Prize Awarded to Authors of “Beyond Roe,” a Critical and Timely Examination of Access to Reproductive Health Services in New York State

The Fall 2018 CLPS research interns at their presentation of findings. From left: Megan Weis, Katie Gowing, Florencia Feleder, Vannessa Taylor, Kaidy Mendez, and CLPS Executive Director Dr. Katie Zuber.

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government is awarding the first-ever Rosado Prize, named in honor of New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, to the fall 2018 undergraduate research interns at the Institute’s Center for Law & Policy Solutions. The five interns published “Beyond Roe: The State of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in New York State,” a clear and critical analysis of the legal and structural issues that determine access to women’s reproductive health services in the context of the potential weakening of federal protections.

The paper — written by Florencia Feleder, Katie Gowing, Kaidy Mendez, Vannessa Taylor, and Megan Weis — recently won the inaugural First Penguin Undergraduate Research Award from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany. It also received statewide media coverage upon its release in January.

The Rockefeller Institute created the Rosado Prize in March 2019 to honor Secretary Rosado’s advancement of underrepresented groups in New York State government and leadership positions throughout the state. The $500 award supports professional development opportunities for the diverse research interns of the Center for Law & Policy Solutions internship program. Each winner will receive $100.

“I am honored to see these five outstanding individuals receive this recognition,” said New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “Their comprehensive research resulted in a must-read guide of how we got to the point where the federal government and other states have started an unfortunate trend of rolling back women’s reproductive rights — and how we must move forward against this dangerous tide. Through their work, these women have produced an expert-level understanding of a complex topic that impacts us all. Policymakers across the country would be well-served to read and absorb their work. I look forward to watching their impact on the world.”

“Secretary Rosado has set an example for how to lift up the voices of underrepresented communities and build more inclusive institutions,” said Rockefeller Institute President Jim Malatras. “We’re proud to award the first Rosado Prize to this diverse and impressive group of future leaders. Under the guidance of Center for Law & Policy Solutions Executive Director Dr. Katie Zuber, they have set a high standard for the Center’s internship program. I would encourage every New Yorker to read their findings and follow the excellent, timely policy recommendations coming out of this program.”

The Center for Law & Policy Solutions’ paid internship program partners undergraduate students with Institute staff to investigate a single topic of state or national importance each semester. At the end of the semester, they publish their findings in a formal report and deliver a public presentation to fellow researchers, policymakers, and the press. These students were from the University at Albany.

The internship program helps expand opportunities for the students, often leading to continued participation in applied learning and research experiences. The Rosado Prize will open new possibilities for professional development and career advancement for these students, both past and future.

Read “Beyond Roe: The State of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in New York State” here.

Learn more about the Center for Law & Policy Solutions at rockinst.org/CLPS