The Sycamore Institute would like to offer a warm welcome to two new interns who are working with our staff this spring. We asked Carlissa and Megha to share a little bit about themselves below.
If you or someone you know are interested in an internship with The Sycamore Institute, please visit SycamoreInstituteTN.org/jobs. Applications for Summer 2019 internships are due April 15.
Now, let’s meet Carlissa and Megha!
Carlissa
Name: Carlissa Arrow
Undergraduate Studies: Vanderbilt University, Mechanical Engineering and Public Policy Studies with concentrations in STEM and Health policy
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Why did you want to intern at The Sycamore Institute?
I wanted an opportunity to earn hands-on experience with health policy research that I could not receive in a class room environment. Sycamore stood out to me because of its commitment to nonpartisanship and their unique perspective of state government operations towards health policy that is often overlooked and misunderstood, yet more impactful than federal policy. Through this internship, I hope to build stronger analytical skills and gain a better understanding of the how the intersection of state budget and health policy affects the access to health care services in rural and urban communities.
Where do you want to be in 15 years?
By the age of 34, after serving in the Peace Corps, I want to own a medical device company that specializes in serving people in low-resource, underserved communities. Also, I want to develop medical technology education programs that are shaped to address the unique challenges that these communities face.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am proud to be a PADI Certified Open Water Diver!
Megha
Name: Megha Patel
Undergraduate Studies: Rutgers University, Economics/English and Statistics
Graduate Studies: Vanderbilt University for the Graduate Program in Economic Development
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Why did you want to intern at The Sycamore Institute?
I wanted to intern for The Sycamore Institute because I strongly connected with the idea of a nonpartisan think tank that analyzes public policy issues at the state level. It makes sense to have a nonpartisan think tank to analyze complex public policy issues to show a range of political perspectives. Furthermore, after spending some time studying in graduate school, I found that integrating data analysis and public policy is stimulating and the tasks of the internships would be helpful in my future career.
Where do you want to be in 15 years?
I would like to be in New Jersey looking at state level public policy issues.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have my own food blog on Instagram!
