Major: Political Science
Minor: National Security Studies
Hometown: Grand Island, NE
Why did you select your major and minor?
As a middle schooler, I found a great connection with local political organizations and began working on some campaigns. I fell in love with working in politics and government. When my high school in Grand Island shut down during COVID, I worked for Tracy Overstreet, the Hall County Election Commissioner and helped process historic numbers of vote-by-mail ballots during the heat of the pandemic. From there, I knew I wanted to work in government and make sure that folks had every opportunity to engage with their vote.
What is your favorite course you have taken from your program and why?
I really enjoyed taking NSST 475, “Threats and Solutions to Global Security in the 21st Century” with Professor Tyler White. Prof. White is a national security ROCKSTAR and the critical partnership UNL shares with USSTRATCOM at Offutt provided great opportunities for me to engage with industry professionals on current, real-world issues facing our nation.
Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
I have always been able to depend on Profs. Geoff Lorenz, Brandon Bosch, and Daniel Schaub. These three political science professors have contributed greatly to the field and have not hesitated to work with me on a research idea, assignment for class, or general schooling advice.
Do you have research experience?
Following a study abroad program, I have been working on a book chapter with Dean Shari Veil at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications on communication during crises, specifically the role of war memorials in an age of rising disinformation.
Have you had an internship or job?
I have been working at the Lancaster County Election Commission since my freshman year of college. I started out as a temporary staff member, but I have been working full-time since December of 2023. My work has spanned several different aspects of election administration, but I currently serve in a position that works extensively with polling locations, secure ballot drop boxes, and petitions for initiatives, referenda, and candidates. My major's connection with the institutions that the Election Commission works within,alongside statistical research methods I've learned through POLS 268/400 have given me the tools I need to succeed and innovate in a field that is historically behind the curve. I've also served as the founding Chair of the Husker Vote Coalition, working with paid student staff and several volunteers to register well over 1,000 voters at and! around U NL. In 2023, I also served as a Legislative Page for the Clerk of the Legislature and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the Legislature and its' members/divisions.
Have you studied abroad?
Yes! Over Spring Break of 2025, I travelled to Belgium with several POLS and JOMC students on a program that took us to NATO, the US Media Hub in Brussels, the Europa building which houses most of the EU's central administration, and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The program covered military public affairs and global governments. The program was informational, and a lot of fun, largely due to the planning and instruction by Dean Shari Veil, the program sponsor.
What are you involved in on campus or in the community?
I have served in positions with ASUN (mainly election related), along with periodic involvement with Sustain UNL. Through my role with Husker Vote, I also worked with community organizations such as Civic Nebraska, OutNebraska, and the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table as a partner of the Lincoln Get Out The Vote Coalition. I helped plan events on and off campus that provided critical voting information for students and community members alike. I was recognized by Civic Nebraska as the 2023 Young Civic Leader as part of their Strengthening Democracy Awards (also see polisci.unl.edu), an Admiral of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2022 for my work in voter registration both in Hall County and at UNL, and, prior to attending UNL, I received the first-ever Secretary's Citation from Secretary of State Bob Evnen for my voter registration work in Grand Island.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha for a Master's in Public Administration and continue to serve in a role working in election administration or politics. I hope to return to UNL someday to motivate more civic-minded students to look at election administration as a career!
