Call it experiential learning at its finest, small-state symbiosis or, simply, the kind of education that can only happen in Delaware. 

Since 1982, the University of Delaware’s Legislative Fellows Program has provided college students with a unique and immersive foray into the state legislative process. Working three days a week from January to June, students conduct nonpartisan research for Delaware lawmakers and staff standing committees, engage in constituent relations, and do the critical work that would otherwise fall to full-time professionals.

This year marks the 44th anniversary of this partnership with the Delaware General Assembly and the largest number of students selected for this prestigious program. This fall, a record-breaking number of applications were received for the program, demonstrating its outstanding reputation across the campus and the state. 

On Jan. 14, 2025, 16 Legislative Fellows began their research at Legislative Hall in Dover. Fifteen are current UD students — 11 of whom are pursuing coursework in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration — and one fellow is a Delaware State University student. The Legislative Fellows Program is a paid fellowship that offers students the opportunity to witness the political decision-making process first-hand while contributing their research and writing skills to support legislators in addressing public policy issues during the six-month legislative session. 

The Legislative Fellows serve with caucuses in the Senate and House of Representatives and the Division of Legislative Services: 

Senate Majority Caucus

• Libby Bowen – a senior history and political science double major

• Alexandra Mavridis – a senior international relations and European studies double major and legal studies and public policy minor

• Mihret Walelgne – ​a graduate student studying public administration specializing in health policy

 Senate Minority Caucus

• Jalen Rogers – a graduate student in the 4+1 Master of Public Administration program

House Majority Caucus

• Kate Bowman – a graduate student in the 4+1 Master of Public Administration program

• Dejanae Carter-Montaque – a political science major at Delaware State University

• Milan Katuwal – a graduate student studying public policy

• Caleb Mathis – a senior honors public policy and political science double major in the 4+1 MPA program

• AJ Nehru – a junior honors economics major and mathematics minor 

• Maya Patel – a senior political science major and legal studies minor

• Bailey Singer – a graduate student studying urban affairs and public policy 

• Megan Zalinkanskas – a senior political science and public policy double major

House Minority Caucus

• Raymond Kalmanowitz – a senior honors public policy and economics double major in the 4+1 MPA program

• Laura O’Connor – a senior honors political science major and legal studies minor

 Division of Legislative Services

• Lily Cloyd – a senior honors political science and public policy double major

• Shubreet Kaur – a graduate student studying public administration

The successful partnership has proven mutually beneficial in linking UD’s talent capacity with the legislature’s research and staffing needs. It has resulted in the program’s growth from two students in 1982 to more than 380 alumni working in all levels of local, state and federal government today. 

Current Mayor of the City of Wilmington and former Delaware Gov. John Carney earned his MPA at UD in 1984 and served in the third cohort of Legislative Fellows, an experience he has described as “transformational” in helping to “understand the key role that public service plays in improving local communities.”

Former fellow Tyron Herring, who will graduate from the MPA program in 2026, credits the program with “demystifying the political law-making process.” And 2002 fellow and MPA graduate Emily Gonce, said, “What better way to learn about the interactions of the government than to be in the middle of it?” 

“It’s an excellent laboratory for decision-making,” said the program’s founding director, Jerome Lewis. “Students see different approaches and values from different people around the state.”

Fellows have worked on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to feral cats. They have studied peer-lending programs to aid small businesses, presented policy briefings comparing health care plans in Delaware with those in other states and nations, and researched topics that have eventually become law. 

Students find, time and again, a community of legislators who prioritize the citizens of the First State. 

“Being immersed in the environment dispels misconceptions and makes you appreciate the people and system a bit more,” said program manager and 1998 fellow Lisa Moreland Allred, who earned her MPA at UD in 1998. “Legislators may disagree, but at the end of the day, they know they need to work on the next issue together. It’s neighborly and civil. It’s what we call ‘the Delaware way.’” 

The program page contains profiles of the selected students. Applications for the 2026 Legislative Fellows program opened in early February, with info sessions slated for March and applications due on April 10. For all other inquiries, students should contact Program Manager Lisa Moreland Allred. 

About the Institute for Public Administration

The University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA) addresses the policy, planning, and management needs of its partners through the integration of applied research, professional development and the education of tomorrow's leaders. As a research and public service center in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, IPA collaborates with state agencies, municipal governments, nonprofits, communities and businesses to examine complex policy issues and improve the quality of life in Delaware and beyond. Dr. Jerome Lewis is the director of IPA. 

About the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration 

Established in 1961 and named in 2018 for the University of Delaware’s most distinguished alumnus, the 46th President of the United States, the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in research and public service to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Biden School faculty, staff, students, and alumni create and use interdisciplinary, nonpartisan research and empirically based analysis to inform effective decision-making and policy and to improve leadership and administration. The Biden School partners with organizations from all sectors to discover innovative and equitable solutions to the critical challenges of our time.