In July 2022 a cohort of graduate and undergraduate research fellows traveled to Washington DC with CGO National Outreach Director, Mia Love, to present their research to members of Congress. Over the course of two days, the students were able to share their findings and the real-world impacts with eight policymakers.
The cohort kicked off the trip with Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT04) where they discussed their research.
Undergraduate fellow Tyson Bomsta presented his research on vehicle mileage taxes to Reps. Owens and Chris Stewart (R-UT02).
Logan Krebs, one of the cohort’s graduate research fellows, shared his research on alternatives to immigrant detentions with Rep. Young Kim (R-CA39) and Joe Neguse (D-CO02).
Undergraduate fellow Alexis Fadel spoke with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott about how to make plea bargaining more equitable for defendants.
“I definitely think this program provided value for me,” Fadel reflected. “It gave me a lot more confidence in my speaking ability, and I had the opportunity to create connections with so many people. It was a very empowering experience for me.”
Harrison Naftel, a graduate fellow, shared his research on conservation easements with Reps. Jay Overnolte (R-CA08), Blake Moore (R-UT01), and Joe Neguse. Following his discussions,
“How many people coming out of grad school can say they have presented their own research to members of Congress?” said Naftel. “The experience is invaluable, especially for someone who wants to work in public policy.”
“Every single policymaker was impressed with our students and was asking them for solutions,” said Brian Isom, a CGO research manager. “The students handled it like pros.”
“The trip to Washington DC may be over now, but the skills I gained during the preparation for that trip will last me a lifetime,” recounted Bomsta. “This cohort definitely left me in a much more confident and professionally developed state than it found me in.”
