FOR PUBLIC POLICY
The BenCen offers paid internships that delivers education through practical work experience. Interns typically work 10 hours per week during the school year on current BenCen projects in partnership with senior staff. Summer internships are also available.
As internships are offered on a project-by-project basis, it's best to apply before the start of the coming semester.
Rebecca is a senior studying Sociology and Digital Media Production at SUNY New Paltz. She is passionate about studying systems of inequality and oppression, and enjoys reading, hiking, and doing crafts in her free time. Upon graduation, she hopes to do some type of advocacy work.
Anthony graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a major in Sociology with minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He was a member of the Honors Program and the project leader for NYPIRG's Higher Education chapter. In his free time he cooks, drums, raps, and plays ultimate Frisbee. After finishing college he plans on attending graduate school for either Sociology or Religious Studies.
Dariana is a Senior at SUNY New Paltz pursuing a BA in Adolescence Education with a concentration in English and a minor in Theatre Performance. She has previously worked as a student greeter at the Welcome Center and an intern at Columbia University’s Summer Program for High School Students. Dariana loves sharks, Shakespeare, taking care of her plants, and interacting with students. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Masters degree in education and one day teach in the same inner-city public schools that have shaped her into who she is today.
Tim majored in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in Disaster Studies. Previously, he was the Assistant Director of a summer camp for kids with developmental disabilities. In his free time he likes to take advantage of the New Paltz surroundings. This includes biking, hiking and snowboarding! Eventually, he plans to hold an M.S. in both Social Research and Social Work.
Layla was a political science major with a concentration in comparative politics and a minor in international relations. While at New Paltz, she was a member of the political science honors society Pi Sigma Alpha. She hopes to practice international law in the future.
Yasmine graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a double major in Political Science and History. Previously, Yasmine was a research assistant on campus to Professor Kathleen Dowley. In addition, as a Freshmen Yasmine interned with the Ulster County Executive. Most recently, Yasmine studied abroad in London and upon arrival back to the U.S. was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. In her free time, Yasmine holds a CrossFit Level-1 Certificate, which allows her to coach CrossFit classes in Kingston, NY. Following graduation, she is currently looking at programs to earn both a J.D. and Masters in Public Policy.
Ada majored in Geography. She worked for the City of Kingston’s Assessor’s office while finishing her degree. In addition, Ada was the President of Gamma Theta Upsilon, the national Geography Honor Society. Ada’s emerging professional interest is in Urban Transportation Planning and community development. In the fall, Ada will be pursuing a Masters of Urban Planning and hopes to work to address transportation issues across New York State.
Emily double majored in Sociology and Black Studies with a concentration in Criminology and a minor in Political Science. After graduating, she would like to attend graduate school to study social policy and research. She was a tutor at the Highland Residential Center. Her academic interests included mass incarceration and income inequality. She has been to Ghana and Italy, and hopes to travel to as many countries as she can in her lifetime.
Nicole majored in International Relations with a minor in German. She was a member of the Honors Program. In the summer Nicole visits family in the North Caucasus. In her spare time she enjoys watching soccer and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, Nicole would like to attend graduate school and have a career that combines scholarship and advocacy.
Jake earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in International Relations from SUNY New Paltz. Jake studied abroad for a semester in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was regularly found listening to Brazilian funk and pop music in the office. He plans to continue studying Urban Sociology in both the U.S. and Brazil and eventually pursue his Ph.D. in the hopes of traveling the world and teaching Sociology.
Danielle graduated from SUNY New Paltz, she majored in economics with an environmental studies minor. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing, hiking and staying active, as well as spending time with her friends and family. Upon, graduation Danielle intends to pursue graduate school for a masters in environmental economics and conduct environmental policy research.
Trisha double-majored in Biology and Psychology. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school to obtain a degree in medicine. She was an active member of the Global Medical Brigades club on campus and enjoyed singing with her group Absolut A cappella.
Eleanor (Ellie) Condelles graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. She has previously conducted research with Professor Roberto Velez Velez and also collaborated with Professor Karl Bryant on a year long research project. Ellie served as the president of Democracy Matters at New Paltz and was involved with a number of other activism groups on campus. She plans to attend law school to pursue a career in public policy and social justice upon graduation. In her free time, Ellie enjoys playing guitar, painting, hiking and spending time with friends and family.
Francesca is a current MST graduate student pursuing a career as a STEAM educator. She completed her B.S. in Computer Science, with a minor in Business here at SUNY New Paltz. She has worked as a Software Engineer, Programmer, Teaching Assistant for the Engineering department, and a Substitute Teacher. Francesca is an animal lover and enjoys creating digital illustrations, watercolor, 3D modeling and design, cooking and photography.
Maria majored in Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory and an Environmental Studies minor. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is very involved in environmental community outreach. Maria plans to attend graduate school to earn her master's degree in Political Science.
Jesse majored in Computer Science. He transferred to SUNY New Paltz after receiving his Associate of Science degree in Computer Systems Administration at Hudson Valley Community College. He spends most of his free time working on any one of a number of independent projects or hanging out with friends and family. After graduation, he plans to enter the job market.
Carling graduated from New Paltz in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory. She began attending the New School for Social Research in the fall of 2013 to pursue a Ph.D. in political theory, focusing on resistance movements and radical politics. In her spare time, Carling enjoys hiking in the Gunks, cooking, and reading anarchist literature. Fun fact: Carling's parents named her after beer!
Jessica was a graduate student in the Adolescent Special Education Program. She is passionate about causes such as environmental conservation and fighting against cancer as well as lesser known ailments. Jessica enjoys road trips with friends, going to Broadway shows, watching TV-series, photography, and reading books, most recently comic books. She hopes to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Amanda is a Junior at SUNY New Paltz she is working on getting a Sociology major, with a minor in Film and Video Studies. She got introduced to The Benjamin Center by taking KT's Social Inequality course in Spring 2018, and is continuing in taking KT's classes. She hopes to one day incorporate sociological themes into creative media, by either writing, directing, or producing. In her free time, she loves to write, explore nature, cook, and travel.
Jared graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in Geography and English, with a minor in Environmental Studies. In short he hopes to someday write eloquently about maps showing how lovely the environment is. Barring that, he might settle on mapping environments inspired by poetry. Perhaps he will become the world's first environmental poet cartographer. Perhaps not. Jared was a member of Students for Sustainable Agriculture and plans on attending graduate school to study agricultural resources. Fun fact: Jared can write until the cows come home, but is rather bad at writing about himself so he had someone else do it for him.
Aidan Gallagher graduated from the Graphic Design BFA program at SUNY New Paltz. Aidan grew up in the Hudson Valley and enjoys hiking, cycling, and skiing during his free time. Upon graduation, he hopes to be involved in design disciplines that engage in research, UX/UI, data visualization and information design.
Brian was a second year graduate student in New Paltz's MA in Psychology program. Formerly, he has been involved with research on the irrelevant sound effect in the Speech Language and Cognition Lab on campus, presenting findings in 2013 at the Psychonomic Society's annual conference. Hoping to pursue a career in research and analysis upon graduation, Brian looks forward to utilizing his research experience on current projects like his thesis focusing on recidivism in New York and the opportunities present at The Benjamin Center's office. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking.
Sadie is a Political Science major with a concentration in American Government and Politics. She graduated from New Paltz in May 2015. She served as a Student Senator and an organizer with New York Students Rising. She was a member of the Political Science Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha. In the future, Sadie hopes to pursue a career in New York City public policy and eventually in documentary film. In her free time she loves to bake anything and everything.
Jackie majored in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Mathematics. She is active in community service and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the Greek service organization on campus. In her free time, Jackie enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her friends and family. Upon graduation she hopes to attend graduate school to obtain a degree in the philosophy of education or a master of science to become a high school teacher.
Noelle majored in International Relations, with a minor in Anthropology. Her regional concentration of study was in South America. She spends her free time painting portraits of politicians.
Janine received her bachelor's degree in organizational communication in May 2010. She was a resident assistant and served as public relations officer for the Residence Hall Student Association. At the time of her graduation she was applying to graduate programs in college student personnel administration and social work, and looks forward to continue working on college campuses.
Ricardo graduated from New Paltz with a double major in journalism and political science with a concentration in international politics. Hernandez was a two-year Cetrino Scholarship winner and a member of the Honors Program. He hopes to become a foreign correspondent or pursue a career in academia. Fun Fact: Ricardo's two African Grey parrots back home speak like his parents. So when he visits home, his parrots always fool him into thinking his parents are home or calling for him.
Geraldine Humbert majored in Political Science and plans to pursue a dual Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration (J.D./MPA) with hopes to serve as a public official in a legislative and administrative capacity. She was a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society and Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she prides scholarship and service.
Micaela majored in women's, gender, and sexuality studies with a minor in English. She was a member of the Honors Program and played on the New Paltz women's rugby team. She loves baking, reading, telling bad jokes, and long car rides. In the future she plans on attending graduate school and pursuing a career as a high school or college librarian.
Zachary majored in political science and minored in economics. He was a member of the Honors Program. He previously worked in the New York State Family Court System, as well as on the Campaign and in the Washington, D.C. office of Congressman Eric Massa. Zachary plans on continuing his studies in either National Security or Law, and hopes to pursue a career in academia or government.
Shahnoor Khan is a double major in International Relations, and Political Science. She grew up in a small town in Orange County, New York. She is passionate about law, human rights, and foreign policy. Upon graduation, she will attend law school. She will pursue a career in International Law, and at some point in the future, she will run for office. Shahnoor was a Senator for our Student Association, President of the New York Blood Center Club, and the Mock Trial Team. She also works at the Career Resource Center, and as a NightHost on campus. Her favorite quote is: “Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow. Education is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human.” - Malala Yousafzai
Greg graduated from SUNY New Paltz majoring in geography. He is particularly interested in spatial analysis and remote sensing. He completed a project with the Elting Memorial Library analyzing historic maps of New Paltz with today's technology. Upon graduation, he plans to seek employment locally as a GIS technician.
Daniel majored in Computer Science with a minor in Business. In his spare time he likes to program, play piano, and go hiking. After graduating Daniel will be pursuing a career in Software Engineering.
Judy double majored in Political Science and Finance. Upon graduation, she plans on attending law school. Her career ambition is to represent her hometown as a New York City Councilwoman.
Roberto graduated from New Paltz with a double major in journalism and political science with a concentration in political theory. He served as a student senator and organizer with New York Students Rising. He previously worked with the New York Public Interest Research Group at its legislative office in Albany. He hopes to continue his work in public policy research in graduate school. Fun Fact (actually, it's a rather dull fact): Roberto attends local government meetings for fun.
Brandon earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in social studies from New Paltz. Brandon loves to be in the educational environment, whether as a student or educator, and his wish is to never stop learning. Brandon is also an avid baseball fan, especially the Dodgers.
Leah majored in Psychology, with a minor in German Studies. She hopes to use her knowledge of psychology to become a researcher after completing her undergraduate education. She holds specific interests in the areas of cognitive science, and institutional research. She was also a member of the New Paltz Extreme Croquet Society.
Ian majored in Economics with minors in Political Science and Business. He received his associate's degree from SUNY Orange in computer information systems with high honors, where he became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society. He received a certificate of merit for outstanding scholastic achievement in computer information systems. He has worked on projects having to do with local villages and village elections.
Caitlin majored in political science with a minor in environmental studies. She participated in the SUNY Global Engagement Program in the fall of 2014 where she interned with a global environmental non-governmental organization in New York City. Caitlin plans on attending law school where she will pursue studies to become an environmental lawyer in the interest of environmental and social justice. Caitlin has no fun facts because, in fact, they are not fun.
James majored in Geography with a minor in Music. He was a member of NRHH (National Residence Hall Honorary), Volleyball Club, floor representative in Hall Government, e-board member of Recycling Club, and past member of the Men’s Volleyball team. He was also an assistant scoutmaster in Boy Scout Troop 7 in Kingston. He likes playing all kinds of sports, listening to and playing music, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends. After graduating from SUNY New Paltz, he plans to attend SUNY Albany to achieve a master’s degree in his field.
Charis majored in Political Science with a concentration in pre-law. She was a member of the political science honors society Pi Sigma Alpha. She looks forward to applying and making the transition to law school.
Valerie is currently a junior at SUNY New Paltz double majoring in Sociology and Journalism with a minor in Black Studies. She has previously worked in the Scholar’s Mentorship Program and as a gallery assistant in the Samuel Dorsky Museum. Additionally, this past year she interned at CBS News for This Morning Show through the T. Howard Foundation. Valerie plans to get her Master's in media studies hoping to combine her two passions to conduct research for media/journalism. In her free time she loves blogging, traveling, photography, and exploring new coffee shops.
Will majored in Political Science with a concentration in American Government and Politics. He was the 2013 Cetrino Fellowship recipient and hopes to continue on a public policy research path in graduate school. He also served on the Town of New Paltz' Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy Committee and the Student Labor Coalition. Fun fact: Will loves to cook, and for two years prior to joining CRREO he worked as a chef at a local restaurant.
Trent Reid is a Senior at SUNY New Paltz who is currently pursuing a BA in Geography. His interests include ArcGIS, environmental policy, and urban planning. Trent is also a GIS Intern at the local power utility company, Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation. Further, Trent acts as the Senior Resident Assistant of Esopus Hall on the SUNY New Paltz campus. Trent spends his free time hiking, biking, and trying to learn new hobbies. After undergrad, he plans on looking into Masters programs related to urban planning.
Jesmine (Jes) graduated from SUNY New Paltz as an International Relations major with a minor in Environmental Studies. In addition to interning at The Benjamin Center, she was also a student assistant in the circulation department at the Sojourner Truth Library. In her free time, Jes enjoys traveling, painting, and doing community service through Alpha Phi Omega, SUNY New Paltz’s national service fraternity. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Global Affairs and concentrate on environment and energy policy.
Joseph majored in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology. He also double minored in Law and in Business. After finishing college he plans on attending law school. In addition to this he was a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, the Political Science Club, and was the president of the SUNY New Paltz Boxing Club.
Gabby worked in the Benjamin Center on the forest website, displaying research she conducted in the forest last fall for her senior research project for her bachelor's degree in environmental geochemical science. This project combines her interests in science, technology, forest ecology and design. She hopes that highlighting the importance of forests can help SUNY New Paltz and other campuses make environmentally responsible and conscientious decisions in the future. Gabby graduated with honors in May 2016 and plans to travel and visit graduate schools with programs in environmental engineering and research, focusing on water chemistry. By studying ways to enhance the water environment, she hopes to one day apply her skills on a global level, providing clean water to areas of the world that need it most.
"Michael majored in Computer Science. He has a wide variety of interests which include, but are not limited to, Software Development, Cyber-security, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. As a Computer Science major, he's fascinated by trends and recurring patterns of information that appear in the external environment. He aspires to begin his professional career as a software developer where he can parse complex and sophisticated problems into concise and comprehensive solutions. Michael graduated and was ready to work in December of 2017."
Emily double majored in Asian studies and political science with a concentration in American government and a minor in history. She was part of the Honors Program, a member and e-board member of the Asian Student Association and Jam Asia, as well as the founder-president of the Chinese Conversation Table. Her goals are speaking Chinese, Japanese, and Korean; traveling extensively in East Asia; and working in public health policy after graduating.
"Adam Srayi majored in Political Science with a concentration in American Government. He also minored in Creative Writing and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies. His interests are writing, public speaking, public policy, and art."
Joseph graduated with a Graphic Design Major from SUNY New Paltz. He partakes in designing websites, apps and developing suitable user interfaces. He also has a strong interest in data visualization and Information Graphics. On the side he enjoys 3D Modeling and Drawing.
Michael majored in Computer Science. He received his Associate of Science degree in computer science from SUNY Broome Community College in 2015, where he was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, coding, and traveling. After graduation, Michael plans to eventually earn his Ph.D. in computer science with regards to artificial intelligence.
Tim majored in Political Science. Previously, he worked in the campus office of Veteran & Military Services, where he assisted incoming veterans, service members, and dependents with enrollment. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and hanging out with friends and family. Upon graduation, Tim hopes to enroll in law school.
Daniel majored in Geography and International Relations. During the summer and winter breaks he travels to Egypt to visit his family and friends. An avid supporter of Chelsea FC, Daniel spends his weekends waking up early to watch his soccer team play. He was a member of the Club Soccer team at New Paltz. He also enjoys visiting other countries and learning about different cultures and customs.
Emily majored in Economics with a minor in Philosophy. Her academic interests were centered around the economics of energy, environmental studies, statistics, economic development, and income inequality. She was a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon and was the president of the Economics Club. In her free time, she enjoys eating, cooking, hiking, and watching movies. She one day hopes to attend the London School of Economics to take advantage of her dual citizenship.
Tania is currently a senior at SUNY New Paltz studying Graphic Design with a minor in Business who is interested in data visualization and creating digital graphic content. She was a recipient of the Tamah and Warren Wiegand Travel Scholarship when she traveled with a group to Cuba last winter to work on a collaborative project with Cuban design students at El Instituto Superior de Diseño. This past summer, she interned at National Geographic alongside a team of map and graphic editors in their magazine department. After graduation, she plans on working for a digital design agency and potentially earning a masters in information design or a related field.
Deborah graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a major in Sociology, with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in Spanish. She is an alumna of the AmeriCorps program City Year. She was the 2013 Cetrino Family Scholarship recipient, a member of the Honors Program, a yoga instructor on campus and the president of the Yoga Club. She spent a semester abroad in Guayaquil, Ecuador where she volunteered in a foundation tutoring inner-city youth. Fun fact: Deborah received the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence in 2014.
Danhui majored in international relations with a special interest in conflict resolution and peace building. She spent a semester at Bosphrous University in Istanbul, Turkey, as an exchange student. She was the president of Amnesty International at SUNY New Paltz and was active in various clubs and organizations on campus.
Joanne majored in geography with an Asian studies minor. Joanne is an activist for environmental justice, social justice, the arts, minority and human rights issues and hopes to one day be an international humanitarian. She was a member and a past e-board member for Jam Asia and loves participating in community campaigns. In her free time, she likes to draw, cook, watch television,and dance.
1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561
845-257-SUNY (7869)
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