Political Science
2025 Dayton2DC Cohort
Junior, International Studies major, Sustainability and Spanish minors
Luci Bair is a junior International Studies major with a concentration in Global Health and the Environment, along with minors in Sustainability and Spanish. She is from Carmel, Ind., and plans to graduate in May of 2026. At the Hanley Sustainability Institute (HSI), she serves as the Student Director for Local Policy and Progress and is a member of the Food Systems Team. Luci is passionate about environmental law, environmental justice and sustainability. She will also be participating in the DC Flyers Program in 2025. Luci looks forward to the opportunity to explore the city and foster relationships with UD alumni and other professionals prior to interning in D.C. this summer.
Junior, Criminal Justice and Security Studies major (Pre-Law concentration), English and Psychology minors
Kaylee Ballard is from from Xenia, Ohio, and is majoring in Criminal Justice and Security Studies with a concentration in Pre-Law, and minors in English and Psychology. Expected to graduate May of 2026, she is currently involved in Mock Trial, Model UN, Student Government Association and Phi Alpha Delta. Kaylee is looking forward to the networking opportunities available in D.C., and she also wants to learn more about different law routes she can pursue after graduating.
Junior, Biology major, Chemistry minor
James Brown IV is from Canton, Ohio, and is expected to graduate in December of 2025. He is currently majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. During the summer of 2024, he worked as a stream research technician gathering data about stream health in Dayton to help the city obtain permits from the EPA. James is hoping to network and learn about what it is like having a career in D.C. He is also hoping to learn what it is like to work for an NGO, specifically involved with environmental activism.
Junior, International Studies major, Spanish minor
Lauren Cseh is from Cleveland, and she's a junior majoring in international studies with a concentration in media and journalism and a minor in Spanish. She's expecting to graduate in May of 2026. During her sophomore year, Lauren studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, where she continued her passion for global affairs. She currently works in the Education Abroad Office as a peer advisor and serves as Foundations Ambassador for Chi Omega. Through Dayton2DC, Lauren hopes to explore possible internships and graduate program recommendations. She's also looking forward to networking and building relationships with alumni.
Sophomore, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work major, Spanish minor
Emily Derouin is a sophomore sociology major with a minor in Spanish. She's from the Chicago suburbs. She is a member of Dayton Civic Scholars and the VP of College Democrats and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She hopes to have a career in the nonprofit world and is excited to connect with and learn from UD alumni as well as discover internship opportunities through the Dayton2DC experience.
Junior, International Studies major, Spanish and Political Science minors
Charlotte Franklin is a junior from Louisville, Ky., studying International Studies with minors in Spanish and Political Science. She plans on graduating in May 2026. At the University of Dayton, Charlotte is involved in Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity, and works on campus as a supervisor for the Intramural Sports program. In the summer of 2024, she studied abroad in Spain where she lived with a host family and furthered her knowledge of the Spanish language. Charlotte is looking forward to the many networking opportunities and is hoping this trip will provide her with internship opportunities for the upcoming summer.
Senior, Criminal Justice and Security Studies major, Political Science minor
Selena Geary is a Senior Criminal Justice student with a Pre-Law concentration and a Political Science minor. She’s from the Cincinnati area and plans to graduate in May of 2025. On campus, Selena is involved in Student Government Association as a Senator, Model UN, Phi Alpha Delta, Ohio Innocence Project and Alpha Phi Sigma. Selena spent the summer of 2024 interning at the Ohio Civil Rights Commission through the Statehouse Civic Scholars program. She is passionate about issues surrounding social justice, human rights and criminal law with plans to take a gap year before applying to law schools. Through Dayton2DC, Selena plans to connect with those who share similar interests and gain insight about potential careers in D.C.
Senior, Political Science major, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work and Women's and Gender Studies minors
Maria Gillotti is a senior Political Science major from Dayton, Ohio, with minors in Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Dayton. In her time at UD, she has completed three impactful internships, studied abroad in Ireland for a semester and explored 11 countries in her time in Europe. She is passionate about research and equity, especially through her semester-long involvement in programs like GIVE (Gendered Injustice and Violent Extremism) and GERF (Gender Equity Research Fellowship). Maria is engaged on UD's campus as a member of the pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta and Maria works as a student office assistant in the Dean of Engineering Office. Maria is excited to be involved in this year's Dayton2DC cohort, expand her network and build connections.
Senior, Political Science major
Ruby Mahoney is a senior political science major from Chicago, who is graduating in May. At UD, she's involved in the Statehouse Civic Scholar program and interned in Representative Mathews office and the Majority Public Policy Advisor office during the summer of 2024. She is looking for internship experience and tips from alumni from the Dayton2DC program.
Senior, Criminal Justice and Security Studies (Pre-Law concentration) major, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work minor
Katerina Metheney is a senior from the Cleveland area majoring in Criminal Justice and Security Studies, with a Pre-Law concentration, and Sociology minor. She will graduate in May 2025. During her time at the University of Dayton, Katerina studied abroad in Ireland, where she immersed herself in different cultures alongside her fellow Flyers. Katerina currently serves as the President of Alpha Phi Sigma, President of the Ohio Innocence Project-u UD Chapter and Outreach Chair for Phi Alpha Delta. She interned with United States Pretrial Services for the Southern District Court of Ohio (Dayton), an experience that allowed her to work alongside UD alumni, gain firsthand exposure to the U.S. criminal justice system and reaffirm her passion for public service. After graduation, Katerina plans to attend law school and/or begin her career in public service. As a member of the 2025 Dayton2DC Cohort, she is eager to network and build lasting connections with professionals working in federal offices and agencies.
Junior, History and English majors
Caleb Molseed is a junior English and History major from Cleveland, who plans to graduate in spring 2026. He is a member of the honors college and works as a stagehand at the Center for Student Involvement’s Boll Theatre. Caleb is active in UD’s Studio Theatre, focusing on directing, lighting design and acting. His research centers on early American colonial history and rhetoric, and he has begun work on his honors thesis. As a member of the D.C. Flyers cohort, he aims to network with UD alumni in D.C. and explore career and graduate school opportunities.
Graduate student, Master of Public Administration, Nonprofit and Community Leadership certificate
Jaylyn Murray, a Dayton, Ohio, native, is pursuing a Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit and Community Leadership certification. She is expected to graduate in May 2025. Jaylyn is currently a Graduate Assistant with the Dayton Civic Scholars program at the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community. She aspires to utilize her skill and education to impact government and nonprofit sectors. She is looking forward to networking and learning from UD alumni on the Dayton2DC trip.
Sophomore, Communication and Public Relations majors, Marketing minor
Juliana Packard is a sophomore at the University of Dayton, majoring in Communication and Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. A Dayton, Ohio, native, she serves on the executive board for Commuters on Campus and works with University of Dayton Athletics as a Social Media Intern. As a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, Juliana is passionate about leadership and community engagement. She aspires to work with government officials after graduation and hopes that opportunities like Dayton2DC will help her build the connections and experience needed for her future career in public service.
Junior, Business Economics and Finance majors, Political Science minor
Hannah Pleasant is from Piqua, Ohio, and she's currently a junior at the University of Dayton. She's studying Business Economics and Finance with a minor in Political Science. Through her work experience at JobsOhio and Dayton Development Coalition, she has garnered experience in government affairs and engagement, particularly at the state level. Hannah is looking to utilize the Dayton2DC trip as a networking opportunity before I head to D.C for an internship this summer as a part of the DCFlyers program, whether that be general advice, internship opportunities or mentorship connections.
Sophomore, Communication and Political Science majors, Pre-Law minor
Anjli Ramharakh is a sophomore at the University of Dayton, double majoring in Political Science and Communication with a concentration in Journalism, and minoring in Pre-Law. She is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and plans to attend law school after graduating in May 2027. At UD, Anjli is involved in Student Government, Zeta Tau Alpha, the University Hearing Board, Phi Alpha Delta and Model United Nations. She also works as a student office assistant for the Department of Political Science. In the summer of 2024, Anjli participated in the UD Statehouse Civic Scholar program, where she interned with the Ohio Public Defender's Wrongful Conviction Project. This summer, she will take part in the DC Flyers program. She hopes Dayton2DC will help her secure an internship placement and build meaningful, lasting connections.
Junior, Political Science major, Pre-Law minor
Julia Redder is a junior from Cincinnati studying Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. She plans to graduate in December 2025 and begin law school the following year. She has previously interned at the Office of Governor DeWine and the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s office, and is involved in Phi Alpha Delta on campus. On the Dayton2DC trip, she hopes to explore internship opportunities for this summer and establish connections prior to spending her summer in D.C.
Senior, Political Science major
Liam Row is a senior Political Science major from Fort Wayne, Ind. On campus, Liam serves as the Government and Regional Relations Intern in the Office of the President. He is also the President of the UD Debate team, the 2024 NEDA National Champions. Off campus, Liam has completed legislative and policy internships at the Ohio House of Representatives, the Ohio Democratic Party, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, K&L Gates and Holland & Knight. He is currently working on his thesis on Ethical and Effective Federal Artificial Intelligence Policy. After graduation in May, Liam will be seeking a full-time position in D.C. while attending an evening law program. He looks forward to connecting with our amazing alumni in D.C.
Junior, Philosophy major, Pre-Law minor
Isabella Smith is originally from Greenville, S.C., and is majoring in Philosophy with a Pre-law minor at the University of Dayton. She expects to graduate in Spring 2026. Throughout her time at UD, she has been an active member of the university's Mock Trial team for two years, dedicating countless hours to preparation and gaining practical knowledge of legal proceedings. This experience has solidified her passion for pursuing a career in the legal field. From the Dayton2DC trip, She is looking for guidance and connections that could help her secure an internship or job opportunity, as well as insights into the practicalities of the legal field.
Senior, International Studies major, French minor
Liza Wisniewski is an International Studies major and French minor originally from Detroit. She is graduating is May 2025, and is so proud of what she's accomplished over her four years at the University of Dayton. Liza is a part of Model UN, recently studied abroad and interned remotely with a Ugandan nonprofit organization. Liza is interested in internships and job opportunities following graduation, especially in the intelligence field or a civilian career with the military.
Junior, Political Science and Communication majors
Originally from Kettering, Ohio, Zachary is a double major in Communication and Political Science at the University of Dayton. He is expected to graduate in May 2026. Zachary is currently a member of the Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) and an intern at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office. While in Washington, D.C., he hopes to explore opportunities in internships as well as explore different options for graduate school and the possibility of a career in Washington.