Gus Ecklund Gustavson
Speaker 1 Title: TBD
Speaker 1 Abstract:
I was a communications intern with the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at UMass Boston in summer 2022. I worked with the center’s Assistant Program Director, Muna Killingback, and other communications interns to create and disseminate media about the center’s events, policy work, and educational programs. I wrote copy and designed graphics for social media and newsletters and coordinated hybrid events with legislators, community leaders, and elected officials. I had to create my own work plan, which involved setting up a realistic daily schedule myself, establishing communication and quality expectations with my supervisor, and recognizing what support I needed from my supervisor in order to produce high quality work. Simultaneously, this framework allowed me to pursue my interests, like drafting organizational policies on gender inclusion and interviewing and writing about alumna who work in international and national LGBTQ policy issues.

 Hening Sun
Speaker 2 Title: AI Policy in higher education institution
Speaker 2 Abstract:
I interned at MIT Washington Office during Fall of 2022. I had meetings twice a week with staff members about the work plan of the week and bringing current events into discussions. I also participated in the discussions at various conferences related to the Chips and Science Act and the EU’s release of Ethical AI regulation. Through these meetings, I learned the roles technology has played in international relations. At the same time, I conducted independent research with professor Adam Hilton. By synthesizing information and meeting with my professor and consulting staff members weekly, I produced a 30 pages research paper on China’s AI Trustworthy policy and its effect on global data governance in the context of the digital silk road. The research provided me with a better understanding of the different data governance models China has implemented and its proliferation of data authoritarianism. I also learned about the difficulties to reach consent on data governance on an international level and the divergence in policies resulting from different values associated with Western and Eastern societies.

Lasya Priya Rao Jarugumilli
Speaker 3 Title: Policies on Media Literacy Education
Speaker 3 Abstract:
While in the MHC in D.C. program last semester, I interned at the MIT Washington Office as a Policy Research Intern. My internship entailed attending events on behalf of the office, as well as completing an independent research project on an imperative policy issue culminating in a research paper. I attended briefings, hearings, and policy discussions at the US Congress, government agencies and think tanks, synthesising the key points of discussion for the Office of the President at MIT. For my independent research, I critically assessed the policies in different states in the US addressing instruction on media literacy in public schools, producing a policy brief on Media Literacy Education. I learnt a lot about different issues across the realm of science and technology policy, but more importantly, I learnt how to navigate complex technical jargon and dense policy documents while carrying out independent research work.