Ten undergraduate student interns and two graduate assistants are supporting the staff of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics with its research, programming and student voter outreach for the 2024-25 academic year.
Hope AndersonHope Anderson, a senior in event management with a minor in music, is the center’s public relations/events planning intern, assisting both Sue Cloud, the center’s communications specialist, and Melissa Martin, the center’s administrative assistant and events planner. Anderson is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the Iowa State Wind Ensemble, and is general co-chair for Homecoming 2024. She is also an intramural referee and a PR and events intern with Iowa State’s Recreation Services.
“My time here at the Catt Center has pushed me to be more creative and independent with my work,” Anderson said. “I love being able to meet and work with new people!” Anderson is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Madeline BeckerMadeline Becker, who is pursuing a concurrent bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics and second bachelor’s degree in political science, is working with center director Karen M. Kedrowski on a research project on Iowa’s county supervisors. In addition to her internship at the center, Becker teaches fitness classes for Recreation Services and is a tutor for the athletics department. This summer, Becker was an intern at the White House for the Council of Economic Advisers. Becker has been involved with Student Government throughout her Iowa State career; is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, currently serving as president; is a member of the Honors Program; and participates in both undergraduate and graduate research.
“Performing research for the Catt Center has been an amazing and educational experience,” Becker said. “Every individual you encounter is powered by a passion for political progress and a thirst to understand the world and its social phenomena. There is an air of excitement about the discoveries made and the good work left to do.”
Allan Bubna, Em Mach and Alison Wyatt are assisting Amy Erica Smith, associate director of research for the Catt Center, with updating the Women in Iowa Politics database with data from the 2024 election, as well as integrating past years’ election data into one database.
Allan BubnaBubna, a master’s student in political science from Curitiba, Brazil, is a graduate research assistant whose work with Smith also includes the Status of Women and Gender Equity report. A newcomer to Ames this fall, Bubna has been enjoying jogging around different neighborhoods and going to the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
“Researching gender in Iowa elections has not only allowed me to learn a lot about electoral practices and data analysis, but has also given me a fantastic sense of purpose on how to make a difference towards a more just world,” Bubna said.
Em MachMach, a senior in industrial engineering with a women’s and gender studies minor from Marion, Iowa, is a member of the Winter Guard student organization and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), and is a resident assistant in Frederiksen Court.
Alison Wyatt / Photo by Hope AndersonWyatt , a senior in data science and statistics with a minor in leadership studies from West Des Moines, Iowa, is the 2024-2025 Sharon and Alice Rodine Leadership and Advocacy intern. Wyatt is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the Kairos student ministry.
“I’ve enjoyed applying my data knowledge while learning more about politics in Iowa!” Wyatt said of her internship at the Catt Center.
Jordan Cunningham and Lauren Fisher are working with Carrie Ann Johnson, associate director of outreach and communication, and Sue Cloud, communications specialist, as interns on the Archives of Women’s Political Communication.
Jordan CunninghamCunningham, a senior in anthropology and political science with a minor in Middle Eastern studies from Des Moines, Iowa, is a member of the Model Arab League, Alternative Breaks at Iowa State, and Plurality Partners Club. In addition to her internship at the Catt Center, Cunningham works as a student circulation specialist at Parks Library and a research assistant with the Department of Political Science. She has also been a Legacy of Heroines scholar for the past two years.
“Archival work is a very specific work in politics that I have never been exposed to before and that I am very grateful to have the opportunity to do,” Cunningham said. “The sheer exposure to American politics it has given me is eye opening.”
Lauren FisherFisher, a junior in political science from Ames, Iowa, said, “I have enjoyed learning about the increasing number of women becoming involved in politics every year.”
Delaney Graef, Erica Levi, Paola Martinez, Hannah Molayal and Campbell Valline are the #CyclonesVote undergraduate interns working with Johnson and Kedrowski on student voter engagement efforts across campus.
Delaney GraefGraef, a junior in forestry with a minor in political science from Frankfort, Illinois, is president of the Forestry Club, treasurer of Xi Sigma Pi, and a co-chair of the CALS Council Awards Committee. For the past two summers, Graef worked as a climbing arborist trainee with Davey Tree Experts.
A second-year intern with the center, Graef said, “Working this fall has been such an amazing experience. It has been incredible to see the work Paola and I put in last spring to set up for election season come to fruition. This fall we have tabled at various events and campus locations and have had so many cool opportunities!”
Erica LeviLevi, a senior in criminal justice with a minor in psychology from Loudoun County, Virginia, is president of the Criminal Justice Club and vice president of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. Levi also volunteers as a court monitor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and works part-time at Chick-fil-A.
“Working at the Catt Center as a voter engagement intern is very rewarding and gives me a chance to interact with the Iowa State community when getting them registered to vote,” Levi said. “One thing I’ve learned from working at the Catt Center is how easy it is to register. Spreading the word that out-of-state students can easily vote, too, is really fulfilling, being an out-of-state student myself.”
Paola MartinezMartinez, a senior in political science from Denison, Iowa, is a Multicultural Vision Program (MVP) scholarship recipient and participates in TRIO.
Now in her second year as an intern with the Catt Center, Martinez said, “My favorite thing about my time at the Catt Center are the relationships I have built and the projects I have been a part of.”
Hannah MolayalMolayal, a senior in journalism and mass communication with a minor in political science from Waukee, Iowa, is also a second-year intern with the center who previously worked on the Women in Iowa Politics Database and Gender Balance Project.
“As a returning intern, I am so glad that I am able to continue promoting civic engagement and education in our community,” Molayal said. “Last year, I learned a tremendous amount about gender equity in politics, and this year I have had so much fun interacting with students about voting!”
Campbell VallineValline is a sophomore in political science with a women’s and gender studies minor from Grimes, Iowa. Valline participates in the University Honors Program, Kairos Student Ministry, Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and the music and theatre department. In addition to her internship at the Catt Center, Valine is an undergraduate research assistant and a Campus Visits student associate. Valline is also a 2024-2025 Kedrowski and Fitzgerald Family Legacy of Heroines scholar.
“My favorite thing about working as a voter engagement intern is the interactions I have with voters,” Valline said. “I love educating people about their civic duties and helping them perform them!”
