Undergraduate research interns will partner with policy experts to study state-level universal pre-kindergarten programs

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government is excited to announce four University at Albany students as fall 2022 Center for Law & Policy Solutions (CLPS) undergraduate research interns.

During the semester, interns will focus their research on early childhood education and childcare policy. In particular, they will be looking at state-level universal pre-kindergarten programs. At the end of the semester, the research team will present their findings to an audience of policymakers, researchers, and the public in a formal report and presentation. The students will be advised by CLPS Director and Rockefeller Institute Deputy Director of Research Laura Rabinow.

“The CLPS internship is an excellent on-ramp for students looking to immerse themselves in public policy research,” said Rockefeller Institute Executive Director of Research Laura Schultz. “This program has done an excellent job connecting a diverse group of students to policymakers and experts and we look forward to carrying on that work with this outstanding cohort of students.”

The fall 2022 CLPS research interns are:

Manal Alawsaj
Manal Alawsaj is a senior at the University at Albany from Utica, majoring in political science with a minor in psychology. She holds an associate’s degree in public policy from Mohawk Valley Community College. After attaining her bachelor’s degree, she intends to pursue law school with the hope of helping advocate for refugees and immigrants.

Max Berman
Max Berman is a junior in the Honors College at the University at Albany from Queens, majoring in political science, with a minor in economics. More broadly, Berman has previously worked as senior camp counselor caring and organizing activities for six- and seven-year-olds, as well as supervising junior counselors. He first got involved in public policy and politics in 2017 through a local mayoral campaign as a volunteer canvasser. Since then, he has volunteered on a presidential campaign doing voter outreach and worked as an intern for the Monroe County Democratic Committee on communications and media projects. After completing his degree, Berman plans to continue working in electoral politics, with the goal of becoming a campaign manager.

Teuta Mujal
Teuta Mujaj is a junior at the University at Albany from Staten Island, majoring in public policy and management with minors in public health and women’s gender and sexuality studies. She is involved in various on-campus organizations and has worked as the director of fundraising for the charity office’s Dance Marathon, as well as a member of the Gender and Sexuality Concerns office. Her passion and previous experience primarily lie in nonprofit and advocacy work. After completing her master’s degree in public administration, she plans to pursue a career in hospital administration.

Kayla Rankin
Kayla Rankin is a junior at the University at Albany from Queens, double majoring in political science and sociology. She is an intern in the Office of Sustainability, the Juvenile Justice Committee chair for the university’s chapter of the NAACP, the public relations chair of Precizun Step team, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Outside of her campus involvement, Kayla has interned in the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. In the spring of 2022, she received the Award for Undergraduate Excellence from the Rockefeller Institute’s Future Leaders in Policy Competition. After graduating, she wants to be an advocate for women, children, and African Americans and help address food insecurity, incarceration, and the need for affordable housing.