Meet the Interns

Emma Gearan

Emma Gearan is a junior at UCLA pursuing a double major in political science and education. She is especially passionate about education policy and reform. At UCLA, Emma is currently serving in Americorps’ Jumpstart program, which provides language, literacy, and social-emotional programming for preschool children from under-resourced communities to promote quality early learning for all children. She is excited to learn more about education policy in Massachusetts and work on these issues as a part of Senator Eldridge’s team. Emma is a graduate of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, where she was involved in the AB community as a leader of AB United Way’s Youth in Philanthropy Club and a member of the Anti-Defamation League’s Peer Leadership program. In her free time, Emma enjoys crocheting, baking, and distance running.

Aline Keledjian

Aline Keledjian is a senior at the George Washington University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and History. Given her educational background, Aline is especially passionate about learning how to engage local communities to advocate for human rights issues abroad. On campus, Aline is the Finance Director for Swing Left GWU and a member of the Dean's Scholars Program where she is pursuing an original research project about Armenian-American activism and the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. After graduation, Aline hopes to continue to pursue her passion for human rights. She is excited to work with Team Eldridge and to gain more hands-on experience in state government.

Will Woodring

Will Woodring (he/him) is a senior at Suffolk University studying Public Relations and Political Science. Will is a passionate progressive who hopes to pursue a career in political communications after graduating. Originally from Medway, Mass, Will now resides in East Boston, Mass. Will is excited to join Team Eldridge and focus on policy issues that affect Gen Z, like affordable college and climate change. At Suffolk, Will is an Editor-at-Large at his student newspaper, The Suffolk Journal, where he writes and edits articles on politics, sports, and local news. Will also competes on Suffolk University’s Policy Debate Team and serves in a variety of other student leadership positions.In his free time, Will can be found running, reading, or writing. He looks forward to helping Team Eldridge enact positive change throughout the Commonwealth!

Derek Nielsen

Derek Nielsen is a senior at New York University, pursuing a double major in politics and economics. He has a passion for both of these topics, especially in looking at their intersections and the impacts that they have on each other. He also has a strong interest in writing, acting as a contributing writer and editor for In the Zeitgeist at NYU, and is interested in being involved in state government — having previously interned in State Representative Carmine Gentile’s office. After graduation, he will attend the Duke University School of Law as part of the Class of 2027. He is eager to work with Team Eldridge, especially on environmental protection and criminal justice, to gain a better insight on how these important issues are debated, discussed, and addressed, as well as to get a first-hand look at how the state government works.

Rebecca DePietro

Rebecca is a sophomore at Bentley University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Economics with a concentration in law. On campus, she is the Vice President of Operations for the Student Government Association, Co-Secretary General for the Model United Nations club, President for the Microfinance Group. In her hometown of Stratford, Connecticut, she is annually involved in elections; she has worked every single election day since 2016 at the polls! She looks forward to attending law school after finishing her undergrad.

Taygen Richards

Taygen is a high school junior at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School. Native to Brockton, Massachusetts, they have a strong passion for social issues that impact the communities close to them including the ones surrounded by them. After graduation, they hope to be able to study sociology and cognitive science to understand human behavior both hypothetically and literally to take a better stance on the world around them. In the future, they aspire to become a civil litigation lawyer to provide a voice for those who feel voiceless in legal matters. In their free time, they enjoy reading classical literature and practicing ballet. 

Alex Sassaman

My name is Alex Sassaman. I am from Rochester, New York but was born in Boston. I am a Sophomore at Bentley University and a member of the Allocation and Internal Audit Committe at my school. I am majoring in Finance and Economics with a minor in law.  After Bentley I plan on attending law school to blend my passions for finance and law.

Seth Rosenman

Seth Rosenman is a senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. After graduating high school, Seth plans to pursue a degree in Political Science or Public Policy. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Seth is excited to explore a wide variety of policy areas. In particular, he is interested in education and campaign finance policies, and wants to explore how Massachusetts can be a leader on these and other issues. Outside of school, Seth works at his synagogue's religious school, is a captain of the AB Speech and Debate team, and serves on the board of the New England Region of BBYO, a Jewish teen youth movement. 

Natalie Vasileff

Natalie Vasileff is a senior at Emerson College pursuing a journalism major with minors in political science and publishing. She grew up in Moscow, Russia and moved to northeastern Pennsylvania as a teenager. Throughout her time on campus, Natalie has focused on reporting on local and international politics with specific interests in public policies. Natalie is a co-creator of an international news politics show at Emerson and has spent most of her time focusing on writing about and researching the ongoing war in Ukraine, given her Ukrainian heritage. After graduation, Natalie hopes to pursue a career in investigative and political journalism. She is excited to work for Team Eldridge in hopes of taking a closer look at local policies, including those regarding criminal justice reform and education.

Sid Tilak

Sid Tilak is a rising sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University in the University Park Campus, at State College, PA. He is a graduate of the Youth In Philanthropy Program from the Foundation of Metrowest. During the pandemic he started and ran Snackz For Health, a program to deliver snacks and support frontline workers in the Boston and Metrowest areas. For this, he was awarded Change Maker of the year by the Metrowest YMCA and has won the Prudential Award for Community Service. Sid was co-captain of the varsity Tennis Team at high school and is an avid sports fan, be it the NBA, NFL, MLB or World Soccer. Sports to him are an important and fun way of bringing people together and foster team spirit and unity, irrespective of their culture or background.

Sid is interested in pursuing a career in Economics and Finance, with an interest in Law. He believes that it is important that minorities and youth understand the working of the state senate and government, so they too can be a part of the larger conversation in the Commonwealth. He believes this enables them to deliver a unique and différent perspective to improve the lives of those in the commonwealth.

Vaishnavi Murthy

Vaishnavi Murthy is a junior at the Acton Boxborough Regional High School. After graduating high school, she plans to double major in political science and psycholgy. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, she is excited to gain real life experience in the policy field and make an impact on the legislation that affects people in her community. She is especially interested in environmental policy and criminal justice reform and wants to learn more about how the state of Massachusetts is tackling these issues. Outside of school, Vaishnavi is a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer, avid reader, and aspiring painter. 

Wyatt Mattaway

Wyatt is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University in Boston MA, pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. He has always had an interest in the nexus between environmental science, climate change and social justice and is excited to develop these interests with Senator Eldridge. Post-university, Wyatt is motivated to play a role in the development of public policy and economic incentives to guide the actions of companies and consumers in a way that is both equitable and reduces the speed at which our planet is warming. Alongside working towards achieving his educational and career aspirations Wyatt enjoys hiking, camping, community service, studying history and practicing his musical passions of guitar and piano.

Derek Nielsen

Derek Nielsen is a rising senior at New York University, pursuing a double major in politics and economics. He has a passion for both of these topics, especially in looking at their intersections and the impacts that they have on each other. He also has a strong interest in writing, acting as a contributing writer and editor for In the Zeitgeist at NYU, and is interested in continuing to be involved in state government — having previously interned in State Representative Carmine Gentile’s office. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in law. He looks forward to working with Team Eldridge, especially on environmental protection and judicial matters, to gain a better insight on how these important issues are debated, discussed, and addressed, and in how the state government works.

Harish Ganesh

Harish Ganesh is a sophomore at Littleton High School, who plans on pursuing an education in economics after graduating. He has a strong interest in data and statistics, and how these fields can help us understand current events. As a middle schooler, he had a hobby of redistricting various states to observe changes in power. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, he wishes to utilize his skill for numbers in a meaningful way, gain hands-on experience in the government, and serve his surrounding community. Apart from school and his internship, he plays baseball at Littleton High School, works a part-time job at Market Basket, and is a drummer.

Joanna Barrow

Joanna is a rising second year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she studies theology and modern history. She is excited to serve her home district and learn more about state government. She has a background working for advocacy organizations and is especially interested in criminal justice reform and reproductive justice. In her free time, Joanna loves to read and explore the outdoors with her dog.

Colin Hennessy

Colin Hennessy is a resident of Marlborough, MA, and is a recent graduate of the Schreyer Honors College at The Pennsylvania State University, completing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. His most recent research has centered on increasing deliberation in democracy and ideological position formation on polarizing issues such as nanotechnology. Colin is deeply interested in the judicial system's ability to support and carry out the laws created by our government and how the system affects Massachusetts communities. He is also passionate about conservation and the ways in which Massachusetts can be a leader in the fight against climate change. Outside of politics, Colin is a player for the US Mens National Indoor & Outdoor Field Hockey Teams and is an avid runner working to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Billie Bioku

Bilikis (Billie) Bioku is a 3L at Boston College (BC) Law School and aspires to be a corporate attorney. Bioku attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Ca for her undergraduate degree where she double majored in Economics & Business and Philosophy. During her time at Westmont, she founded the Law & Society (pre-law) club as well as co-chaired the American Enterprise Institute chapter. There, she was also president of both the international economics honor society (Omicron Delta Epsilon) and the international philosophy honor society (Phi Sigma Tau). Moreover, at BC Law Bioku was the 1L and 2L representative for the school’s Black Law School Association. She is also a member of the Business Law Society. Bioku was born and raised in Maryland. She has studied abroad in Europe twice, with one semester trip to 13 countries and 31 cities. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, reading, cooking Thai and Italian food, painting abstract acrylic works, and yoga.

Zoe Kava

Zoe Kava is a Junior at Tufts majoring in Political Science and Community Health. She has a passion for journalism of all kinds and has worked at several local publications including the Tufts Daily, where she served as Deputy News Editor. She loves listening to, and telling stories, and she hopes to pursue a career in journalism or public health after college. Zoe is particularly excited to work on Senator Eldridge’s healthcare legislation and to learn more about criminal justice reform. In her free time, Zoe enjoys biking, writing short fiction, and she competes for Tufts University’s women’s tennis team.

David Zheng Zong

David Zong is a recent graduate from the master’s program of journalism at Boston University College of Communication. Coming from Shanghai, China, he has a passion for telling stories that are important to him and the community. With a journalism background, David hopes to bring his skills to the table in the fields of content creation, social media, and multimedia production. He is highly interested in immigration and healthcare issues, and also issues related to international students. Outside of work, David enjoys photography, writing, and at-home flight simulation.

Grace Quinn

Nate Iglehart

Nate Iglehart is a Junior at Tufts University pursuing a degree in International Relations with a concentration in Europe and Former Soviet Union Analysis. He is especially passionate about climate action, as well as prison reform and economic inequality. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Nate hopes to make an impact in the community and to gain more insight into current issues and policy making. In his free time, Nate enjoys reading, biking, cooking, and finding new music. After graduation, Nate hopes to pursue a career in the US Foreign Service.

Omar Hamoda

Omar is a rising junior at Milton Academy with a special interest in community organizing and foreign policy. He organized the “Culture Festival” at his school, during which students of diverse backgrounds showcased their cultural traditions. He is especially excited about serving as Muslim Student Association co-head during the upcoming year. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Omar hopes to gain experience with the political process as a part of the team. In his free time, Omar enjoys playing table tennis with his cousin and cooking. 

Summer Maxwell

Summer Maxwell is a junior pursuing a degree in Political Science at Tufts University. Raised in Acton, she is excited to serve her home district and learn more about the legislative process. She is especially interested in working on issues such as criminal justice reform and housing policy and hopes to attend graduate school to work toward a degree in journalism or public policy. Outside of school Summer loves to read and hike and competes for Tufts University's women's rowing team. 

Shree Khanolkar

Shree is an undergraduate student at Tufts University studying International Relations. He is passionate about working on issues such as climate change and criminal justice reform. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, he hopes to learn more about these issues and understand the process to create change in these areas. With previous experience in the legal system working for the Massachusetts District Court as well as a local lawyer’s office, he hopes to pursue a career in law and advocate for these issues in the legal field. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, swimming and trying out different foods in the Greater Boston area.

Katrina Sousounis

Katrina Sousounis is a rising senior at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies. She has extensive background in non-profit international women's rights work through the United Nations Foundation Girl Up Campaign and in federal and municipal politics. Katrina hopes to pursue a law degree after graduation and a career in environmental law or policy. Having grown up in Acton, MA, she is excited for this opportunity to give back to the constituents in her community by working on environmental policy as part of Team Eldridge! Outside of work and school, Katrina is an academic peer mentor and an avid ballet dancer, artist, museum goer and botany enthusiast.

Kathan Shenoy

Kathan Shenoy is a Junior studying Political Science at Boston University. His interest in state politics stems from his passion for community outreach. As an intern under Senator Eldridge, Kathan hopes to make a positive impact on the community through Environmental Policy and Criminal Justice Reform. While balancing the responsibilities of a full time student and intern, Kathan also competes on Boston University’s Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field teams.

Tavish Burns

Tavish Burns is an undergraduate student at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, studying Political Science. He is pursuing a career in public policy to address the issues that are important to him, including climate change, housing insecurity, and economic inequality. In his free time, Tavish enjoys reading, playing tennis, and collecting vinyl records.

Natasha Hongsermeier-Graves

Natasha (she/her) is a fourth-year MD/MPH student completing her master’s degree in public health with a focus on health policy at Harvard. Raised on a small family farm in rural Nebraska, she will return to her home state next year to graduate from medical school and begin residency in neurosurgery. As a physician, Natasha plans to remain active in legislative advocacy and public service. She is particularly interested in advancing racial equity and utilizing culturally cognizant care to address the health needs of incarcerated persons and individuals involved with what our legal system calls sex for a fee. Outside of advocacy, Natasha enjoys tennis, horseback riding, meditating, and playing the flute.

Diana Reno

Diana is a second-year undergraduate student at Boston University studying International Relations and Mathematical Statistics. She has previously worked with the YWCA SEMA and Boston University's Initiative on Forced Displacement. She hopes to pursue a law degree in order to legally advocate for internationally displaced persons, affordable housing and criminal justice reforms. Diana also enjoys singing, dancing, and acting! Diana is very excited to join Team Eldridge to learn more about legislative action as it pertains to social justice issues.