Undergraduate research interns will work with policy experts to examine fashion legislation and regulations across New York and California

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government is proud to announce the selection of four outstanding University at Albany undergraduate scholars to its Center for Law & Policy Solutions (CLPS) Fall 2024 Research Internship. The interns will work under the guidance of CLPS Program Coordinator Zan Strumfeld and Laura Rabinow, Rockefeller Institute deputy director of research.

As part of their research internship, Center for Law & Policy Solutions students will examine legislation around the fashion industry across key states and at the federal level, specifically focusing on labor, environmental impacts, and consumer health.

“At the Institute, we’re excited to continue to find ways to connect students to experts and policymakers while they develop their skills as researchers,” said Bob Megna, president of the Rockefeller Institute. “We’re looking forward to a rigorous, action-packed semester for this cohort of CLPS students as they hone their skills as scholars and become more familiar with the policymaking environment.”

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 fall 2024 research interns are:

Danielle Carpenter
Danielle Carpenter, a sophomore at the University at Albany, is majoring in public policy and management and minoring in law philosophy and history. She is a proud member of the summer 2024 orientation team and the University at Albany Honors College. Her involvement in the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW) as the junior board community service chair is a testament to her passion for public service. She previously received the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students and the Dr. Seth Spellman Jr. Academic Achievement Award. After completing her degree, she intends to further her passion for public service through law school.

Jada Reid
Jada Reid is a junior at the University at Albany, pursuing a double major in communications and art. She is an active member of ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), a global student organization affiliated with the World Mission Society Church of God. Through her involvement with ASEZ, Jada is deeply engaged in initiatives that address critical global issues, such as victim relief and environmental change, which has given her valuable experience in tackling complex social challenges. Reid is excited to continue to explore the intersection of theory and practice in policy and discover how her skills in communication and art can be leveraged to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Sophia Schinelli
Sophia Schinelli is a senior at the University at Albany working toward a bachelor’s degree in political science concentrating on international politics. She is a double minor in Judaic studies and women, gender, and sexuality studies. Schinelli is an active member in clubs like the Women in Law Society (WILA) and The Pre-Law Society, and she serves as the treasurer of Project Sunshine, a volunteering organization. She has also had experience supporting her university and community while furthering her skills through positions like research archivist, teaching assistant, and other volunteering roles. Additionally, Schinelli interned at the New York State Attorney General’s Office under the Public Information and Correspondence Unit during summer 2024. Schinelli looks forward to creating a career in public service after graduation by pursuing a law degree and/or master’s in public administration.

Mickey Zheng
Mickey Zheng is a junior at the University at Albany double majoring in public policy and economics and double minoring in Korean and international studies. She was a former research assistant for Dr. Joanna Dreby, researching the effects of immigration enforcement on children of immigrants during her freshman year. Zheng also studied abroad at Seoul National University in South Korea in spring 2024. She was a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and Critical Language Scholarship to study abroad in South Korea. She also received the Great Dane Academic Leadership Award in 2024 and was a two-time recipient of the Dr. Seth Spellman Jr. Academic Achievement Award. Zheng interned with Alliance for Clean Energy New York as a clean energy policy intern focusing on the development of New York’s Cap-and-Invest Program. She is considering obtaining either a law degree or master’s in international affairs and work in foreign service.

About the Center for Law and Policy Solutions

Focusing on a single topic each semester, the Center for Law & Policy Solutions’ undergraduate internship program seeks to help policymakers, community organizers, and the public develop practical solutions to pressing public policy issues. Learn more at rockinst.org/clps.