Portman Center Fellowship
Pre-Approved Experience
Experience Summary:
There are few things I knew I needed to do during my college career. After my first semester as a freshman, I knew becoming a Portman Fellow was one of them.
From what quickly presented itself as the pinnacle of accomplishment for every Political Science student at UC, I attended almost every public event, guest lecture, and career coaching seminar the center had to offer my first year. It was obvious: the opportunity to meet thee Rob Portman and work with professionals in government during undergrad was something I would do anything for.
My final week of freshman year, that dream came true. In a whirlwind of initiation events from a kickoff kayaking trip to a public leader awards ceremony, fall of 2025 was only preparing me for what was in store as a Portman fellow.
It would be inadequate to say each and every experience provided to me through this fellowship has changed my education. Trips, events, and presentations have helped me grow as a person, establish industry connections, and broaden my view of public policy on local, state, and federal levels. It has even gotten me a job! The magic, I believe, of the center is its ability to provide such concrete opportunities to advance your career while also intrinsically giving me my best friends and most cherished memories.
The Portman Center's ethos of bipartisanship has made me a better student, networker, friend, and (most importantly), more open-minded political thinker.
Below is a(n abridged) list of experiences the fellowship has granted me just in its first year.
Visual Representation:
•Trip to Washington, DC
I had the honor of meeting: Senator Rob Portman, Senator Jeanna Shaheen, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Bernie Moreno, and Representative Greg Landsman
I was able to visit: US Capitol (House and Senate), Brookings Institution, Bipartisan Policy Center, and Lewis-Burke Associates.
•Visit at Cincinnati City Hall
I had the honor of meeting the Mayor, Aftab Pureval, as well as city council. We were recognized by Council Member Meeka Owens for our accomplishments as students and future public servants.
•Presentation of "Combating Food Deserts and their Health Implications: Ohio's Public Grocery Pilot Program" at the Student Public Policy Challenge
•Presentation of the same policy at the College of Arts & Sciences "Discovery in Action Showcase"
•Ohio Statehouse Visit
•"Across the River, Across the Aisle" with Mike DeWine and Andy Beshear
•Multiple Braver Angels Debates and Civility Workshops, working on issues such as sports betting/gambling and illegal immigration