The Graduate Fellows Program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics has been a cornerstone of the Institute’s commitment to advancing the understanding and practice of politics and public service since the Institute’s founding in 1956. Students selected for this one-year, interdisciplinary certificate program develop an advanced knowledge of government, American politics, policy, and advocacy and build professional skills and networks to then apply through their degree field of study.
The 2026 cohort includes master’s, doctoral and advanced medical degree students from Rutgers Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School representing a variety of academic fields including accounting taxation, city and regional planning, criminal justice, economics, health behavior society and policy, law, medicine, political science, public administration, public health, public policy, social work, and toxicology.
For more information on the program and its offerings, please visit eagleton.rutgers.edu/grad-fellowships.
This year, nine Bloustein graduate students and one Bloustein alumnus were selected for the 2026 fellowship. They are:
Molly Basdeo Mountjoy (she/her) is a Ph.D. candidate in planning and public policy at the Bloustein School of Planning and Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Her research interests include racial justice, childhood poverty, gender equity, educational equity, U.S. rural student populations, children of immigrant experiences, and curriculum design and instruction. Molly’s dissertation focuses on school segregation and integration policies in New Jersey, examined through the perspectives of Black and Latino parents and guardians. At Bloustein, she teaches a leadership seminar, serves on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, and was a Research Assistant for the New Jersey State Policy Lab. She is also a Graduate Fellow for the New Jersey-Philadelphia Scholars Strategy Network Chapter. Molly is a member of multiple state education advocacy groups and task forces that focus on education equity. Before her doctoral studies, Molly held professional roles at various higher education institutions focusing on teaching, facilitation, curriculum development, assessing student learning, advancing equity and inclusion, mentoring students, managing program budgets, and large-scale event planning. Molly earned her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s in middle grades education with honors from North Carolina State University. Originally from Lexington, North Carolina, she currently resides in Collingswood, New Jersey, with her husband, daughter, and pup. She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, cooking (and eating) Guyanese food, reading, photography, cycling, and practicing and teaching yoga. She is excited to continue serving New Jersey through the Governor’s Executive Award.
Alaina Colleen Dixon (she/her) is a second-year master’s of public policy student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. She is interested in social and health policy and specifically how they impact under-resourced workforces. While at Rutgers, she has worked as a research assistant for faculty at the School of Management and Labor Relations where she learned about employee ownership models and their potential to address wage and power imbalances in the workplace. Alaina is currently a research assistant at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. She previously interned at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on a research project through the Rutgers Law School-Newark. Alaina grew up in Texas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southwestern University summa cum laude Phi Beta Kappa. At Southwestern, she worked as a research assistant on perceptions of civility and protest and co-presented findings in Chicago at the American Midwest Political Science Association conference. She participated in the Texas Civic Ambassadors program during which she had the chance to meet with students from across the state and run voter engagement efforts on her college campus. Additionally, she worked as a fullt ime staff member for Representative Venton Jones in the Texas House of Representatives. Alaina is honored to be a recipient of the Henry J. Raimondo Legislative Award with a placement at the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services. Her career goal is to write policy recommendations that effectively address the most pressing issues in our society. She is particularly passionate about health, labor, and social policy, and hopes to apply her skills local, state, or federal levels.
Emily Evers, a proud New Jersey native from Parsippany, is a third-year dual degree master’s student in public policy and city and regional planning at the Edward J Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from The College of New Jersey, Emily worked with several food security-focused nonprofit organizations on community-driven projects across northern New Jersey. During her time as a graduate student, Emily has interned with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where she helped shape FEED NJ, a grant program supporting projects that strengthen food access and food security in New Jersey’s most acute food desert communities. She also interned in the Governor’s Policy Office, where she contributed to impactful projects and supported legislation on transportation, education, affordable housing, and Governor Murphy’s historic clemency initiative. This summer, she interned with the Climate Change Resource Center, where she helped NJ municipalities identify their greatest climate risks through first-in-the-nation Climate Change Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessment plans, and with Strategic Communities, where she secured over $1 million in grant funding for nonprofits implementing neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Emily was honored to receive the Christiana R. Foglio Endowed Annual Graduate Fellowship in Planning and the Progress of Ideas Scholarship. Emily is thrilled to serve New Jersey through the Governor’s Executive Award. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, and working towards her annual Goodreads reading goal.
Halleigh Johnston is a second-year master’s student in city and regional planning at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, she spent much of her youth outdoors running down neighborhood streets with her dad and biking with her brothers. Inspired by her mom’s health journey, Halleigh pursued a bachelor’s in public health and chemistry at the University of South Florida (USF). At USF, she became more involved in local politics by interning with the Tampa City Council and the Florida State House of Representatives. While in Tampa, she was inspired by two urban planners whose work showed her the powerful role planning can play in shaping public health. At Rutgers, Halleigh serves as the vice president of urban planning for the Bloustein Graduate Student Association. She is currently interning for Hudson County, where she contributes to advancing the County’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries through proactive, rather than reactive, planning and design. In her free time, she likes to go to the gym, FaceTime with her girlfriend, cheer for the Buccaneers, and attend Toastmasters meetings. Halleigh is honored to receive the Governor’s Executive Award and participate as an Eagleton Fellow. After graduation, Halleigh looks forward to continuing her work as an urban planner in New Jersey, working toward the much-needed change in our communities to make them safer and healthier places to live.
Kelline Muo is from Migori, Kenya, and is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. He is passionate about leveraging evidence-based insights to shape sustainable and equitable food systems. Kelline holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and rural development from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Nairobi. Last summer, he worked as a Research Assistant at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, analyzing data for the New Jersey Organic and Regenerative Farming Board and supporting policy reporting for state and university stakeholders. Previously, he worked with Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, where he led monitoring and evaluation for food systems projects and contributed to regulatory reform and public-private partnerships. Kelline brings expertise in agricultural economics, food systems resilience, and policy research. He is also skilled in data analysis, economic modeling, and regulatory assessment and has experience in agricultural market research and business environment evaluation. Kelline received the Governor’s Executive Award for his Eagleton Graduate Fellowship. His career interests include sustainable agriculture, food systems resilience, and international development. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and watching documentary films.
Jake Papa is a master’s student in public policy from Hamilton, New Jersey, concentrating in environmental policy and sustainability at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers-New Brunswick. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Rutgers in 2024. Jake is a researcher on the New Jersey Ballot Project at the Rutgers Law School-Newark where he has collected thousands of ballots from historical and current elections statewide to create a publicly available database for New Jersey’s ballot design history. During the summer of 2025, Jake interned with the Mercer County Planning Department, where he attended meetings with the County Executive and supported local planning and sustainability initiatives, while also mentoring interns from the high school cohort. He also worked as a legislative aide with the Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR), where he tracks New Jersey Board of Public Utilities dockets, monitors energy and sustainability legislation, and prepares policy summaries for research staff. Jake was a legislative intern for the Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo’s office. His prior experience includes managing outreach and public information projects related to sustainable development, including proposing a county-wide sustainability newsletter and green purchasing policy. His interests lie in public sector climate action, decarbonization policy, and sustainable planning. Jake received the Governor’s Executive Award. After graduation he plans to work at the intersection of environmental policy and community resilience.
Freyja Quinn BS ’25 (PP), from Hightstown, New Jersey, is a second-year master’s of public policy student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. She recently received her bachelor’s degree in public policy and political science from Rutgers-New Brunswick, where she is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies. As an undergraduate student, Freyja interned with the Office of then-Congressman Andy Kim through the Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship (RSSI) program, helping with constituent services. She also was selected for the Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington D.C. program, where she interned with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), helping with the policy department in the Science Mission Directorate. As an undergraduate student, Freyja was involved in the Eagleton Institute of Politics as a programmatic intern for the Center for Youth Political Participation, helping to promote events and increase engagement. She was also a contributing writer for the Eagleton Political Journal. Most recently, she interned with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in the Economic Security section, supporting food security and childcare initiatives. Freyja received the Governor’s Executive Award. She is excited and honored to be part of this year’s cohort and is eager to learn and grow from the program. After graduation she plans to pursue a career in policy and promote civic engagement beyond Rutgers.
Ashley Rowley is a first-year master’s of city and regional planning student with a concentration in transportation planning at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Born in Richland, Washington, she grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. She cares deeply about creating more affordable and accessible transportation systems, supporting renewable energy, and designing communities that promote safety, walkability, and long-term sustainability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and urban and regional planning with a certificate in geographic information systems from the University of Central Florida. Ashley works as a Planning Technician at ESA Solar, a solar energy company based in Orlando, Florida, where she supports solar and battery storage projects across the United States, coordinating with local governments, managing permitting timelines, and engaging with stakeholders throughout the development process. She previously interned with Orange County Utilities in the Water Conservation Department. She also received the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship and participated in the Florida’s Bright Futures program. Outside of work, Ashley holds a Part 107 license to fly drones commercially and enjoy using drone technology in both planning and recreationally. In her free t ime, she enjoys reading, flying drones, and playing video games. She is honored to receive the Harold and Reba Martin Award. After graduation, she hopes to continue working in either renewable energy or public transit planning, as both play a key role in building a more sustainable and equitable future.
Larry Traylor is a proud Trenton, New Jersey native who currently serves as the youngest member of the Trenton Board of Education. He is a master’s of public policy student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Larry holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Africana Studies from Rutgers-New Brunswick. Larry’s career is rooted in public service, compliance, and political organizing. He currently serves as a Confidential Aide to Mercer County Commissioner Samuel T. Frisby. Larry has gained extensive campaign experience across New Jersey, contributing to key races including Governor Phil Murphy’s 2021 re-election, A’Dorian Murray Thomas’s 2023 County Commissioner campaign, and Dan Benson’s successful run for Mercer County Executive. Beyond the campaign trail, he is deeply engaged in civic and political leadership, serving as Treasurer of the Mercer County Young Democrats, LGBTQ Co-Chair for the New Jersey Young Democrats, and holding leadership roles within the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP. Larry has been a fellow for the Cap and Skull Senior Honor Society and New Leaders Council-New Jersey. He also was a Research Assistant for the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. Through these experiences, Larry continues to champion equity, civic engagement, and the development of the next generation of leaders across the state. Larry received the Governor’s Executive Award for the Eagleton Graduate Fellowship cohort.
Pat Walsh, BA ’20 (PPP), MPP ’21, MHA ’22 is a policy analyst pursuing a J.D. degree at Rutgers Law SchoolNewark while serving as an Associate Fiscal Analyst at the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services. Patrick brings a unique blend of legislative expertise, healthcare administration knowledge, and community leadership to his work in government. He holds a master’s degree in public policy and health administration magna cum laude and a bachelor’s degree in planning and public policy and political science from Rutgers University. His academic excellence was recognized through his selection as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Athlete and membership in multiple honor societies. Professionally, Patrick provides support to both houses of the New Jersey Legislature, staffing the Assembly Appropriations and Budget Committees. His experience spans policy development, budget analysis, and legislative drafting, with expertise in revenue and appropriations matters. Previously, he contributed to federal policy research as a Policy Analyst Intern at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, co-authoring reports on veterans’ disability claims. Patrick served as the youngest elected Board of Education President in South Amboy history. A former Division I student-athlete, Patrick served as team captain for Rutgers Cross Country and Track and Field Team and was recognized for his community service contributions. He founded the annual South Amboy Alumni Panel, now in its seventh year, connecting current students with successful graduates across various career paths. Patrick is honored to be a recipient of the Harold and Reba Martin Award through the Eagleton Graduate Fellowship Program and looks forward to expanding his career at the intersection of law, policy, and government.