Introducing our Spring 2017 USF in Washington, D.C. Fellows

USF in DC participants are undergraduate students selected for a semester-long program in Washington, D.C. that integrates a full-time internship with relevant coursework taught by USF faculty and University of California Washington Program (UC DC) faculty. Students choose from a range of elective courses and internship opportunities that meet their interests and skill sets and spend their semester engaging with peers from across the country in the heart of the capital, where they will live, learn, and explore all that DC has to offer. Meet our current cohort of USF in DC students and learn about their hopes and expectations for the coming semester.

Joshua Berman, Politics ’18

Josh is a Newmark Scholar and will be interning with Bose Public Affairs Group as a legislative intern. He plans on using his time at the firm to build his knowledge of advancing legislative strategies related to science and technology, education, and energy policy issues to guide him toward his goal of becoming a lobbyist. During his time in D.C., Josh hopes to gain hands-on advocacy experience that he will bring back to USF and the San Francisco political system.

Luxinaree Bunmathong, International Studies ’17

“Luxinaree will be interning for the Stimson Center in their Managing Across Boundaries department. She plans to utilize her internship to develop research and writing skills to guide her towards her goal of becoming a senior analyst at a think tank. During her time in D.C., Luxinaree hopes to gain hands-on experience in regards to environmental policies that she will be able to take back with her to USF.

Sofia Greco-Byrne, Politics ’18

Sofia will be interning for Senator Jeanne Shaheen‘s office on the Hill during her time in DC. She hopes to gain a better understanding for how Congress operates while also aiding a lawmaker who believes in the same progressive values she does.

Maggie Fields, Environmental Studies ’18

Maggie, is a Newmark Scholar  and will be interning for Congressman Jared Huffman. As an Environmental Studies student, she hopes to bring a fresh perspective to The Hill. She plans to strengthen her administrative experience and obtain first-hand exposure to the legislative process while interning. She hopes this internship will be a catalyst for her future in environmental justice and policy.

Ayah Fawaz-Farouk Mouhktar, Media Studies ’18

Ayah Mouhktar, a recipient of both a Betty L. Blakley Scholar and a Newmark Scholar award,  will be interning for Common Sense Media in their Kids Action Department. She plans to use her internship to build on her knowledge of policy and advocacy on behalf of America’s kids and education. During her time in D.C., Ayah hopes to gain experience in working in our nation’s capital and seeing real change occur through the hardwork done by non-profits and applying that knowledge in her last year back at USF and in San Francisco.

Giorgia Scelzo, Organizational Behavior and Leadership ’18

Giorgia is a Finance Major minoring in Politics and hopes to intern in Congress having the goal to combine her passions for business and politics to promote democracy. As an established hard worker, Giorgia hopes to gain Capitol Hill experience in public policy making, national security and international relations. These are experiences she will bring back to her USF community.

Kaylee Van der Zee, Politics ’18

Kaylee Van der Zee will be interning for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, in the Fundraising & Direct Marketing department. She is looking forward to spending a semester in the nation’s capital and hopefully gain the skills that will prepare her for a career in politics.