Prior Interns

Previous CLOSUP Interns

2016

Therese Empie

Therese graduated with her bachelors degree from the University of Michigan in 2013 where she studied political science and Chinese. Her previous work has focused on complex systems and data management. She is interested in state and local governments ability to use technology to make better informed policy decisions. As a Policy Strategy Intern for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder she is working to help staff the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission, Governor's Education Summit, and the 21st Century Education Commission. Therese has utilized many skills learned at the Ford School such as policy analysis, policy research, and a deep understanding of Michigan politics. During her first few weeks in the Governor's office she compiled policy research on child lead poisoning, gun violence, state education funding, and state resident policy engagement. She has designed and implemented community engagement tools to better involve state residents with the construction of important policy recommendations. Therese hopes to return to Lansing after graduating from the Ford School where she will work to help improve the everyday lives of Michigan residents.

2015

Lauren Moran

Lauren is the Policy Research Analyst Intern at the Executive Office of Governor Snyder. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Public Policy at the Ford School and graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. Lauren also works as a Research Area Specialist in the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, a multidisciplinary health services research unit in the University of Michigan Health System. She is interested in the intersection of health policy and social welfare policy. As a CLOSUP-sponsored intern, Lauren hopes to gain a broader understanding of policy design and implementation at the state level.

Alexander (Sandy) Mervak

Alexander (Sandy) Mervak is interning with the Energy Program at the National Conference for State Legislatures (NCSL). Sandy came to the University of Michigan as a dual-degree MPP / MBA student after several years spent serving as development director for a nonprofit youth mentoring organization, The DREAM Program. He also completed an internship at an environmental conservation organization and working organic farm, Center for Whole Communities. Sandy graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in English and a minor in Environmental Studies.

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004