Students and Partners

A’Nyah Banta is a bachelor’s student majoring in Political Science with a strong passion for leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. She is a driven and resilient young leader and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she engages in service initiatives, leadership development, and community impact efforts. A’Nyah is deeply interested in social justice, human rights, and public policy, particularly policies that promote equity and address mental health within underserved and incarcerated populations. She aspires to pursue a career in public service and leadership, using her voice to create meaningful change in her community. A’Nyah was one of the MGSP Scholarship recipients for Spring 2026.

Internship: Michigan Legislative Consultants

Lauren Barich is a junior majoring in Political Science and Public Policy at Michigan State University. She is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Lauren is committed to advancing democratic values, fairness, and advocacy centered on accountability and public service. She is currently interning for State Representative Will Snyder, where she supports legislative and constituent-focused work. Her academic and professional interests center on governance, equity, and public service. Lauren enjoys working with legislation and policy analysis.

Internship: MI STATE REP. WILL SNYDER

Ethan Belanger is a third-year student studying Political Science and History at Michigan State University. Hailing from Plymouth, Michigan, Ethan is passionate about politics, having volunteered for State Rep. Matt Koleszar in the past. Additionally, he is an active e-board member of MSU Middle Ground, a student organization dedicated towards productive political debate and discussion. One of his key political issues is addressing the national shortage of housing. Ethan plans to pursue a career in law following graduation. He enjoys reading, pop music, and exercising.

Internship: MI STATE REP. WILL SNYDER

Victoria Bucher is an Honors, second-year Political Science and Social Science Scholar studying Public Policy with dual minors in History and Leadership of Organizations. She is from Atascocita, Texas, and has previously interned with The Probate Pro Law Firm. Victoria is interested in corporate law, judicial politics, and environmental and civil liberties issues. In her free time, she enjoys walking, trying new coffee shops, and crocheting. Victoria was one of the MGSP Scholarship recipients for Spring 2026.

Internship:JUDGE AQUILINA, MI 30TH CIRCUIT COURT

Mia Buckley is a junior studying Political Science and Pre-Law with dual minors in Law, Justice, and Public Policy and an additional minor in Business. She is from Rochester Hills, Michigan. Over the past year, Mia has worked with Make-A-Wish, raising more than $20,000 to grant a child’s wish. She is a proud member of Chi Omega and serves as Treasurer of the MSU Pre-Law Society. Mia will be interning as a Law Clerk at The Gallagher Law Firm and is deeply committed to public service and advocacy. She aspires to one day clerk for a Supreme Court Justice.

Internship: THE GALLAGHER LAW FIRM

Liam Connor is a graduate of Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD. He is majoring in Political Science Pre-Law with minors in Law, Justice & Public Policy and Environmental Social Science. Liam’s interests are centered around international relations and environmental regulation. He is particularly fascinated by foreign policy, international trade, and the intersection of political science with global economic dynamics. He plans to attend law school after his undergraduate studies, with a focus on international law and environmental law. Liam is deeply passionate about the conservation of wildlife and endangered species and wants to use his skills to help protect those who can’t protect themselves.

Internship: GRASSROOTS MIDWEST

Lily Dixon is a junior pursuing dual degrees in Public Policy and Arts and Humanities at Michigan State University. She is from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and has worked in rural politics, helping lead field operations for Callie Barr for Congress (MI-01) in the ‘24 and ‘26 election cycles. Lily is on the executive board of the College Democrats at MSU, a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute, and leads a program that does twice-weekly arts-based programming at the local youth detention center. She is drawn to the intersection of public policy, the justice system, and the arts. Lily enjoys playing the bass, snowboarding, and fighting for a just future.

Internship: U.S. SEN. ELISSA SLOTKIN

Joshua Ennis is a senior at Michigan State University from Grand Blanc, Michigan, with a strong passion for public service. When he's not studying, he enjoys building spreadsheets to analyze and break down complex strategy games. He is currently working on several research projects, including one focused on the labor economics of legal professions across the state of Michigan. Joshua is excited to continue learning, work on meaningful projects, and serve the public interest.

Internship: JUDGE AQUILINA (MI 30TH CIRCUIT COURT)

Noelle Ermiger is a junior majoring in Political Science Pre-Law at Michigan State University and is from Macomb, Michigan. She is an active member in the Empowering Women in Law club, where she volunteers at events and fundraisers that support various charities and uplift women pursuing legal careers. Noelle is currently interning with a State Representative, gaining hands on experience in the legislative process and public service. She has a strong interest in law and justice and plans to attend law school after graduation. She aspires to become an attorney dedicated to making a meaningful impact in her community. In her free time, Noelle enjoys spending time with family and friends and painting.

Internship: MI STATE REP. CURT VANDERWALL

Eva Fiander is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in Political Science and French. She is originally from Philadelphia and brings a strong passion for advocacy and equity to her work. She has previously interned with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in the Volunteer Department and previously served as the Vice President of Recruitment and Marketing for Kappa Delta Sorority.  Eva is interested in creating equitable legal outcomes through hands on work in the justice system. She hopes to attend law school in Washington, D.C. and become a prosecutor. Eva loves MSU Hockey and trying new food spots around campus!

Internship: MI STATE REP. CURT VANDERWALL

Griffin Gustafson is a senior at MSU in political science – pre-law and urban planning, and interns at Public Affairs Associates, a premier multiclient lobbying firm in Lansing. As a professional, he brings strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, and takes pride in being reliable and motivated. He is originally from Chicago, Illinois, coming from a family of five with two dogs who mean a lot to him. He enjoys traveling and experiencing other countries’ cultures.  Griffin is excited to be a part of the MGSP program.

Internship: PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSOCIATES

Addison Heller is a Senior pursuing a dual-degree in Political Science and Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Michigan State University. She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute and serves as an HDFS Ambassador and Undergraduate Learning Assistant for the PLS Course on Judicial Politics. After completing an internship with State Representative Mike McFall, she now looks forward to interning in the Michigan Court of Appeals this semester. Through these opportunities and volunteer work with MSU Safe Place and Ele’s Place as a children’s grief group facilitator, Addison has been inspired as a young professional to pursue law school and practice as a trauma-informed attorney who understands how sexual violence impacts survivors seeking justice. In her free time, Addison is a freelance photographer and reads to fuel her love of learning.

Internship: Judge Michelle Rick, Michigan Court of Appeals

Grace Ide is a senior at Michigan State University studying Political Science pre-law, with minors in Law, Justice, Public Policy, and Business. Grace was born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan. She has professional experience working at the Michigan State Senate, where she has gained firsthand exposure to the legislative process. She is particularly interested in health policy and hopes to pursue a master’s degree following her graduation from MSU. In her free time, Grace enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, as well as exploring various creative outlets.

Internship: STATE OF MICHIGAN SENATE COURIER PROGRAM

Sumaiya Imad is a junior studying Economics with a minor in Social Science Quantitative Data Analytics at Michigan State University. She is an international student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to housing justice and human rights. Sumaiya is a John Lewis Young Leader with the Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center and is interning with the Mid-Michigan Tenants’ Resource Center (TRC) in Lansing. She is focusing on advancing civil and human rights through community-based action. At TRC, she supports tenants by providing housing rights information, assisting with policy research, and helping develop a Michigan housing rights chatbot in partnership with MSU Law’s Housing Clinic and local advocacy organizations. She is also the founder of Sincerely, Her, a nonprofit supporting survivors of trafficking in Bangladesh through vocational training, mental health workshops, and seed funding for sustainable businesses. Sumaiya plans to pursue a career in public policy and human rights law centered on survivor-led and community-driven reform.

Internship: MSU Law College Housing Clinic & Mid-Michigan Tenants’ Resource Center

Erin Kanaar is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in Public Policy with a minor in Environmental Social Science and is a member of the Honors College. She is from Montague, Michigan, and is currently a Student Research Assistant in the department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at MSU. Erin is passionate about public service and serves as Co-Director of External Communications on the Alternative Spartan Breaks executive board. She cares deeply about natural resource protection and management and aspires to work within the United States National Parks System. In her free time, Erin enjoys reading and hiking.

Internship: Michigan DNR, Parks and Recreation Department

Benjamin Lowen is a Senior and Political Science Scholar studying Public Policy at Michigan State University. Benjamin serves his community as Vice Chair of the East Lansing Housing Commission and sits on multiple community and housing boards across the Lansing area. He is a graduate of the Great Lakes Political Academy’s Campaign Staff Fellowship, the 2025 East Lansing Emerging Leaders Program, and is a proud AmeriCorps alum. Benjamin is passionate about public service and policymaking in pursuit of equity, stability, and justice. He has previously interned with Michigan House Representatives Phil Skaggs and Rachel Hood, and with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Internship: Executive office of the Governor: Constituent Services Division

Jacob Malmsten is a senior at Michigan State University studying Political Science Pre-Law student who is open to learning, but also committed and passionate about politics. Jacob has an interest in becoming a lawyer and fighting to defend constitutional freedoms for all people. He has shown great commitment to academics and helping other students by working as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant, where he provided students with feedback, offering advice on how they can improve their work. He has also anchored his interest in law by taking various courses offered at MSU that teach legal subjects and obtaining a Law, Justice, and Public Policy minor. At the core of it all is his faith, which he has developed in a student organization known as Cru, a community that is passionate about sharing Jesus Christ with people. In Cru, Jacob has helped foster communal relations by leading Bible studies and meeting with peers to discuss these topics. Jacob hopes to learn more about politics and a little more about Michigan through this internship, as he moved to Michigan three years ago from California.

Internship: MI STATE REP. TULLIO LIBERATI

Emily Mason is a senior at Michigan State University pursuing dual degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies—Liberal Studies and Human Development and Family Studies, as well as a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. Before joining MGSP, she completed two summer internships as a regulatory and legal intern at ITC Holdings Corporation and served as a research assistant for the Juvenile Risk Assessment Team in partnership with the Ingham County 30th Circuit Court Family Division. Alongside her involvement with MGSP, she also interns with the College of Social Science Development and Alumni Relations Office. Emily plans to attend law school in Fall 2026 to further develop her interests in environmental and energy law. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Emily enjoys skiing, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends.

Internship: Dykema Gossett PLLC

Ali O'Connor is a senior studying Political Science Pre-Law and History at Michigan State University. She is from Novi, Michigan and has been a Spartan for her whole life. In her free time, Ali volunteers with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) organization which aims to help children and teens navigating the foster care system. She has previously interned with former State Representative Graham Filler in Fall of 2024. Ali is interested in the intersection between law and public policy and aspires to become a judge in the future.

Internship: MI Senator Michele Hoitenga

Autrina Saeidi is a senior at Michigan State University studying Political Science on the pre-law track. She has coached competitive swim for four years alongside working in the service industry. Autrina aspires to attend law school in hopes of pursuing a career where she can exercise the copious skills she has developed in the workplace to ensure fairness and justice. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading.

Internship: CITY OF LANSING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Annabelle Saunders is a senior studying Political Science and minoring in Women and Gender Studies at Michigan State University. She is from West Bloomfield, Michigan. She has previously interned with U.S. Senator Gary Peters. Annabelle is interested in working in the housing division and working to make housing affordable and accessible for all. She aspires to have a career in public policy. She enjoys the outdoors, reading and baking.

Internship: Reproductive Freedom for All

Briannah Snell is a senior studying Political Science and minoring in Human Behavior and Social Services at Michigan State University. She is from Jackson, Michigan. Briannah has volunteered in her community at John George Home, Hidden Lake Garden, and the Heritage Center at Jackson College. She was a writing fellow at Jackson College. Briannah is interested in poverty reduction and providing people with equal opportunities. She hopes to become a policy analyst. In her free time, she enjoys writing and hiking.

Internship: state Rep. Tullio Liberati

Sampson Sprague is a student studying Political Science at Michigan State University. He is passionate about serving his community and has volunteered with the "Ronald McDonald House" and assisted with local Veterans Day services. Sampson previously interned at Khoury Johnson Leavitt, where he gained valuable insight into the lobbying and government relations landscape in Lansing. He plans to attend law school following his undergraduate studies and is particularly interested in expanding access to healthcare for children and families. In his free time, Sampson enjoys reading and is a devoted Detroit Tigers fan.

Internship: Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri

Erin Starr is a junior at Michigan State University studying Political Science on a pre-law track. She is a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan. Erin is passionate about studying the judicial and legal fields. She brings strong interpersonal skills and a growing, well-rounded understanding of the law. She has previously interned at Nationwide Interlock in Troy, Michigan, where she gained valuable insight into the court system. Erin is passionate about using her voice to advocate for individuals who may not always be able to advocate for themselves.

Internship: MI ATTORNEY GENERAL: HEALTHCARE FRAUD DIVISION

Esther Waller is a senior Political Science prelaw major at Michigan State University with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. An East Lansing local, she has been actively involved in her community through volunteer and internship roles, including work with the Capital City Rescue Mission Food Bank, Citizens for Prison Reform, Generations Connect, and Michigan Legislative Consultants. She has studied abroad in London and Sydney, Australia, and is passionate about traveling and learning about different cultures and societies. Esther is deeply committed to helping and connecting with others and advocating for individuals without a voice. She hopes to work with and advocate for nonprofits in the future and pursue a career that connects policy and law with individuals and communities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Esther was one of the MGSP Scholarship recipients for Spring 2026.

Internship: S.A.F.E Place