Spring 2023 Cohort
Legal Policy Initiative
Vincent Kurniawidjaja
Lead, Second Year
Majors: Intended Political Economy and Music
Minor: Public Policy
Hi! I’m Vincent, a second year studying political economy, music, and public policy originally from Arcadia, California. My academic interests include labor issues, public policy concerning Asian American affairs, and music history. For fun, I enjoy reading about art, cooking, drinking Cran-Pineapple juice, and walking around with friends!
Email me: vkjaja@berkeley.edu
Atman Mohanty
Editor, Third Year
Major: Economics and Operations Research and Management Science
Hi, my name is Atman and I’m a Junior studying Economics and ORMS. When I’m not doing schoolwork, you can find me playing volleyball, watching tv, or obsessively checking the bus schedule to optimize my route home 🙂
Email me: atmanm@berkeley.edu
Vittoria Barrone
Publications, Second Year
Majors: Film
Hello! My name is Vittoria and I’m a current sophomore majoring in film. I am very excited to be a Research Associate and Publications Member for the Student Policy Institute. A bit about me is that I was born and raised in LA and have 6 other siblings! I additionally love to get involved on campus; I most recently served as the Fundraising Chair for my Law Fraternity. For the future, I hope to continue my studies in law school, focusing on intellectual property Law.
Email me: Vittoriab@berkeley.edu
Lucero Sanchez-Zamora
Research Associate, Fourth Year
Majors: Legal Studies
Minor: Public Policy
Hello. I’m a fourth-year Legal Studies major with a minor in Public Policy. I’m originally from Visalia, CA! I’m interested in laws and policies regarding immigration. Two of my career aspirations are to practice immigration law and become a professor. In my free time, I like to go to the gym, hike and watch romantic comedies.
Email me: sanchez01@berkeley.edu
Manish Ahanya
Research Associate, Thrid Year
Majors: Political Science and Legal Studies
Minor: Public Policy
My name is Manish Ahanya and I am a third year Political Science student trying to double major in Legal Studies. I am very interested in the field of Public Policy and the impacts that it can have. In my free time, I love to cook different foods but I have a passion for making pizzas.
Email me: manish_ahanya@berkeley.edu
Parker Deocampo
Research Associate, Fourth Year
Majors: Economics
Hello, my name is Parker. I am a senior studying Economics from Napa, CA, interested in the effects of economic policy on individual behavior and development metrics. I am excited to begin work on our policy initiative to better understand how the policy surrounding workers in the gig economy affects workers on an individual level, as well as the firms that employ them.
Email me: parkerdeo@berkeley.edu
Spencer Jung
Research Associate, First Year
Majors: Economics and Political Science
Minor: Public Policy
Hi! I’m a freshman at UC Berkeley intending to major in either Economics or Political Science. I’m originally from Los Angeles and I like to surf in the summer.
Email me: spencerjung17@berkeley.edu
Labor Policy Initiative
Dulce López Cruz
Lead, Fourth Year
Major: Political Economy
Minor: Public Policy
Hello all! My name is Dulce and I am studying political economy and public policy. My research interests include economic growth, poverty, and inequality. I was born and raised in San Francisco but am Guatemalan at heart. In my spare time, I love to go on hikes with my dog, play soccer, and play chess.
Email me: dulcelopezcruz@berkeley.edu
David Cheng
Editor, Third Year
Major: Political Science
Minors: Public Policy
I’m a third-year poli sci major (minoring in public policy) who’s always scouring social media for the latest news. I enjoy studying contemporary political issues, and hope to be able to make an actual impact on policymaking through the Student Policy Institute. I actually find it fun to research and read, which has made some classes feel easier than they should be. I’m so excited to be able to work with others who share an interest in studying and analyzing policies that affect everyday people.
Email me: chengdavid0813@berkeley.edu
Alejandra Gil
Publications, Fourth Year
Majors: Ethnic Studies and Legal Studies
Minor: Public Policy
Hi! Im Alejandra, a first-generation student from San Pablo, California. I am double majoring in Legal Studies and Ethnic Studies and minoring in Public Policy. I am hoping to build a career around Labor Policy.
Email me: alejandra.gil399@berkeley.edu
William Cooke
Research Associate, Fourth Year
Major: Political Science
Minor: History
Hey! I’m Will Cooke. I’m a fourth-year student from Turlock, California majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. I’ve been a sports reporter at The Daily Californian, UC Berkeley’s student-run newspaper, for nearly four years now and have covered Cal men’s soccer, baseball and women’s basketball. As a political science student and aspiring public interest lawyer, I’m interested in how the law can be used to both serve the least among us and shape how we see each other and the world.
Email me: william.cooke@berkeley.edu
Leslie Reider
Research Associate, Fourth Year
Major: Political Science
Minor: Public Policy & Conservation and Resource Studies
My name is Leslie Reider and I am a fourth year from Temecula, CA. I am majoring in political science and minoring in public policy and Conservation and Resource Studies. I’m interested in serving disadvantaged communities through policy research and implementation. I am excited to research and unpack union protective policies that are crucial for worker’s rights this semester. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and attending concerts!
Email me: lesliereider@berkeley.edu
Noor Hassan
Research Associate, Third Year
Major: Political Science
Minor: Public Policy
I am a junior studying Political Science and Public Policy on a pre-law track. I spent this past summer interning at an immigration law firm.
Email me: noor.hasan@berkeley.edu
Public Health Policy Initiative
Jenifer Lopez Osorio
Lead, Fourth Year
Major: Legal Studies
Minors: Public Policy
First-generation, undocumented student of color are core identities that I hold dearest to me and ones that allow me to the work I do, with integrity, compassion and equity. I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico in a small village where I lived for three years until I moved to Mexico City. My mom and dad both made the decision of emigrating to the United States to acquire an economically sustainable future for their kids. I arrived in this country at the age of nine, starting third grade and ensuring I stayed on track. College was subconsciously always on my mind, though I had to idea what it would entail. As the oldest of seven, my goals have been intertwined with the love I have for my family. In 2013, my dad got deported for domestic violence, and my mom became a single mother of five at the time. This forced me to become an even greater role model, and I had many responsibilities at home and school. However, my desire for education allowed me to always keep my head high up. Through adversities, I learned what hard work looks like. Throughout high school I was involved with local organizations doing direct advocacy for many issues personal to me. Now as a Berkeley student, I have been exposed to an array of issues and have been given the opportunity to work on issues affecting the communities of different backgrounds. I plan to stay on the public policy spectrum and work on projects that address the housing crisis and educational inequity in socio-economically disadvantaged communities and use my educational and tools in order to best serve these communities.
Email me: jenifer.lopez@berkeley.edu
Sejal Sahu
Lead, Freshman Year
Majors: Political Economy
Minor: Public Policy
My name is Sejal Sahu and I’m a political economy major and public policy minor from the Bay Area. I’m interested in health economics and have some experience with legislative research. I love to play the piano, I’m learning how to crochet, and I love going on walks around Berkeley. Excited to be a part of the team!
Email me: sejalsahu02@berkeley.edu
Nehal Sindhu
Editor, Second Year
Major: Data Science and Public Health
Email me: nehalsindhu@berkeley.edu
Hasti Mofidi
Publications, Fourth Year
Major: Public Health
Minor: Public Policy
My name is Hasti Mofidi, I am a 4th year studying Public Health and Public Policy and I’m interested in pursuing a joint MHP/MD or joint MPP/MD program in the future. I also really hope to work in the health policy sector after getting my degree. I am particularly interested in women’s, youth, and maternal health. I hope to dedicate my career to working towards health equity through the intersection of medicine and policy work.
Email me: mofidihasti@berkeley.edu
Caitlin Gu
Research Associate, Second Year
Major: MCB
Minor: Public Policy
I am a UC Berkeley student studying MCB and Public Policy, driven by my interest in healthcare and medicine. My past experiences have inspired my passion for improving healthcare accessibility and introduced me to opportunities to work on important initiatives. I look forward to using my education and experiences to bring about positive change in the field and contribute to the advancement of medical innovation.
Email me: caitlingu@berkeley.edu
Lindsey Duncan
Research Associate, Second Year
Majors: English and Sociology
Intended Minor: Politics, Philosophy, and Law
Hi! I’m Lindsey, a second-year English and sociology from Sacramento, CA. I’m passionate about social justice and advocacy, particularly concerning gender equity. I’m involved in a number of organizations on campus fighting to ensure civil liberties and civil rights for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or any demographic identities. I plan to attend law school in the future, concentrating my studies on social justice as much as I can and eventually becoming a practicing attorney. This is my second semester working in the public health research initiative, and I’m interested in exploring sex and gender disparities in healthcare.
Email me: lindseyduncan@berkeley.edu
Trisha Devchoudhury
Research Associate, First Year
Majors: MCB and Public Health
Hello! My name is Trisha Devchoudhury, and I’m currently a first-year undergrad student, pursuing a double major in Public Health and Molecular and Cell Biology (Neurobiology emphasis). In my free time, I love reading, hiking, and exploring new places and foods!
Email me: trishad@berkeley.edu
Debby Wen
Research Associate, Third Year
Majors: Public Health
Intended Minor: Public Policy
Hi! My name is Debby Wen, I grew up in the Bay Area and I’m a 3rd year public health major with a minor in public policy.
Email me: debbywen@berkeley.edu
Education Policy Initiative
Tallan Haghighatgou
Lead, Fourth Year
Majors: Economics
I am particularly interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal system, and I aspire to use my voice to protect and advocate for vulnerable members of our society.
Email me: tallanhaghi@berkeley.edu
Anna DeBettencourt
Lead, Third Year
Major: Political Science and Intended Legal Studies
Minors: Public Policy and Global Public Health
¡Hello! I’m Anna, one of the co-Initiative Leads for SPIB’s Education research team. I’m a third year at Cal majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy and Global Public Health. Policy research is an academic passion of mine, and (hopefully) my future career path as well, so I’m looking forward to getting started this semester!
Email me: annadebett@berkeley.edu
Aleeza Adnan
Editor, Third Year
Majors: English
Minor: Public Policy
I am a third-year at UC Berkeley studying English and Public Policy. I am interested in researching human rights issues and policy initiatives, especially ones that affect racial and ethnic minorities. I also enjoy reading and writing poetry. In the future, I hope to pursue a J.D.
Email me: aleezaadnan@berkeley.edu
Kailen Grottel-Brown
Publications, Second Year
Majors: Political Science and Economics
Hello! My name is Kailen and I am a second-year undergraduate student studying political science and economics, with a minor in public policy. I spend most of my time serving as one of the Senators at the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) and volunteering by fundraising and building homes for Cal Habitat for Humanity. I also serve as a board member for Educate a Child for Change (ECCO), a nonprofit organization aimed at ensuring students have the opportunity to all equally pursue an education. Outside of his extracurriculars and academic obligations, I’m either on the courts playing tennis, taking a bike ride with friends to the Berkeley marina, or spending too much money on Chipotle.
Email me: kailen.brown@berkeley.edu
Madeline Roorda
Research Associate, Second Year
Majors: Political Science
Minor: Public Policy
Hi! My name is Madeline and I am a second-year student from Alameda, CA. I’m interested in how public policy can be utilized as a tool to solve issues associated with income inequality and affordable housing, particularly in the Bay Area. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing music and going on runs in the Berkeley hills.
Email me: mroorda@berkeley.edu
Jordan Ta
Research Associate, Fourth Year
Majors: Data Science
Minor: Public Policy
I am a senior transfer student studying Data Science with a minor in public policy. I am from Southern California located in the San Fernando Valley, where I grew up my entire life. My personal interests include playing Magic the Gathering and watching Smash Bros Ultimate. I would however like to learn more about rock climbing as a few gyms opened near campus, or table tennis as my dad loves the sport. A fun fact about me is that I have never broken a bone.
Email me: jordanta@berkeley.edu
Harleen Dhillon
Research Associate, First Year
Major: Economics
Minor: Public Policy
Hi! My name is Harleen Kaur Dhillon. I am currently a first year studying Economics and pursuing a minor in public policy. With SPIB I work as a research associate for the education initiative. I aspire to have a career in medicine and work towards leveraging health policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. My passions lie at the intersection of law and medicine and outside of SPIB I work as a deputy director for the UC Berkeley ASUC and the finance and government chair for the Jakara Movement. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and hanging out with my friends.
Email me: hdhillon0706@berkeley.edu
Advocacy Policy Initiative
Stephanie Quinones
Editor, Second Year
Major: Political Science
Minor: Public Policy and Philosophy
My name is Stephanie Quinones and I am originally from the Central Valley. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a second year majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy and Public Policy.
Email me: stequinonesg@berkeley.edu
Napasorn (Ploy) Sripungwiwat
Publications, Second Year
Majors: Environmental Economics and Policy
Minor: History and Public Policy
5″2 lactose intolerant who loves eating milk and cheese. EEP major. Eating is love eating is life.
Email me: napasorn@berkeley.edu
Christopher Ojeda
Research Associate, Third Year
Majors: Political Science
Minor: Public Policy
I am third-year transfer student from Thousand Oaks, CA. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. At Berkeley, I am the secretary of the Alexander Hamilton Society and on the Action Committee of the Latin American Leadership Society. At home I am co-chairing an exhibit on Indigenous people in the Ventura County
Email me: chrisojeda02@gmail.com
Hannah Lee
Research Associate, Third Year
Majors: Political Economy
Minor: Public Policy
I’m Hannah, a senior studying Political Economy and minoring in Public Policy. I’m interested in issues involving consumer finance, the wealth disparity between racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., immigration law, higher education, and women empowerment. This is my first semester in SPIB and as a Research Associate, I’m excited to work on the advocacy project and to better understand the issue.
Email me: hannah.mihyun.lee@berkeley.edu
Student Policy Institute at Berkeley 