Aiden Leslie, a senior majoring in political science in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University, was drawn to the university for its strong undergraduate research programs and the unique opportunities available to transfer students.

Inspired by the campus’s architectural beauty and walkability, Leslie quickly felt at home and appreciated the support provided throughout the transfer process from St. Petersburg College.

Leslie’s passion for research led to a fellowship with the Tyler Center for Global Studies, where he conducted an independent documentary project in São Paulo, Brazil. The film, “Lane Splitting,” explored the lives of young motorcycle couriers navigating urban challenges and labor rights struggles. Through this work, Leslie combines interests in journalism, filmmaking and advocacy, aiming to tell stories that inspire positive change.

In just two semesters, he has earned recognition on both the President’s and Dean’s lists. After graduation, Leslie plans to travel abroad and attend law school to practice human rights-focused or immigration law.

What made you want to transfer to Florida State University?

I began studying at FSU in the fall of 2024, after transferring from St. Petersburg College. I knew Florida State University was right for me because of the abundance of resources provided for transfer students like me. From the application process to registering for classes or attending orientation, I always knew that I had support. I remember being encapsulated by the red brick buildings on my first visit and the beautiful trees that were found all over campus. The overall walkability of the campus played a huge role in my choice as well. FSU has a great reputation for its undergraduate research programs, which made the decision easy.

The university’s proximity to the capitol has also allowed me to make valuable connections in my field of political science. The opportunities I have been provided to explore different academic disciplines and career fields at FSU are unparalleled and as a transfer student, I felt right at home from the moment I set foot on campus.

What did you explore in your undergraduate research project?

Funded by the Tyler Center for Global Studies as a Tyler Fellow in São Paulo, Brazil, I completed my documentary about young motorcyclists from disadvantaged backgrounds enduring a labor rights struggle. This short documentary “Lane Splitting” delves into the world of motorcycle couriers in São Paulo who navigate the city’s chaotic traffic at high speeds to deliver goods quickly, often risking their lives daily in a system that exploits their labor while offering little protection or recognition.

This opportunity has allowed me to begin my professional career in journalism and filmmaking. Whether it be through journalism, documentary filmmaking, academia or something else, I aim to tell stories that can facilitate positive change in the places where it’s needed most.

How has being a student at FSU helped you in achieving your goals and getting on the right path for your future?

My time here at FSU has been incredibly valuable in terms of learning about the possibilities of academia and research, as well as the importance of being a lifelong learner. I have made connections with my professors that have provided me with countless opportunities, such as traveling internationally to conduct research.

Speaking at the President’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research Excellence was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to inspire this generation of young researchers to spark positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

What plans do you have for the future?

I intend to travel the world and share important stories, such as the one told in my documentary. I will continue to make documentary films and content while connecting with people in places most would not think to venture to.

After traveling, I plan to attend law school in the hopes of becoming a lawyer and practicing human-rights-focused law or immigration law. Using my background in law coupled with my experiences connecting with people from different backgrounds all over the world, I want to go into politics and fight for issues that I feel are important. I am committed to making positive change wherever I can.

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A Florida State University master’s student and Presidential Scholar was accepted into a highly competitive national fellowship program for emerging civic leaders.

Ella Garcia, who is working toward her master’s degree in public administration, was accepted into the Coro Fellows Program housed at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The Coro Fellows Program was founded in 1947 in San Francisco to train young World War II veterans in civic leadership skills. It now operates four centers in St. Louis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, where it serves to advance civic engagement and accelerate the careers of those in public affairs.

As a Coro Fellow, Garcia will live in St. Louis and participate in a full-time, graduate-level leadership training program that includes seminars, interviews with local leaders, opportunities to learn about regionally specific topics, and placement in organizations across nonprofit, business and government sectors.

“I’m excited because it’s going to be very fulfilling to focus on the aspect of public administration that’s about giving back, not just pursuing my own professional goals, but learning how I can better the communities around me,” Garcia said. “It’s one thing to study administration and government in a theoretical way, but it’s another to apply what I’ve learned hands-on. It’s what I feel like I’m called to do.”

From Mount Dora, Florida, Garcia is a member of FSU’s Presidential Scholars Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and will graduate with her master’s degree this summer with support from FSU’s More in Four program, which helps high achieving students complete a bachelor’s degree in three years and continue immediately into a master’s degree.

Professors and mentors say Garcia’s involvement at FSU has prepared her well for the Coro Fellows Program. That includes her participation in FSU’s Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program, in the Department of Political Science, where she was able to intern for a state representative and a member of U.S. Congress.

“Ella has used her time at FSU to gain extensive hands-on government experience and advanced analytical skills, with the aim of driving informed, community-oriented public service,” said FSU professor Amanda Driscoll, cofounder of APPLE and one of Garcia’s mentors. “The Coro Fellowship will provide her with additional public service experience and practical leadership training to deepen her impact and professional growth. I am confident that she will translate her established civic commitments into effective, real-world solutions, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next.”

Garcia’s interest in policy work extended beyond U.S. government last summer, when she traveled with a group of FSU Honors Program students to the Oxford Consortium of Human Rights workshop at the University of Oxford in England.

“Ella is among the finest students I’ve worked with at Florida State,” said Ross Moret, who led the trip to Oxford and serves as an associate teaching professor in the FSU Honors Program. “She is dedicated, responsible, insightful and caring. She will make an outstanding Coro Fellow.”

As a Presidential Scholar, Garcia said she enjoyed mentorship and a peer community that helped motivate her to reach her goals.

“FSU and the Presidential Scholars Program specifically have been instrumental for me,” she said. “It’s really shaped who I am, as a leader and as a person.”

To learn more about student support for pursuing national fellowships, visit the Office of National Fellowships and the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

Visit the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy website to learn more about the college, department and programs.

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Florida State University welcomed Germany’s ambassador to the U.S. for a campus visit last week, highlighting the university’s growing role in global research, education and international partnership. 

German Ambassador to the U.S. Jens Hanefeld met with FSU administrators and engaged with students, faculty and staff Friday, Jan. 23. Hanefeld was in Tallahassee to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent between the State of Florida and the Federal Republic of Germany, promoting strategic investment, industrial ties and economic growth. 

“Florida and Germany are not just trading, we’re investing in each other’s futures, building jobs and cutting-edge technologies together,” said Hanefeld. “Florida State University stands out as a powerhouse of cutting-edge research, and this excellence has long resonated across the Atlantic.” 

Following his talk, which took place in The Globe Auditorium, Hanefeld engaged in a discussion with students, answering questions ranging from the war in Ukraine and Russian oil dependency to career paths in foreign service. Brad T. Gomez, associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, introduced Ambassador Hanefeld and moderated the question and answer portion. 

Hanefeld joined the German Federal Foreign Office in 1991 and has built a distinguished diplomatic career over more than three decades. Early in his service, he held posts at the Federal Foreign Office in Bonn and Berlin and at the German Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria. From 2001 to 2005 he served as private secretary to the Secretary of State, followed by his role as head of the Secretary of State’s office from 2005 to 2009.  

From 2009 to 2014, Hanefeld served as Minister and Deputy Chief of the Mission at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. From 2014 to 2024 he joined the Volkswagen Group as the senior vice president for International, European, and Trade Policy, bringing his diplomatic experience to bear on global economic and trade issues. Prior to his current appointment, Hanefeld served as the German Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union in 2024.  

Hanefeld was appointed as Germany’s ambassador to the U.S. in August 2025. In this role, Hanefeld represents German interests and works to strengthen diplomatic relations between Germany and the U.S.  

During his presentation, Hanefeld reinforced the importance of transatlantic cooperation and the benefits of partnership between Florida and Germany. He explained that there is clear potential to grow Florida’s exports in advanced manufacturing along withtechnology logistics and services.  

“We need these collaborations,” he said. “The great challenges of our time—securing digital infrastructures, resilient supply chains for semiconductors, and breakthroughs in healthcare—cannot be solved by any single country alone.” 

Germany is currently the third-largest foreign investor in Florida, with around 200 German companies employing approximately 40,000 people across the state. The cooperation in innovation and education between Florida and Germany is beneficial to all parties, strengthening economic ties, fostering research collaboration, and creating opportunities for students and businesses alike.  

While on FSU’s main campus, Hanefeld also met with administrators from across the university to discuss its existing connections with Germany and explore ways to expand those partnerships and build new ones.  

“Institutional ties are complemented by vibrant academic exchanges with German universities,” said Hanefeld. “Together these collaborations highlight not only past successes but also the immense potential for future cooperation.” 

FSU/Germany Fast Facts  

• FSU maintains exchange agreements with four German universities through FSU’s Global Exchange Programs: Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, University of Oldenburg, University of Wuppertal and the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar.  

• This semester there is one German exchange student on FSU’s main campus, and three FSU students are participating in exchanges in Germany. 

• FSU students can study abroad in Dresden through International Programs’ Experiencing Germany program, a German-language intensive summer program that acquaints participants with the language and culture of contemporary Germany. 

• Five German student-athletes currently compete on Florida State Seminoles’ athletic teams, including swimming, tennis and volleyball. 

• German is one of the majors offered to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures from the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics.  

• In 2014, scientists at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) completed the world’s strongest magnet for neutron scattering for the Helmholtz Centre Berlin (HZB) in Berlin, Germany.  

To learn more about FSU’s international footprint, visit global.fsu.edu. 

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Eight Florida State University students have been named to the highly competitive Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Class XXI, a yearlong program that places ten emerging leaders within state agencies to provide them with firsthand experience in policymaking and government operations.

The FSU fellows, made up of students from the College of Law and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, represent the university’s commitment to public service and preparing the next generation of leaders for the state.

The following FSU students were named to the 2025 Gubernatorial Fellows Class:

• Sean Happel, a graduate student in Political Science, placed at the Department of Environmental Protection
• Sydney Goldberg, a graduate student in Political Science, placed at the Division of Emergency Management
• John Waters, a graduate student in Political Science, placed at the Department of Health
• Cole McLellan, a law student, placed at the Department of Law Enforcement
• Alexa Kays, a law student, placed at the Department of State
• Lucas Piroli, a law student, placed at the Executive Office of the Governor, General Counsel
• Andrew Otanes, a law student, placed at the Department of Commerce
• Kate Rumisek, a law student, placed at the Department of Corrections

The program allows students to work alongside senior leaders in various state agencies. The fellows will conclude the program with a formal presentation of their policy research findings and recommendations directly to the state’s senior leadership.

Three of the FSU’s Gubernatorial Fellows shared their experiences about the fellowship and their future careers:

Goldberg, a graduate student in political science, is completing her fellowship at the Division of Emergency Management. Goldberg, who also earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from FSU, is applying her academic knowledge to aid state functions.

“Being a part of this program is a way to represent Florida for me, and to continue to express my interest in politics,” she said. “This experience is for students in the next class of young professionals who want to be invested in public service.”

Reflecting on her undergraduate career, she credits FSU’s Department of Political Science with teaching her the necessary skills to thrive in her current position.

“I do not think I would be in the position that I am without the guidance and the mentorship from my undergraduate professors, administration and fellow students,” Goldberg said. “I took a lot of classes that helped build my foundational knowledge, giving me an applicable understanding of what we were going to be doing in the real world. My experience really helped me build my career skill set.”

McLellan, a second-year student at the FSU College of Law, is placed at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). McLellan received his undergraduate degree in cyber criminology from FSU, which provided a strong foundation for his work in the criminal justice field.

He says his experience at FDLE has been a great learning opportunity. He will split his semesters working first in the Cyber Division and then with the Office of the General Counsel, giving him interdisciplinary experience over the course of his fellowship.

McLellan discussed the advantages of participating in the program alongside seven other FSU students, noting how they support each other and maintain a sense of accountability.

“It is reassuring because we are bouncing what we’re feeling off each other, and it keeps our motivation going,” McLellan said. “It’s definitely nice to have people to talk to that are right there with you, so you don’t feel as alienated.”

Piroli, also a law student at the FSU College of Law, is completing his fellowship in the Executive Office of the Governor, General Counsel. Piroli received his bachelor’s degree in finance before coming to FSU Law.

Piroli said working at the General Counsel’s office provides valuable experience with a wide range of legal issues.

“This is a prestigious program and getting to work in the government for the third largest state in the country is just really special,” Piroli said. “It’s a great administration and I’m really proud to be able to serve Florida and contribute and to learn from some impressive leaders.”

After his time in the fellowship and graduation, Piroli aims to use his experience to serve his community.

“I’m learning a lot being able to work with such talented professionals right now, which gives me the opportunity to gain some great leadership skills and learn what it means to be a public servant, which I know will be great to bring with me into my career, whatever that may be,” Piroli said.

Florida State University is widely recognized for providing exceptional opportunities for students to engage in governmental activities. These opportunities provide FSU students with the hands-on experience they need to set them up for professional success while training the next generation of policymakers in Florida.

For more information, visit floridafellows.com.

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The Master’s in Applied American Politics and Policy (MAAPP) program at Florida State University will recognize its 25th anniversary with a series of events Oct. 3-5, celebrating the program’s role in shaping the next generation of political leaders across Florida and the United States.

The milestone events will honor the program’s non-partisan foundation, its distinguished history and the influential relationships that have empowered MAAPP to make a considerable and lasting impact as one of the most unique programs in the nation.

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MAAPP program, it is a joy to honor the enduring impact this program has made on FSU’s students, Florida’s communities and the American democratic process,” said Dean Tim Chapin of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, which oversees MAAPP. “On behalf of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, I commend the faculty, alumni and students whose dedication and hard work have shaped this remarkable legacy, and I look forward to the next 25 years of innovation and impact.”

Since its inception, MAAPP has played a key role in Florida politics, serving as a vital pipeline for talent, training and leadership. The program was established after the 2000 Bush v. Gore election recount, a pivotal moment in American politics that thrust the state of Florida’s political dynamics into the national spotlight.

MAAPP distinguishes itself through a combination of academic rigor and practical experience, enabling students to engage directly with the field of politics. Established in 2000 by Professor Robert “Bob” Crew Jr. who served as director until 2020, MAAPP has since grown from a small, innovative idea into a nationally recognized Master of Science degree program.

“Housed in the world-class department of Political Science, the MAAPP program showcases the power of education, professional development and curiosity to educate the next generation of policy entrepreneurs, legislative staff, lobbyists and elected officials,” Chapin said. “The program produces graduates who are informed, engaged and committed to public service, able and willing to tackle the most critical issues of the day.”

Over the past 25 years, MAAPP has awarded more than 650 Master of Science degrees, providing students with vast networking opportunities across industries and party lines. The program’s mission remains focused on preparing students for successful, impactful careers while strengthening the political fabric of Florida and beyond.

“I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built — a program defined by the excellence of its faculty and the passion, purpose and talent of our students,” said Brad Kile, program director who joined the MAAPP faculty when the program was founded. “Our faculty bring both real-world experience and scholarly insight into the classroom, creating a rigorous learning environment. Our graduates are equipped with the professional skill set needed to solve complex political problems through critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.”

“The faculty pushed us to think critically, lead responsibly and stay grounded and focused on advancing pragmatic solutions. That foundation continues to guide me through my career.”

– Clay Ingram, FSU chief legislative affairs officer, former member of the Florida House of Representatives and MAAPP alumnus

MAAPP has played a crucial role in keeping Florida’s best talent in Tallahassee, fueling the state’s political economy and contributing to a thriving, professionalized industry. Graduates are key players in the lobbying, consulting and public affairs sectors, boosting the region’s reputation as a hub for political expertise. The program continues to shape careers and communities through leadership, mentorship and civic engagement.

“What I gained from the MAAPP program went far beyond theory — it introduced me to different ways of thinking about politics and policymaking,” said Clay Ingram, FSU chief legislative affairs officer, former member of the Florida House of Representatives and MAAPP alumnus. “The faculty pushed us to think critically, lead responsibly and stay grounded and focused on advancing pragmatic solutions. That foundation continues to guide me through my career.”

MAAPP’s alumni network is a testament to its balanced and bipartisan approach, with graduates leading at every level — from Tallahassee to Washington, D.C. and across the country.

Notable alumni include:

• Brian Welch, Leon County Commissioner
• Evan Power, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida
• Michelle Salzman, Member of the Florida House of Representatives
• John Formella, New Hampshire Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General
• Jordan Blumenthal, policy staffer in the Biden White House
• Harrison Fields, communications aide in the Trump White House

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Florida State University’s innovative Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program recently marked its third anniversary with another impactful visit to Capitol Hill. The year-long experiential learning initiative offers students unparalleled insights into career opportunities in politics and policy.

APPLE is a one-of-a-kind program that provides a select group of FSU Political Science undergraduate students with training in active citizenship and civic governance, combining three semesters of experiential learning opportunities at the local, state and national levels.

“There is no other program like it in the country,” said Founding Co-Director and Political Science Professor Amanda Driscoll. “It is a truly transformative experience; our students emerge with unparalleled early career experiences that prepare them to enter their chosen professions with confidence.”

Students spend the fall semester working on projects relating to local policymaking and governance, meeting with representatives from Leon County, the City of Tallahassee and local stakeholder interest groups. In the spring, students participate in the Governmental Relations Legislative Internship Program, where they serve as interns for the fast-paced Florida legislative session.

The summer semester culminates with Washington D.C., where participants gain experience in internships of their choosing, living and taking classes at The Washington Center in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Following a White House visit coordinated by the office of U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), the 12 APPLE students were joined by another 13 FSU undergraduates at the U.S. Capitol to meet with U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D–FL), who shared firsthand insights into federal policymaking and his experience as the youngest member of Congress.

The students also met with noted FSU alumni currently serving as congressional staffers, who shared valuable experiences and advice for navigating career paths on Capitol Hill.

Alumni speakers included:

• Trinity Tresner (’22) and Adriana Diaz (’24), Scheduler and Staff Assistant for Rep. Maxwell Frost;
• Khamare Garner (’22), Special Advisor for Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA);
• Jack Hitchcock (’24), Legislative Correspondent for Senator Rick Scott (R-FL);
• Daniel Muniz (‘23/’24), Legislative Aide for Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC);
• Dominique Yelinski (’16), Deputy Policy Director for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA);
• Edgar Barrios (’19), Communications Assistant for U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

This capstone event marks the culmination of many students’ internships in Washington, D.C., where they served as interns on Capitol Hill in lobbying firms, advocacy organizations and the White House.

“The APPLE program was the single most beneficial experience I have had in my undergraduate years,” said Elias Barcena, who interned at the Florida House and in the Office of Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL). “The insight I received from experiences in all three levels of government was extremely valuable, and I feel ready to enter the professional workforce.”

With three successful years of the program, and thanks to the generous financial backing of FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics, APPLE is gearing up for the fourth cohort of students who will begin the program this fall. Members of the third APPLE cohort will serve as mentors to their successors while finishing their undergraduate degrees on campus.

The APPLE program offers a seamless blend of academic coursework, policy training and experiential learning designed to shape future leaders. This growing alumni network—with seasoned political professionals—ensures APPLE students benefit from strong mentorship alongside rigorous academic training.

For more on APPLE, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci/apple/.

To learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy which houses the program and the Department of Political Science, visit cosspp.fsu.edu.

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Three Florida State University students — Jonus Goldstein, Max Harden and Matthew John Aguilera — have been named 2025 Humanities at Hertog Fellows, selected from a competitive cohort of students from various elite institutions.

The Humanities at Hertog Fellowship, a prestigious and new opportunity offered through FSU’s Office of National Fellowships, provides a fully subsidized program that enables fellows to immerse themselves in rigorous academic inquiry through online seminars and summer programs in the humanities, law and international affairs.

During the spring 2025 semester, the Hertog Fellows participated in a six-week online seminar focusing on Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War.”

“We are incredibly proud of these students for their selection as Humanities at Hertog Fellows,” said Ryan Owens, director of FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics. “This recognition confirms FSU’s commitment to academic excellence and shows the importance of studying topics like western civilization and the ideas that underlie America’s foundation.”  

Jonus Goldstein, a sophomore from New Port Richey, Florida, is pursuing a dual degree in management information systems and political science with a minor in urban and regional planning.

At FSU, Goldstein excels in civic leadership. He serves in student government, works part-time as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate, and works as an Institute Assistant at the Institute for Governance and Civics. He also completed fellowships through FSU’s Sustainable Campus, where he led solar and electric vehicle infrastructure projects.

Competing with students from universities such as Yale and Stanford, he credited FSU’s support in being selected for the Hertog Fellowship.

“Having faculty and staff who take the time to mentor students, connect us with opportunities, and say: ‘you should go for this’ makes all the difference,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein emphasized the intellectual growth he experienced during the fellowship through deep, collaborative discussions with peers from a variety of academic backgrounds.

“The best part is the depth of thought everyone brings,” Goldstein said. “You’ve got people from completely different academic backgrounds all reading the same text, yet each person walks away with a different insight. You find yourself rethinking your own views just by listening. It’s an environment where you speak not just to be heard, but to understand.”

He also values Hertog’s 1,900-strong alumni network.

“My hope is that down the line, we’ll have multiple students representing FSU each year and that this kind of rigorous, civic-minded programming becomes something our students actively pursue,” he said. 

Max Harden, a junior from Tampa, Florida, is a double major in economics and philosophy with a minor in classics. He is a student assistant at FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics and a researcher at the DeVoe L. Moore Center, specializing in aerospace and labor economics. 

“These seminars are outstanding since they allow us to build upon our FSU education in dynamic ways,” Harden said. “Thucydides’ work is an examination of human nature in war and across history, variously considering economics, politics, philosophy and international affairs. We get to ask interdisciplinary questions and pursue comprehensive answers in a dedicated community.” 

At FSU, Harden participates in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) program under Assistant Teaching Professor Doug Norton, which equips students with analytical skills for opportunities like Hertog. He also credits professors Sam Staley and Randall Holcombe from the Department of Economics and Mark LeBar from the Department of Philosophy for investing in his intellectual formation inside and outside the classroom.  

“FSU students are given intellectual tools they can use to engage with scholars and top students from around the country by crossing disciplinary lines to seek answers to deep questions,” Harden said. “The PPE program fosters a unique ability to connect ideas across fields, preparing students to tackle complex issues with clarity and depth.” 

Harden looks forward to seeing more FSU students take advantage of programs like Hertog while continuing to explore the intersection of political theory and real-world policy. 

“I hope more FSU students pursue Hertog’s rigorous seminars,” Harden said. “I cannot thank my professors enough for investing in my growth as a student, intellectual and human. Thanks to them, this summer I will be working an economic policy internship that includes interdisciplinary discussion groups.” 

Matthew John Aguilera is a senior political science major from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

His academic path at FSU has been defined by a deep engagement with political science and international affairs, utilizing opportunities like the Hertog Fellowship to further his education in this field.

“I applied to the program because I was captivated by the idea of studying certain eternal principles of war and statecraft — what Thucydides sought to capture in his history, which he described ‘as a possession for all time,’ not something ‘to capture the applause of the moment,’” Aguilera said. “These lessons remain relevant to modern international affairs and politics.” 

Aguilera is currently interning with the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. and will attend the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship at Hillsdale College to pursue a master’s degree in politics in the fall.

He values the opportunity to engage with Hertog’s robust academic community and looks forward to applying these insights in his future studies.

“I highly recommend the fellowship to anyone with an interest in the humanities and a passion for intellectual rigor,” he said.

To learn about fellowship opportunities, visit onf.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University’s Office of Governmental Relations’ Legislative Internship Program, now in its third year, serves as a cornerstone of student engagement with the Florida political process.

Established in 2022 with the support of FSU President Richard McCullough, this program offers both undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to gain first hand experience in the state’s legislative environment by immersing students in the legislative process during the committee weeks starting in January and continuing through the 60-day Legislative Session.

“We are deeply grateful to President McCullough, Provost Clark, our Board of Trustees and the entire university community for their unwavering commitment of time, resources and support in making this internship program a reality,” said Clay Ingram, FSU’s chief legislative affairs officer. “Thanks to their dedication, we’ve been able to not only launch the program but also grow and adapt it to meet the growing demand and interest from our students. We are thrilled for Class III to experience the legislative process firsthand and are confident that the sky is the limit for these bright, driven students.”

Class III consists of 39 FSU students, including 13 who are part of the Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program in the Department of Political Science which includes federal and local internships, providing a broader range of experiences.

“The FSU Legislative Internship Program has been a great experience for me, allowing me to meet peers with a shared passion for public service and dive right into the state-level legislative process,” said Christopher Lynch, a student in the 2025 Legislative Internship Class. “I would emphasize for applicants considering the program the great opportunities and network of connections available to them if they have what it takes to excel in the program.”

Before students can begin their internship, they are required to participate in mandatory training sessions designed to prepare them for their roles as legislative interns. These additional learning opportunities enhance participants’ understanding of the legislative process and foster personal and professional growth.

“Through the three-day pre-internship training, we are committed to setting our students up for success,” said Lina Rojas, legislative manager for FSU Governmental Relations. “Our hope is that the knowledge they gain will empower students with the strong foundation they need to excel as legislative interns. This preparation not only enhances their professional readiness but also inspires personal growth, ensuring they are fully equipped to make impactful contributions during their service.”

Throughout their internships, students work in various offices throughout Tallahassee including the State Senate, State House of Representatives, state agencies and the Executive Office of the Governor. Additionally, some interns are placed in lobbying firms and private government relations offices, offering them a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the legislative process.

Interns engage in a wide range of activities such as conducting research, writing bill summaries, attending committee hearings and communicating with legislators, state agency liaisons, lobbyists, constituents and the general public. While administrative duties and constituent services are part of the experience, the primary focus is on understanding how the State’s legislative policy and budget are interconnected.

“Our hope is that these students will earn the trust of their offices, enabling them to engage in budget and policy matters. This will spark their interest, provide valuable experience and make them more competitive in the workforce if they choose careers in public service and politics.”

— Lina Rojas, legislative manager for FSU Governmental Relations

“Our hope is that these students will earn the trust of their offices, enabling them to engage in budget and policy matters,” Rojas said. “This will spark their interest, provide valuable experience and make them more competitive in the workforce if they choose careers in public service and politics.”

The FSU Legislative Internship Program continues to equip students with valuable skills and knowledge that will enhance their future career prospects.

“Being an FSU legislative intern was the single best decision I made in my college career,” said Mackenzie Dolan, a student in the Inaugural Class in 2023. “Through the connections and experiences gained in the program, I was able to not only decide that I wanted to pursue a legislative career but also led me to getting hired after the program.”

Interested students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world of public policy and politics.

To view Class III of the FSU Legislative Internship Program, visit 2025 Legislative Internship Class. To learn more about the Legislative Internship Program and how to apply, visit govrel.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University undergraduate students had the chance to connect with FSU alumni working on Capitol Hill this summer thanks to FSU’s Department of Political Science APPLE program.

This event marked the conclusion of the second year of the Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program, a year-long experiential learning initiative that offers students unparalleled insights into career opportunities in politics and policy.

“We have had a great two years, and we’re only getting better,” said founding co-Director of the APPLE program Amanda Driscoll. “There is no other program like it in the country, and we know that our students will only continue to grow and to shine, to be the next generation of local, state and national leaders.”

APPLE provides a select group of FSU Political Science undergraduate students with training in active citizenship and civic governance, combining three semesters of experiential learning opportunities at the local, state and national level.

“FSU has a large and vibrant alumni base in the Washington, D.C. area with a wealth of expertise on Capitol Hill,” said Department of Political Science Chair Brad Gomez. “It is vitally important that we connect our current students with those alumni. This is a way of fostering Florida’s next generation of leaders.”

APPLE students’ day on Capitol Hill featured alumni speakers and a personalized tour of the Capitol and the White House, an opportunity that was generously facilitated by the Office of Senator Rick Scott.

Featured alumni speakers included Senior Policy Advisor Katie Weissert (’09, ‘10) and Legislative Assistant Jared Honts (‘18), both of whom work in the office of Senator Rick Scott.

Students also heard from Zachary Jones (‘18), chief speech writer for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA-4); Jaryn Emhof (‘13), chief of staff for Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11); Marcus Garza (‘10), chief of staff for Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4); and Morgan Cintron (‘13), deputy chief of staff for Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23); among other noted officials.

“Participating in the APPLE program is the best experience I have had in my time at FSU,” said senior Alyssa Singletary. “It has granted me more opportunities than I ever could have imagined, and fostered a love for policy that now guides me in my future career endeavors.”

During the fall semester, students engage with challenges and opportunities facing the Tallahassee-Leon County community in a course on local politics that puts students in direct contact with city and county officials as well as local stakeholder groups. Recent students worked to address the problem of food insecurity, eventually pitching a policy proposal to Leon County officials that would establish a food distribution program at local public libraries.

“The students did remarkable work identifying a gap in our community and developing an innovative solution for that unmet need,” said APPLE Co-Director Bradley Kile, who is also the director of the Masters in Applied American Politics and Policy.

In the spring, APPLE students gain invaluable practical experience through internships in the Florida Legislature and political arena, facilitated by FSU’s Office of Governmental Relations Legislative Internship Program.

With the generous support of the Florida Institute for Governance and Civics, the 13 APPLE students then spent the summer in Washington, D.C., interning in various roles that touched on national and federal policy issues. Some student interns worked in member offices on Capitol Hill and other internship sites included the D.C. Bar Association, the National Labor Relations Board, and a variety of interest groups and advocacy organizations. While in D.C., they lived and took classes at The Washington Center, located in the heart of the nation’s capital.

For more information about the Department of Political Science, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci/.

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Florida State University undergraduate students in the Department of Political Science’s Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program concluded the program’s inaugural year by meeting with members of Florida’s congressional delegation and staffers on Capitol Hill.  

“The Department of Political Science’s APPLE program provides undergraduates with unprecedented insight into policymaking processes, as well as exposure to career paths at local, state and federal levels,” said Tim Chapin, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “We’re grateful to the congressional members and FSU alumni who generously shared their time and experiences with our students in D.C.” 

The capstone event marked the end of the program’s inaugural year and gave students an opportunity to meet face-to-face with Florida Reps. Neal Dunn (R-Panama City), John Rutherford (R-Jacksonville), and Darren Soto (D-Kissimmee), who shared their insights and experiences before answering questions.  

Students also met with FSU alumni working as staffers on Capitol Hill including Marcus Garza (Class of 2010), McKinley Lewis (2013) and Chaston Pfingston (2021).

Founding Co-Director of the APPLE program and Associate Professor Amanda Driscoll said the meetings on Capitol Hill provided students with an invaluable opportunity to hear from members of the Florida congressional delegation and FSU alumni working as congressional staffers.  

“We created APPLE to provide select FSU political science majors an opportunity to experience local, state and national policymaking firsthand,” Driscoll said. “The program seamlessly integrates into the undergraduate curriculum requirements while helping students to build their professional skills and resumés.”

APPLE includes a three-semester slate of coursework and engagement activities that provide students with experiential learning opportunities at the local, state and federal level. Students also complete an internship while spending a semester in Washington, D.C. They live and take classes at The Washington Center in the heart of the nation’s capital. 

Student internships include placements on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Department of Energy, the D.C. Bar Association and the National Labor Relations Board, among others.   

“APPLE has given me opportunities that would be otherwise unattainable,” said Sarah Brophy, who is interning at the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. “Not only has it provided me with an invaluable network of people, both students and professionals but with real world skills that will serve me for the rest of my career.” 

The students will return to campus for the fall semester to complete their undergraduate degrees and serve as mentors for the next cohort of APPLE students. 

“We are excited for the second year of the program; we have 13 new APPLE students ready to hit the ground running,” said Brad Kile, founding co-director of the APPLE program and director of the Master’s in Applied American Politics and Policy Program. “The APPLE program is the first of its kind. There is no other program like it in the country, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things our students will achieve next.”     

The Department of Political Science is housed in the College of Social Science and Public Policy. For more information, visit coss.fsu.edu/apple. 

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Florida State University’s Political Science Department ranks No. 16 in faculty research productivity among all U.S. doctoral programs, a study published by the American Political Science Association finds. 

The study drew on 30 years of research productivity in political science’s top scholarly journals. FSU’s faculty ranked 16th in per capita productivity and 30th in total publications. 

“APSA’s findings demonstrate our faculty’s productivity and placement of their work in the top journals in the field,” said Tim Chapin, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “I’m proud that the department is ranked 16th for faculty research productivity and 6th amongst public institutions.”  

The study compared 120 doctoral-granting political science departments nationally and their research productivity in 19 leading general and subfield political science journals from 1990 to 2018. The study evaluated both per-faculty and total number of publications, as well as weighing publications by number of authors and the journal’s impact score. 

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science, Brad Gomez, said the study reflects the faculty’s distinguished and consistent productivity. 

“One of the remarkable features of the study is that the authors examined the consistency of faculty scholarly productivity over time,” said Gomez. “FSU political science faculty were just as productive at publishing in the top journals during the last 15 years as they were in the preceding 15 years.” 

The authors published the full list of 120 doctoral-granting programs with rankings based on their analysis alongside 2021 U.S. News and World Report rankings for comparison. 

The authors noted political science departments housed in public universities “seemed to overpunch their weight, with higher per-faculty journal publication rankings than what was suggested by their reputational rankings among political scientists.” 

Unique to this study is its 30-year review window and its division into two 15-year time periods to track growth and consistency among these programs, allowing programs to show their relevance and prominence in modern political science.  

The findings also allow prospective doctoral students to draw a stark line between programs currently making a significant impact and those with declining research productivity.  

FSU’s Political Science Department’s graduate programs routinely rank among the nation’s top-tier, innovative programs published by U.S. News and World Report, landing the program in 41st this year, in addition to FSU’s overall ranking as a top-20 public university.  

For more information about the Department of Political Science, visit coss.fsu.edu/polisci or follow @FSUPoliSci on social media for frequent updates. 

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Florida State University students are ready to gain meaningful experience at the Capitol while representing the Garnet and Gold through the new FSU Legislative Internship Program when the 2023 Florida Legislative session kicks off this week.

Located just minutes from the Capitol, FSU has for many years facilitated opportunities for students to engage in the legislative process. However, realizing there wasn’t a formal process for students to take part in the political process, the Governmental Relations Team, comprised of Clay Ingram, Lina Rojas and Lynna Sands, worked diligently to establish a structured legislative internship program that will equip students with a solid foundation to learn from the legislative process.

“Our students now will have even more hands-on opportunities to learn how politics and policy are intertwined in the legislative process by working with legislators and policymakers in the Governor’s Office, the House or Senate, state agencies and other legislative offices,” said President Richard McCullough. “This is a tremendous opportunity for students that could launch a career in politics or public service and open doors they may have never imagined.”

The inaugural class of 29 interns includes 18 students who applied directly to the program and 11 students who applied as part of the new Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience program — or APPLE — launched by faculty members in the Department of Political Science, Brad Kile and Amanda Driscoll.

The Governmental Relations Office and the Political Science Department worked together to secure internship placements and conduct training workshops to ensure these students are prepared for their roles as legislative interns.

After a competitive application process during the fall semester, interns were chosen from a pool of over 100 applicants. They each attended a multi-day boot camp where they received training on the basics of Florida government, the rules of the House and Senate, important dates and deadlines in the legislative process, decorum and proper attire, and heard from several speakers involved in the lawmaking process. The boot camp culminated with the pinning of their FSU nametags by Sen. Corey Simon.

“The Legislative Internship Program is critical to bench-building at the Capitol, and it’s helpful to our friends at the Capitol,” said Ingram, FSU’s chief legislative affairs officer. “It can be a catalyst that sparks a career in government for some of these students.”

Kai Garel, a senior from Lake Worth, Florida, who is studying political science and criminology, is excited for the opportunity to work in the heart of the state’s government.

“I came to Florida State for one main reason — I wanted to be in the middle of where state legislation occurs,” Garel said. “I’m excited to be a part of the inaugural class of the new FSU Legislative Internship Program.”

For more information, visit govrel.fsu.edu/internship-program.

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