Undergraduate research interns will partner with policy experts to study environmental justice policies
Cohort will be supported by a new graduate assistant
Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government has selected six University at Albany and SUNY Empire State College undergraduates for the spring 2021 Center for Law & Policy Solutions (CLPS) research internship, which partners students with policy experts to conduct intensive research on a topic of state or national importance.
This spring, the CLPS interns will examine research topics related to the history of environmental justice policy in the United States and consider current examples of state and local policies designed to address environmental justice issues. At the end of the semester, they will present their findings to policymakers, researchers, and the public in a formal report and presentation.
“The Center for Law and Policy Solutions research internship program has been very successful,” said Laura Schultz, director of research of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. “With this sixth cohort of students, we are excited for new CLPS Director Laura Rabinow to carry on the tradition of overseeing excellent research while providing valuable professional learning experiences and networking opportunities for undergraduate students.”
“I’m eager to get to know these students and work with them on such an important research topic,” said CLPS Director Laura Rabinow. “The confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasingly frequent and devastating weather events, and recent social justice movements has brought to light environmental health disparities that policy can and should work to address. With this group I look forward to advancing our understanding of environmental justice policies and the positive impacts they can have.”
The spring 2021 CLPS research interns are:
- Genevieve “Evie” Bombard is majoring in political science and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at the University at Albany. Bombard is a member of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Teaching Collective, through which she is conducting research and developing lesson plans based in feminist pedagogical principles. Bombard has worked in food and customer service, where she has developed skills to navigate sensitive situations with empathy and a focus on resolution. Prior to her studies, Bombard was an active member of her hometown community as a member of the Gay Straight Alliance, an organizer for events on gun violence, and an intern at the Schodack Town Hall.
- Joshua Kapczynski is majoring in community and human services at SUNY Empire State College, with a concentration in emergency services. He has spent over 15 years serving in the Albany Fire Department, where he has been a lieutenant for the last five years. Prior to his public service, Kapczynski earned an associate’s degree from Hudson Valley Community College and a Jewish studies certificate from Philadelphia Biblical University. He is an active member of his community, volunteering for food distribution and fundraising for local organizations with Christ’s Church in Albany and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Delmar.
- Azania “Sammie” Maitland is majoring in political science and business, management, and economics at SUNY Empire State College and Hunter College. At SUNY Empire, Maitland co-founded the college’s student government association and has acted as its interim president. Currently, she is an intern in Congressman Hakeem Jeffries’ office, where she has been working to support the district office and constituents through the pandemic. Previously, Maitland worked as a yoga instructor, volunteering with local hospitals to provide classes for staff members.
- Catherine Reed is majoring in political science at the University at Albany. Reed is a member of the Presidential Honors Society and the Students for Sustainability Club. Most recently, Reed interned in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Albany district office supporting constituent services and public events leading up to the pandemic. While at the University at Albany, Reed also worked for the Mancabelli Law office near Buffalo, where she has conducted legal research and assisted in various projects to increase practice efficiency, including those related to Women’s Business Enterprise certification.
- Imari Roque is majoring in political science and minoring in Latin American and Caribbean studies at the University at Albany. Through her studies, she has contributed to research on the impacts of immigration policy on second generation children. Roque previously interned for the New York City Department of Education working in school counseling and guidance at the Bronx Academy for Software Engineering. In addition to her studies, Roque is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, the Student Association Elections Commission, and the Serendipity Women’s Acapella Group. Roque has been awarded scholarships by Comité Noviembre and the New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.
- Hoshi Salcedo is majoring in public policy at SUNY Empire State College. Both prior to and throughout her studies, Salcedo has worked with Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Guardian Services helping unaccompanied minors navigate refugee resettlement programs in the Bronx. In addition to this work, she also assists young adults in residential group home settings. Salcedo’s interest in public policy was spurred by her experiences working with young people and children in the immigration system. After completing her degree, Salcedo’s goal is to attend an MPA/JD program so that she can effect change through public policy.
The cohort will be further supported by Graduate Assistant Erin Vallely. Vallely is in the final year of earning her master’s degree in social and public policy with an advanced certification in healthcare management from SUNY Empire State College. She graduated summa cum laude from Wells College with her BA in sociology and anthropology and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Most recently, Vallely worked as a political writer and special projects assistant at the Center for Disability Rights and served on the board of directors at the Finger Lakes Independence Center. Vallely’s experiences as a wheelchair user have led her to pursue a career in political advocacy with an emphasis on disability rights and healthcare disparities.