LSA History and Political Science senior Olivia O’Connell has won the At-Large Presidential Fellowship from the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Participants can be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or advanced degree students in any field of study. It is open to students studying in the United States. The award matches students with mentors in law, academia, or public policy to aid in their research efforts, offers students the chance at formal publication upon completion and presentation of their research papers, and provides an all-expense-paid trip to attend a leadership conference in Washington D.C.

The hallmark of the fellowship is a 10-15 page research paper. Olivia’s paper will focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, its history, consistent lack of funding, and the need for more resources allocated to its implementation at the federal, state, and local level. Olivia hopes to pursue a career in public policy and advocacy, particularly at the intersection of disability, education, and human rights policy. She intends to pursue graduate degrees in international and comparative public policy once graduating from U-M. 

She applied for this fellowship because it provides the opportunity to conduct research on policy issues that are important to them and broader society at large. As a visually impaired student herself, Olivia is especially passionate about bringing issues at the intersection of disability and education policy to light. She is grateful that CSPC has provided her the space to study a policy issue that is incredibly meaningful to her. 

Olivia would like to thank her former teacher of the visually impaired, her high school teacher consultant, and her family for their support, and encouraging her to advocate for herself, noting that they have had a huge impact on her commitment to advancing positive change for students with disabilities.