This panel explores how research can drive real political and social change, from shaping climate policy in Ghana to reimagining how governments regulate businesses and building more inclusive narratives in U.S. social movements. Our internships took us into spaces where research meets action, including think tanks, consultancies, and policy collectives tackling some of today's most pressing issues. We learned how data, storytelling, and collaboration can influence decision-making and expand who gets a voice in policy conversations. Along the way, we developed skills in coding, comparative policy analysis, interviewing experts, and presenting research findings. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at how young researchers like us are connecting evidence to impact and how these experiences are shaping the ways we imagine a more equitable political future.

Moderator: Briana Chace, Associate Director of Fellowships

Presenters:

• Clara Tupitza '26 Politics/Spanish
• Keira Gillin '26 Politics/Data Analytics & Society Nexus
• Aoife Paul Healy '26 Political Science/Sociology/Journalism, Media, & Public Discourse Nexus
• Dani Darku '27 International Relations/Spanish/Development Studies Nexus/Five College Certificate in African Studies