Directory

Hailing from Columbia, MO, Joseph Barbis is an MU junior, double-majoring in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Economics. He is also currently in the Missouri National Guard and the Mizzou Army ROTC program and plans on commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant finance officer in the Army after graduation. His hobbies include video and tabletop games, as well as reading and painting miniatures.

Wyatt Bathke is a junior from Baldwin City, KS, majoring in Political Science, History, and Constitutional Democracy. He plans to attend law school after graduation, with the goal of eventually working in the government, and enjoys reading about politics and history, as well as basketball, football, and soccer.

Ben Baumgart is a junior from Shawnee, KS, studying Political Science and Economics, with minors in Defense & Strategic Studies and Theatre. He aims to leverage his interdisciplinary background, leadership experience, and passion for advocacy to pursue impactful roles in policy analysis and community engagement. Currently, he serves as a Senator in the Missouri Students Association and actively participates in Mizzou Debate and Forensics. Looking ahead, he is eager to explore D.C. and cultivate professional relationships there. Outside of his academic and extracurricular pursuits, Ben enjoys experimenting with new recipes and reading.

TJ Benoist is a sophomore from Farmington, MO, majoring in Constitutional Democracy, with an emphasis in Law and Institutions, and minoring in History and Political Science. He serves as Communications Director for Mizzou College Democrats, is a member of the Kinder Institute Undergraduate Society, and works as a Kinder Democracy Lab Fellow helping plan and lead field trips for FIG students. Additionally, TJ was a candidate for County Commissioner in his home of St. Francois County. After completing undergrad, TJ plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. In his free time TJ enjoys binging political TV series such as The West Wing, The Newsroom, and Madam Secretary.

Emma Brockman is a junior from Louisville, KY, pursuing majors in Political Science, History, and Constitutional Democracy, with a minor in Law. On campus, Emma has been involved in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, as the New Member Director, and she is currently a tour guide for prospective Mizzou students. Emma is passionate about continuing her academic journey and plans to attend law school after graduation. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, Emma enjoys reading and running to stay active.

Marin Chamberlin is a sophomore at the University of Missouri, studying Constitutional Democracy and Philosophy. Originally from Kansas City, MO, she plans to pursue a JD in Criminal Law after graduating, to eventually practice in the sphere of public defense. Marin currently serves the MU community in a variety of positions, including as a Residential Advisor and as the Student Director for the Deaton Scholars Program, which promotes professional development and public service projects for MU students of all ages and backgrounds. She also works at the Kinder Institute as a Democracy Lab Fellow, supporting programming for participating freshmen, and is deeply involved with the Mizzou chapter of Universities Fighting World Hunger, serving as sitting President of the organization, and had the privilege of representing Mizzou at the National UFWH conference in Spring 2024 at the University of Arkansas. Finally, she is an executive board member with It’s On Us, a sexual violence prevention and awareness group at Mizzou, and the Kinder Institute Undergraduate Society, which builds community between students studying Constitutional Democracy. In her spare time, Marin enjoys journaling, watching the Great British Bake Off, and spending time with her cat, Bean.

Ethan Chapman is a sophomore honors student from St. Louis, pursuing degrees in Constitutional Democracy and History, with plans on attending law school after graduating from Mizzou. On campus, Ethan serves as Chair of Events for the Kinder Institute Undergraduate Society and is a member of both Model United Nations and Marching Mizzou, where he’s a trombone player. In his free time, Ethan greatly enjoys reading, listening to music (especially jazz), playing the trombone, watching sports, and participating in anything law or history related.

Maya Dawson studies Political Science and Journalism at the University of Missouri, where she works as a contributing writer for Vox magazine and the Columbia Missourian paper, in addition to conducting undergraduate research on alternative funding models for journalism. Maya is interested in a career in the communications field and cares deeply about sharing stories that change minds and forge connections. A native of Conifer, Colorado, in her free time you can find Mya outside, exploring new trails.

Luke Duffy is a sophomore at Mizzou, majoring in Strategic Communication and Economics. He is passionate about electoral politics, organizing, campaign finance, and social justice. After college, Luke hopes to spend time abroad working on language skills and serving underprivileged communities before pursuing an M.P.P. Luke grew up in St. Louis and loves to cook, read, and DJ in his free time.

From Harrisonville, MO, Connor Everhart is an MU junior, majoring in Political Science, Economics, and Finance. After finishing at Mizzou, he hopes to attend a graduate program in either Political Science or Economics, or perhaps law school, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career working for the government or as a lawyer. His personal interests include biking, hiking, playing guitar, video gaming, and spending time with his pet pig.

Iliana Farrell is a sophomore from Lee’s Summit, MO, triple-majoring in History, Economics, and Constitutional Democracy, with a concentration in Law and Institutions, while also pursuing minors in Law and Political Science as well as the university’s Honors and Multicultural certificates. In the future, Iliana hopes to attend law school and work as a practicing attorney. On campus, she is an Honors Ambassador, working to recruit and promote the MU Honors College, and a member of the Undergraduate History Society. Off-campus, she is a Site Assistant for the Columbia Public School System’s before- and after-school programming. Outside of her academic and work commitments, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling whenever and wherever possible.

Zoey Fox is an MU junior from Des Moines, Iowa, majoring in Health Sciences, with an emphasis in Leadership and Policy. She hopes to go into a career in health policy or public health after graduation, and in her free time loves trying new coffee shops, reading, and finding new places to hike.

A sophomore from St. Louis, Luca Giordano studies History, Journalism, and Film at Mizzou. He is looking to pursue documentary film production, multi-media creation, research, and/or historiography after graduation, and as a native French and English speaker and an avid language learner, wants to work professionally with people from different countries and backgrounds. In his personal life, he makes short films and plays jazz trumpet. Especially passionate about jazz and music history, he photographs and blogs about concerts and runs a jazz-themed radio show with Mizzou’s student radio station.

A junior from metro St. Louis, Lilley Halloran is majoring in Constitutional Democracy and Journalism, with minors in History and Political Science. Post-college, she would like to work as a radio journalist reporting on the intersection of public policy and history and their human impacts. In her free time, she loves to play guitar with her family, listen to new music, and go for hikes in an ongoing attempt to visit every Missouri state park.

Emily Huff is an MU junior from Kansas City, MO, majoring in Political Science, with a pre-law emphasis. She plans to pursue her strong interest in family, immigration, and criminal law by attending law school after she graduates, and in her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with family, traveling, photography, and hiking.

Desmond Jones is a junior from Chicago, majoring in Information Technology, with a minor in Data Science. He has been involved in a myriad of extracurriculars activities on campus, particularly in his role as the Big Twelve Head Delegate for the Legion of Black Collegians. Outside of class, Desmond enjoys building Legos, sourcing new vintage coloring books to use, and finding new and fun restaurants to try. Professionally, he aspires to attain an MBA with the hope of landing a job that bridges the gap between business and technology.

An MU junior from Kansas City, MO, Emma Lee is pursuing a degree in Public Health, along with minors in Social Justice and French. Passionate about learning and helping others, with abiding interest in health and wellness, international relations, law, and advocacy, she is looking to pursue a career in public service after graduation, working with non-profit organizations to improve public health through policymaking and philanthropy. She is on the executive boards of two clubs at Mizzou and also holds a position as an assistant teacher at La Petite Ecole, a French immersion school in Columbia.

Austin Lee is a sophomore from Lee’s Summit, MO, studying Constitutional Democracy, Political Science, and Economics. On campus, Austin is an Honors College Student Ambassador and a member of the Mizzou Mock Trial Team. Outside of the university, he enjoys reading, going on runs, and watching Premier League soccer. Austin plans on attending law school after completing his undergraduate degree.

Kaylie Lineback is an MU sophomore from Wentzville, MO, studying Political Science and Public Administration & Policy and pursuing a minor in Constitutional Democracy. Kaylie plans to eventually pursue an MPA at Mizzou before moving to Washington, DC, to build a career in political consulting. Her passions include addressing felon disenfranchisement, advocating for prison reform, and protecting voting rights. A devoted cat enthusiast with two cats at home (McChicken and Meelow), she also enjoys listening to music, particularly SZA, Childish Gambino, and all types of house music, and watching her favorite movies and shows. She can field any question about Harry Potter and sing the entire soundtrack from Tangled.

Makayla Mayhew is a sophomore honors student from Kansas City, MO, majoring in Environmental Science, with minors in Geography and Political Science. On campus, Makayla is Student Director of Sustain Mizzou, Vice President of Mizzou Model United Nations, and a member of MU Improv. She also serves as a naturalist for the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary during the summer. In her free time, Makayla enjoys hiking, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Makayla is passionate about environmental protection and sustainability, and she plans to attend law school after graduating from Mizzou to pursue a career in Environmental Law.

An MU junior from Schaumburg, IL, Logan Meyer is pursuing degrees in Philosophy and Political Science, with aspirations to attend law school in the future. In his free time, he enjoys reading fiction, organizing and participating in the Mizzou Philosophy Club, and tutoring.

Roberta Morales is a sophomore from South Elgin, IL, majoring in Political Science (Pre-Law Emphasis) and minoring in Business. On campus, Roberta serves as a tour guide, is an active member of Mizzou Mock Trial, and holds the position of Vice President of External Relations for the Alumni Association Student Board, and outside of academics, loves hiking, running, spending time with friends, and reading.

Rachel Mueller is an MU junior, majoring in Anthropology (Culture and Human Ecology track) and International Studies (East Asian emphasis), with minors in History, Archaeology, and Native American Studies. She is a laboratory assistant with the MU Research Reactor Archaeometry Lab, a Mizzou Forward Undergraduate Research Fellow, and President of Mizzou’s Anthropology Student Association. Originally from Glen Carbon, IL, Rachel would like to become a professional archaeologist after earning her PhD, with a specialization in Historic Archaeology. In her spare time, she likes to plan vacations for others and learn languages.

A Tampa native, Allie Pramberger is a junior at MU, pursuing a degree in Journalism, with an emphasis in Strategic Communication, and minors in Constitutional Democracy and History. She is passionate about advertising, marketing, public relations, and art, and aspires to incorporate these interests into her future career. Her top five CliftonStrengths are Input, Woo, Positivity, Communication, and Arranger. Some of her favorite things include French dips, fall, walking the MKT Trail with friends, pumpkin spice, the mountains, Publix, the color blue, Andy’s Snow Monster, and making Spotify playlists.

Max Quinn is a junior from Macon, MO, majoring in Journalism (Reporting and Writing) and Political Science (Pre-Law), with a minor in Education. He also works as a consultant for Missouri FCCLA, which operates out of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Jefferson City. On campus, he has written for both the Columbia Missourian and KOMU8. After graduation, he hopes to attend law school or work for a news outlet. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music—especially Ethel Cain or R&B—and exploring new food or nature spots in Columbia.

An MU sophomore from Farmington, MO, Anna Sikes is majoring in Journalism, with a minor in Law, and hopes to attend law school after finishing her undergrad degree. Outside the classroom, Anna has served as the Board of Elections Commissioner for the Missouri Students Association and was a member of the MSA First Year Council. She currently serves as an Associate Justice with MSA and is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta, Mizzou’s pre-law fraternity. When not engaged in academic pursuits or campus leadership, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

Caleb Simpson is a seventh-generation farmer and aspiring agricultural policy professional. He was raised in Bolivar, MO, and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Agribusiness Management-Public Policy at Mizzou, with a minor in Law. He has previously served as a U.S. House and Senate intern and Missouri FFA’s State Vice President, and is presently a Regulatory and National Legislative Affairs Intern for the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation. He is an avid reader, especially fond of the works of Ernest Hemingway and Vladimir Nabokov, and is always on the look-out for the perfect reading place for himself and his golden retriever, Goose. After graduation, Caleb plans to pursue a career in agricultural and environmental law, with special emphasis in crop protection and natural resources.

Emily Skidmore is an MU sophomore from Katy, TX, majoring in Journalism and minoring in Spanish and Political Science. Emily plans to pursue graduate study in Communication after finishing at Mizzou, with hopes of becoming a political correspondent. Outside of the classroom, Emily enjoys reading, writing, and baking.

Autumn Slingerland is a junior from Columbia, MO, studying Political Science, History, and Constitutional Democracy. She is also a member of the Kinder Institute’s Society of Fellows and Chair of the Kinder Institute Undergraduate Society’s annual conference. She plans to attend law school after graduation, and in her free time, enjoys crossword puzzles, drawing, and painting.

Yeva Stoops is a Mizzou sophomore, pursuing a BA in Political Science, minors in Criminology and Russian, and a certificate in Constitutional Democracy. She plans to attend graduate school for International Relations after completing her undergrad career at MU, where she aims to deepen her understanding of global governance and international collaboration.

Ansa Sunil is a junior from Columbia, MO, majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Psychological Sciences, with minors or certificates in Addiction Studies, Multicultural Studies, Leadership and Public Service, Computer Science, and Information Technology. A first-generation immigrant from Kuwait and India, she hopes to earn a PhD in Psychology while continuing to focus on gender studies after her graduation in May 2026. Her hobbies include astronomy, anthropology, and pottery.

Hannah Taylor is a junior in the MU Journalism School, focusing on reporting and writing, with a minor in Political Science. Hannah got her start in journalism through working on the high school yearbook in her hometown of Prairie View, KS, and after graduation, hopes to continue reporting on local, state and national politics, while bridging the communication divide between citizens and politicians. When she has free time, she enjoys long walks on local trails, spending time with friends, FaceTiming with her dogs from home, and cooking.

Taylor Tomblinson is a sophomore from Yorkville, IL, double-majoring in Constitutional Democracy and History, with a minor in Political Science. She is currently Vice President of External Relations for the Mizzou Mock Trial Association, is an active member of the Kinder Institute Undergraduate Society, and was a part of the 2023-24 Democracy Lab cohort at the Kinder Institute. Taylors aspire to attend law school after completing her undergraduate career, and outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, creating art, and spending time with friends.

Lucas Warren is a junior from Festus, MO, majoring in Constitutional Democracy and Political Science. On campus, Lucas is Captain of the MU Mock Trial Association and Secretary for Mizzou Model United Nations. In his free time, Lucas enjoys playing video games, reading, and spending time with friends and family. After completing his undergraduate studies, Lucas plans on attending law school with the goal of becoming a practicing attorney.

Zoe Wilson is a junior from St. Louis, MO, majoring in Constitutional Democracy and History, with an emphasis in Public History, and minoring in Anthropology. On campus, she is President of the History Club, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and is deeply involved with the Kinder Institute, where she was part of the 2023-24 cohort of the Society of Fellows and assists with the Kinder Institute Democracy Lab as a programming fellow and a Peer Learning Assistant for the first-year FIG class. In her free time, Zoe likes watching documentaries and shopping, and she hopes to one day work in a museum.

Ava Wischnewski is an MU sophomore from Lee’s Summit, MO, majoring in Constitutional Democracy and Economics. She has been working on local campaigns throughout her time at Mizzou, and after graduation, plans on obtaining an MA in Economics or Political Science somewhere abroad before returning to Missouri state politics. Aside from school and work, Ava is a Captain on Mizzou’s Mock Trial Team, a member of the Kinder Institute Society of Fellows, and loves spending time with friends in COMO.