2026-2027 ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows
What is the ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellowship?
The ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellowship affords Brandeis students the opportunity to collaborate with a group of their peers to engage in on campus research followed by an on campus change project. Together, the cohort will explore themes of access to basic needs on campus and ultimately create events and awareness raising efforts to enact data driven change in their community. Students will also learn about state level policy and ways in which they can advocate for state, local, and institutional policies. Fellows are paid $2000 throughout the academic year.
Fellows will be mentored by ENACT Assistant Director of Research Charlotte Powley.
Who are the 2026-2027 ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows?
Ten undergraduate Brandeis students have been selected to serve as the second cohort of the ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year. One Master’s in Public Policy student from The Heller School has also been selected to both participate with and serve as a peer mentor to the undergraduate Fellows!
Undergraduate Fellows
Katherine Bulthuis is a senior majoring in Theater Arts at Brandeis University. Originally from Utah, Katherine is passionate about women's rights and advocacy. She is looking forward to gaining experience working in legislative frameworks with the goal of bringing lasting and meaningful social change to local communities.
Jaile Estell is a Computer Science major on the pre-health track, expected to graduate in 2027. She is an international student from Belize. Through this fellowship, Jaile looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how advocacy initiatives are designed and how research can be leveraged to drive meaningful change within communities.
Sophia Garcia '29, is double majoring in Politics and Anthropology, with a minor in Legal Studies. Sophia has always had a passion for public policy, and community-based advocacy. She is from Caribou Maine, and is looking forward to working with other ENACT fellows to help research and implement policies statewide.
Maya Johnson is a class of 2028 student from Los Altos, California. She is majoring in Anthropology and Classical and Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies, and minoring in Legal Studies, Religious Studies, and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. Having gained experience with advocacy through her work at The Right to Immigration Institute for individual clients, she is excited about the opportunity to delve into public policy research and to gain experience with advocating for policy change on a broader level.
Stephanie Zacatzi Melendez majors in Politics and minors in Legal Studies and Psychology, set to graduate in 2027. As a first-generation Mexican-American student from Bridgeport, Connecticut, Stephanie actively seeks practical experience in politics, tackles issues affecting diverse communities, and implements various advocacy strategies to highlight specific concerns.
Soha Mursalien is a junior at Brandeis, majoring in Sociology and Politics. She is from New York City and the daughter of Bengali American immigrants. Soha's passion lies within a commitment to civil engagement and advocacy for all communities, especially the marginalized. She is looking forward to contributing meaningful change and giving back to the Brandeis community!
Defne Paker is double majoring in Anthropology and International, Global Studies and double minoring in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Classics set to graduate in 2027. She is originally from Istanbul, Turkey and moved to the U.S. for college. She has been passionate about advocacy throughout her life and is looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about topics that interest her and share her knowledge with her community.
Aishwarya Ramesh is a rising senior double majoring in Neuroscience and Biology with a minor in Creative Writing, graduating in 2027. She is also a student in the Community Engaged Scholars Program (CESP). Originally from Waltham, Massachusetts, she is looking forward to engaging in research and advocacy that connects her interests in science and storytelling with community-based work. Aish is excited to collaborate with peers, strengthen her research and advocacy skills, and contribute to efforts that support communities both on campus and beyond.
Emily Yao is a rising senior at Brandeis University studying History and Philosophy, with minors in Legal Studies and Italian Studies. She is originally from Guangzhou, China, and is interested in pursuing a career in law and policy. She looks forward to the ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellowship as an opportunity to engage in policy research and help advance equitable, community-centered legislative solutions.
Master’s in Public Policy Fellow
Hwajoo Chun, from South Korea, is a current Brandeis University Master of Public Policy student. She is in the Economic and Racial Equity concentration and expects to graduate in 2027. Hwajoo aims to advance her professional competency by broadening her knowledge and perspective on gender and health policy, accelerating her analysis and advocacy abilities, learning how to translate research outcomes into effective programs, and guiding other fellows to complete the project.