Current Students

Co-chairs:

Danni Lewis (2026) dmlewis

I am a senior concentrating in American Politics. This summer, I worked with the SKDK firm, partnering with clients within the education and political sectors to manage branding and strategy. I applied my previous experience at Fenton Communications, where I was involved in pitching and media outreach for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. As part of that role, I facilitated interviews with news outlets and researchers. In 2023, I worked as a Development intern at the Harlem Children’s Zone, focusing on nonprofit outreach and funding. Last fall, I studied abroad at University College London in the Political Science department.

Katherine LoCascio (2026) klocascio

I am a rising senior (Class of 2026). I am pursuing majors in History, Psychology, and Government with an American Politics concentration. This past spring, I went abroad to Athens, Greece, and had an amazing time there. At Wes, I work with the Wesleyan Media Project. Last summer, I was a legislative intern in Congressman Eric Swalwell's D.C. office, where I found a passion for researching legislation and writing policy recommendations. This past summer, I took on two roles, both as a Government Affairs Intern with a large nonprofit, ServiceSource, and as an intern at the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. This year, I will be the liaison for WesACLU and will continue to be involved in Outing Club leadership. I am writing a government department thesis about plaintiff and case selection in movement litigation. After graduation, I plan to return to Capitol Hill and eventually pursue a law degree. 

Committee Members:

Leonidas Boutris (2027)

I am a rising junior at Wesleyan University majoring in Government with an interdisciplinary focus in comparative politics. My academic interests center on the intersection of international relations, political theory, and economic development, with particular attention to how institutional structures and government regulations impact the economy, public and private. I have interned in financial services for two summers at Morgan Stanley and will be interning at K&L Gates for summer 2026.

Patrick Brady (2027)

I am a rising Junior concentrating in American Politics under the Government Major. I am also completing the Data Analysis and Planetary Science minors. My specific interest is to pursue policy and regulation as it intersects with space exploration and commercial launch companies, and I have been enjoying classes in the government department that have taught me about policy writing and research of public opinion. I am also very interested in the government at large and care about local communities. Last semester I joined the Wesleyan Institute for Policy and worked with fellow government majors on a project to help River Valley Transit make changes to their network. I also spend time tutoring Middletown Students through a program with the JCCP, and am joining the Wesleyan Writers Room as a writing tutor this semester. 

 

Peyton Brill (2026) pbrill

I am a senior majoring in Government (American Politics focus) and Theater. Outside of the classroom, I am a Marketing Manager as well as an actor in the student-run theater group, Spike Tape, and a part of both The Argus and Arcadia Political Review. Furthermore, I am a Tour Guide at the Office of Admissions and a Barista at Pi Café.

Tiana Cabrera (2027)

I am a member of the Class of 2027, concentrating in International Relations and East Asian Studies. I am originally from Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, and I am of Chinese, Chamorro, and White heritage.

This past semester, I studied abroad in London at Queen Mary University, where I took a course on British Politics and gained first-hand insight into comparative political systems. This summer, I interned for my home district in the U.S. House of Representatives, where I developed media projects to help our Congresswoman King-Hinds engage with constituents back in the Marianas and highlight her work in the community. I aim to leverage my experience to foster a more collaborative and engaging community within the Government Department, involving students and faculty members. 

Milo Chamberlin (2026) mchamberlin

I am Milo Chamberlin, a rising senior, double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Government with a concentration in Political Theory. As a COE fellow this summer, I studied how the Los Angeles City Council's political patronage devalues community efforts to conserve the Mountain Lion. 

Cecilia Briana Foldessy-Stiegemeier (2026)

 

Saul Ferholt-Kahn (2027)

I'm a junior double majoring in Government (with a concentration in American Politics) & the College of Social Studies, with a minor in Film Studies. On campus, I'm a Research Assistant Lead at the Wesleyan Media Project, where I contribute to our database of TV and digital political advertising by and for federal and gubernatorial candidates. I also proudly serve on the Wesleyan Student Assembly and organize with the United Student-Labor Action Coalition. Back home, I've worked on several local political campaigns, leading fundraising, digital communications, organizing, and research efforts. I'm always happy to talk about political organizing, musical theater, and where to eat in NYC!

Anabel Goode (2027)

I am in the Class of 2027 and a Comparative concentration. I am studying abroad at Oxford this Fall, doing tutorials in Imperial History and Russian Politics. At Wesleyan, I am a News Editor for the Argus and I help with admin work at the Center for the Study of Guns and Society.

Montana Gura (2027)

I am a rising Junior majoring in Government and minoring in Human Rights Advocacy (with a potential additional minor in environmental studies or planetary science). Presently, I work as a Legislative Intern for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro in her Washington, D.C. office. I am deeply passionate about community organising, political engagement, social justice and environmental advocacy, and all things music. At Wesleyan, I serve as a WSA Senator on the Equity and Inclusion Committee, an Editor for the Wesleyan Human Rights Policy Review, the Financial Manager and an Event Coordinator for The Shed, and I lead Uproar Collective. Additionally, I work for the Office of Residential Life as a Residential Advisor and for the Office of Student Involvement as a member of the Concert Committee. Further, I work as a Live Sound Engineer for Sound Co-Op, a driver for the WesGo community rideshare service, and as a childcare provider. Concurrently, I volunteer for political campaigns, write/play/perform/record/mix/release music with my band montana&thescarf (among other bands, and individually), and host a radio show as a DJ on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown. In all of my work, I dedicate myself to upholding the values of universal design, equity, empathy, creativity, and curiosity.

 

Nargis Hussain (2027)

I am a rising junior majoring in Government with a concentration in International Relations and minoring in Human Rights Advocacy. I plan to study abroad in the spring semester, either in Lisbon, Portugal, or Athens, Greece, to fulfill requirements for my Human Rights Advocacy minor. In addition to my academic focus, I work as a Marketing Assistant for Wesleyan University’s Resource Center, where I help develop and implement strategies to promote events and initiatives across campus. I am also a member of the Wesleyan Institute for Policy Research, where I participate in the Social Core. This experience has strengthened my ability to think critically about policy challenges while also honing my skills in teamwork, communication, and applied research. I see this work as deeply connected to my Government major and Human Rights Advocacy minor, as it allows me to bridge academic study with real-world applications.

Isabella Hosey (2026)

I am a senior double-majoring in Comparative Government and Anthropology. Outside of class, I am a part of Wesleyan's Chapter of the ACLU and the Wesleyan Democrats. I am also a teacher in a dance club on campus. This past summer, I had two internships. For the first half of the summer, I worked as a legal intern for a securities litigation firm before I became a student intern at the New York City Family Court through the New York Unified Court System's student aide program. After graduating, I plan to work as a paralegal before attending law school to become a public interest lawyer, in hopes of becoming an immigration lawyer or a capital defense attorney. 

Elizabeth Immel (2026)

I am from Long Island, New York and I am a double major in Government with a concentration in American Government and Psychology at Wesleyan University. I work as an Orientation Leader at Wesleyan, helping incoming students integrate into campus life and serving as a resource for them. This past summer, I was a Team Advisor for a pre-college program titled the National Student Leadership Convention where I guided high school students through college-level sports management activities and professional development lectures. I am the varsity team captain of Wesleyan’s Swim and Dive team for the 2025-2026 year. 

Jake Karmin (2027)

I am a rising junior majoring in Government (American Politics) with a minor in History. This past summer, I interned at a personal injury law firm (Steinger, Greene & Feiner), which solidified my interest in the field of jurisprudence. On campus, I serve as one of thirteen voting members on Wesleyan’s Community Standards Board; in addition, I am a member of our Varsity Football team. For this upcoming Winter and Spring Semesters, I have been selected to study Political Science at Dartmouth College through the Twelve College Exchange Program. After graduation, I plan to pursue a J.D. and a career in corporate law.

Cynthia Lei (2027)

I am an incoming junior who recently declared in Government, hoping to concentrate in comparative politics. I am minoring in the College of East Asian Studies and serves as the outreach chair for the Wesleyan Asian American Student Collective. I enjoys bouldering, binging sitcoms, and a good smoothie. 

Amal Mallick (2027)

I am a Government major with a concentration in International Relations, minoring in Data Analytics and Global Engagement. I have been actively engaged in the Government Department through my research work with Professor Kolby Hanson on his book and my ongoing project with Professors Dancey and Grillo in the Government and Civic Engagement Department. These experiences have given me the opportunity to collaborate closely with faculty members which is valuable in liaising between students and professors.

My passion for Government, especially in International Relations, extends beyond campus. I am currently interning with the United Nations Permanent Mission of Pakistan as a Policy Adviser, where I contribute to policy analysis and attend high level diplomatic meetings. 

Oona Meier (2026) omeier

I am Oona Meier from Brooklyn, New York. I am a senior and majoing in Philosophy and Government with a concentration is in Comparative Politics. In exploring the Government major, by taking classes in each concentration, I have found some of the most inspiring professors and peers. 

Riya Patel (2026) rpatel

I am a senior at Wesleyan University. I am double majoring in Government (with a concentration in American Politics) and Psychology. This past summer, I interned with Sewa International's South Jersey Chapter, focusing on community outreach, event planning, and fundraising initiatives. At Wesleyan, I’m an active member of Shakti, the South Asian student association, as well as Cardinal Kids, Traverse Square, and Food Rescue. I studied abroad in Copenhagen through the DIS Program focusing on pyschology and Government. I have a passion for mental health advocacy, political psychology, criminal justice, and policy analysis.

Alana Penoyer (2027)

I am a junior double majoring in Government, with a concentration in American Politics, and History. I'm born and raised outside of Portland, Oregon and have enjoyed my summer at home exploring new cafes and hiking spots. I recently wrapped up my internship with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden in his Portland office; the opportunity to learn under my representative, for a place I hold so close to me, has been such a formative experience. At Wesleyan, I am a tutor at Traverse Square, where I help kids ranging from ages three to twelve with their homework and connect with them through other recreational activities. I am also a member of the Wesleyan American Civil Liberties Union and play clarinet in the school's Chamber Music Ensemble. 

Sofie Reitema (2026) sreitema

I am a senior majoring in Government (International Relations). I am also majoring in Economics and minoring in Data Analysis. I interned at a local bank, Northern Credit Union, supporting their Owner Solutions team and learning about the world of banking. I’ve previously interned with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, where I was able to learn about inter-governmental operations and helped support the completion of various reports. This spring, I plan to study abroad in London, England where I am excited to further my studies in international relations. At Wesleyan, I work with the University Network for Human Rights as a GIS assistant. I have a passion for international law and politics, which makes me excited about the opportunity to take more international relations classes at Wesleyan and abroad in the Spring.

SJ Schaeffer (2027)

I am a double major in Government and History. My academic interests center on political theory and the relationship between state power, liberty, and democratic participation. I am very interested in the aesthetics of politics in relation to fascism, as well as American cultural politics over the last 30 years. I am also interested in the intersection of politics and urban life, particularly how governance, space, and community identity interact. Outside the classroom, I will be involved with Wesleyan Business Review, helping recruit writers, coordinating communication between contributors and editors, and ensuring columns stay on track with deadlines. I am also a Co-captain of the Wesleyan Club Soccer Team, which I will resume in the spring upon my return to Campus. I will be studying abroad during the Fall 2025 semester in London at Queen Mary University.

Nishaad Vinayak (2026)

I am Nish, a senior majoring in Government (International Relations) and Economics. My academic interests span the breadth of the Government Department, with a focus on how government actions and policies shape global decision-making and spark political uprisings. I am also a geography enthusiast, fascinated by the role of land and resources in geopolitics. After graduation, I plan to work full-time while continuing to explore the intersection of the public and private sectors, ultimately pursuing a JD and a career in the legal field.

Xinyue (Cindy) Wang (2027)

I am a senior in the Class of 2026, triple-majoring in Government, Economics, and Theater. Outside of class, I am involved in Wesleyan Mock Trial, WesEdge, and mainstage theater productions. I am interested in discovering how public policy benefits everyone and in conducting legislative research. This past summer, I served as a political canvasser for the Public Fund for Interest in Massachusetts, where I advocated to local residents about protecting the environment by urging the governor to ban bee-killing pesticides and save our pollinators. This semester, Fall 2025, I will begin a congressional internship in Congressman Jim Himes’s Bridgeport office, where I hope to learn more about how a district office supports its community and fosters growth. After graduation, I plan to pursue a J.D. and a career in law.

Helen Xie (2027)

I'm a Government (Comparative Politics) and College of Social Studies double major, and am pursuing an Applied Data Science Certificate. I've studied abroad in the past, studying Russian in Latvia and in Estonia. On campus, I serve as the financial manager for Wesleyan Refugee Project, and tutor with Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services as a volunteer with WRP. I'm also a Research Assistant and Lead for Wesleyan Media Project, where I help contribute to a database of TV and digital political advertising.

Are there any specific courses I should take if I want to become a Government major?

No. To be admitted as a major, you must complete at least one government course with a grade of B- or better, and at the time you submit your major declaration, your General Education Report must show that you have already, by the end of your third semester at Wesleyan, completed Stage 1 of the General Education Expectations.

There are four introductory courses. Which one should I take?

Each of the introductory courses corresponds to one of the four concentrations (GOVT 151 corresponds to American; GOVT 155 to international relations; GOVT 157 to comparative; and GOVT 159 to political theory). You should look at the concentration descriptions on the website before making a decision. 

Do I have to learn statistics if I want to major in Government?

Taking a course in statistics is recommended, but not required, for the major. Political scientists use diverse quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The Government Department routinely offers courses in statistics and methodology. Many Government majors use knowledge acquired in such courses to improve their research projects.

How do I get AP credit toward the major?

The Government Department will not approve Advanced Placement credit toward the major or toward graduation.

Since I can remember, I’ve had a deep interest in coming to Kenya; I find the landscapes so beautiful, and for some reason, there’s just always been such a personal draw to this country in particular. Thus, it only made sense to study abroad here, and SFS Kenya seemed like an experience I would have a very hard time replicating elsewhere or at another point in my life. As a Government major and Human Rights Advocacy minor, choosing a program fully outside of my typical coursework also appealed to me as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As of right now, one lesson I’ll take away from this program is to really lean into the Side Quest, especially if it’s personally challenging/safely scary. Choose the thing that’s going to blow Past-You’s mind, and that Future-You will be able to look back on with love, respect, and pride. I’m only halfway through my program, so I’m sure I’ll find many more lessons in my remaining time here, especially as we continue to travel and learn across Kenya and Tanzania.