policy and justice. Throughout her academic journey, Woodley has demonstrated exceptional leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills through various impactful roles, such as a third-year resident assistant in a first-year quad, a FAFSA/TAP ambassador, a 2025 NLNY leader for the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, and a youth justice scholar at the New York State Youth Justice Institute, among others. Her academic excellence has been consistently recognized, with six consecutive semesters on the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students and as a three-time recipient of the Dr. Seth Spellman Academic Achievement Award. In spring 2024, Woodley championed research on the history of Black-owned businesses in Albany, focusing on the effects of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implications of limited investment and interest in these businesses. Her work aims to shed light on the detrimental impact of a lack of Black dollars and investment on the success of Black businesses. Woodley plans to continue her education after graduation to pursue a master’s in public policy or attend law school in New York.

Read More
Tenzin Yingsal

Tenzin Yingsal

Center for Law & Policy Solutions Research Intern

Tenzin Yingsal is a junior at the University at Albany double majoring in political science and communications. She is a proud member of the Rockefeller College Dean’s Leadership Council and a recipient of the Dr. Seth Spellman Jr. Academic Achievement Award. Most recently, she served as the NYC intergovernmental affairs intern in the Executive Chamber of Governor Kathy Hochul, where she conducted research, drafted potential project portfolios, and supported strategic outreach efforts. Her previous experience includes advocating for college affordability and student well-being as a young advocate with Young Invincibles and coordinating community events and legislative initiatives in the office of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga. On campus, she holds leadership roles as the professional development chair of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and secretary of the Women in Law Association. She also supports student engagement through her work as a welcome leader during Orientation season and as a former senate clerk for the UAlbany Student Association. After graduation, she plans to pursue a law degree and continue her commitment to public service and underserved communities.

Read More