The Bob Graham Center announces the seven University of Florida students who are participating in the Center’s Washington Internship program for Fall 2024. Students have earned positions interning with members of Congress, in a government agency, or within UF’s Office of Federal Relations.
The Washington Internship is intended for students interested in public service, public policy, law, and government affairs. Accepted interns have demonstrated passion for civic engagement. Since its creation in 2020, 71 students have participated in the program throughout the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Typical intern responsibilities include attending hearings, drafting reports and legislative updates, and supporting special projects, events, and essential front-line constituent relations.
Interns gain valuable hands-on experience in policy making and government affairs. With professional development opportunities and networking in the nation’s capital, their experience will shape future careers in public service.
Read more about the interns and their placements below.
Alexa Regalado
Alexa is a senior majoring in political science with minors in leadership and mass communications. A Miami Lakes native and first-generation Latina, she is passionate about public service and civic duty. Her advocacy journey began after the loss of her childhood friend to a preventable heart condition, which inspired her to lobby for the “Breanna Saves Lives Act,” mandating heart screenings for student athletes in Florida. The Breanna Vergara Foundation has screened 30,000 children and saved 30 lives.
Alexa is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, The National Society of Leadership and Success, and an honorary member of the Latino Law Association. Committed to enhancing representation and advocating for immigration reform, Alexa plans to attend law school after graduation, with the goal of pursuing a legal career in policy development and civic engagement.
She is interning in the office of Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL 2).
Eric Xie
Eric is a senior at UF pursuing a double major in economics and political science, with a minor in geography. He has interned with Southern Legal Counsel, the Air Force, and the district office of Rep. Bilirakis, where he gained practical knowledge in constituent relations. As a member of the inaugural cohort of the Hamilton Center’s Society of Fellows, Eric is interested in political theory, political economy, and security policy, particularly regarding emerging Chinese technology.
He is eager to observe how Congress protects civil liberties and regulates federal prosecution, especially in tort reform. Focusing on how lobbying and campaign finance shape policy, Eric views public service as essential for preserving democratic institutions for future generations. He plans to study law after graduation, aiming to apply his understanding of legislative dynamics and coalition-building in his legal career.
He is interning in the office of of Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL 15).
Gabriella Morano
Gabriella is a fourth-year political science and economics major at UF, driven by a passion for public service and a commitment to democracy. Her academic work includes research on U.S.-Chinese relations and a thesis on China’s economic engagement in Africa. She has gained practical experience through internships, including Marco Rubio’s 2022 Senate campaign and research positions at RWTH Aachen University and the European Research Council.
Gabriella aims to use her research and analytical skills to support policy development, particularly in international relations, and to pursue a career in Washington, D.C., starting as a think tank researcher and later as an international corporate lawyer.
She is interning in the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R).
Isabella Larson
Isabella is a sophomore at UF, majoring in political science with a minor in public leadership and a certificate in sport management. Growing up in a military family instilled in her a passion for public service and civic engagement. She is actively involved in UF’s Public Leadership Society and Veterans Outreach Program, where she advocates for the military community.
Isabella interned with the District Office of Congresswoman Laurel Lee, assisting with constituent communications, conducting policy research, and facilitating community outreach. She also participated in the 2024 Future of Florida Summit, contributing to a public policy proposal on artificial intelligence. On a pre-law track, Isabella aims to leverage her leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills to pursue a legal career, ultimately aspiring to become an attorney.
She is interning in the office of Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL 3).
Jaylah Grimes
Jaylah is a fourth-year behavioral analysis psychology major at UF, minoring in sociology of social justice and policy. Her fascination with human behavior fuels her passion for understanding its role in society and the workplace, skills she aims to apply in a career focused on social improvement. Jaylah is particularly interested in public service and government, having completed an internship with the Florida Community Innovation Foundation, which strengthened her desire to serve her community.
As a woman of color, she is committed to advocating for marginalized communities through public policy. Jaylah seeks firsthand experience in Washington, D.C., to contribute to and learn from the highest level of governance. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a law degree and become an advocate of social justice, where she can have a meaningful impact on vulnerable populations.
She is interning in the office of Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL 22)
Joaquin Marcelino
Joaquin is a junior at UF, majoring in biochemistry, political science, and Chinese. They serve as the vice president of education for the Asian American Student Union and as secretary for Surge Interest Group. Previously, Joaquin held the position of vice chair of the Judiciary Committee in the UF Student Government Senate and is the co-founder and chairperson of the Pan-Asian Caucus, advocating for Asian Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Desi American interests.
They are also a member of the Gainesville Human Rights Board and serve as an ambassador for Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote). Passionate about social justice and human rights, Joaquin emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in law and health. They aspire to pursue a dual M.D.-J.D. degree to integrate their interests in medicine and law and better serve their community.
They are interning in the office of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL 25).
Lizet Mejia
Lizet Mejia is a junior at UF majoring in political science and finance, with a deep passion for human rights and immigrant advocacy. She actively serves as the Assistant External Director for Chispas, a student organization focused on supporting the immigrant community, and as the Research and Education Director for the HSA Office of Political Affairs, where she represents the Latinx community’s interests.
Lizet’s dedication to inclusivity and advocacy stems from her belief in fostering a sense of belonging for underrepresented groups. Through hands-on campus activities and leadership roles, she has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and strives to develop effective strategies to address them. After graduating from UF, Lizet plans to pursue a law degree to further her mission of advocating for social justice and uplifting the voices of those who are often unheard.
She is a legislative affairs intern with the UF Office of Federal Relations.