Rumi Lee ’25 earned her undergraduate degree in both Business Analytics and Computer Science. As a Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) Presidential Fellow, she examined the intersection of data science and democratic governance by investigating the implications of psychographic profiling on voter autonomy and electoral integrity. Rumi is passionate about promoting ethical innovation and bipartisan solutions that uphold democratic values in the digital age.
Fellowship Summary
The Presidential Fellows Program, established by the CSPC, aims to inspire and prepare college students for civic leadership roles. Over the academic year, fellows explore federal policymaking, global leadership, and democratic governance through research focused on the Presidency or Congress. The program features virtual sessions and an in-person leadership conference in Washington, D.C., where students engage with policymakers and peers to tackle today’s key challenges with innovative ideas.
What did you get out of the experience?
Through the Presidential Fellows Program, I gained a broader understanding of today’s political landscape. Hearing insights from government officials and journalists with diverse perspectives deepened my awareness of bipartisan issues and the complexities of policymaking in a rapidly changing environment. The experience also connected me with thoughtful scholars from around the world. Their perspectives challenged and expanded my thinking, making me more informed, curious, and globally conscious.
What was it like to be there?
Before the in-person conference, the program hosted monthly virtual sessions that brought fellows together to hear from insightful speakers, dive into key policy topics, and connect with one another ahead of the conference. We also had mentor meetings and writing workshops to guide us through the research process, as we worked toward completing a 15-page paper on a topic of our choice related to the Presidency or Congress. During the conference, everything came to life in D.C. It was exhilarating! Surrounded by cherry blossoms and thoughtful programming, we attended keynote talks, policy deep-dives, and bipartisan panels that gave global and domestic perspectives on today’s political climate. Networking dinners and off-site tours with peers made it even more inspiring. We even got a sneak peek of the plans for next year’s cohort which will focus on America’s 250th Anniversary! Since the program, fellows stayed connected and continued sharing insights, forming a lasting and engaged community.
What drew you to this experience?
I was drawn to the Presidential Fellows Program after taking a class called Foundations of Internet Policy (6.4590) during my sophomore year. It was my first deep dive into policymaking in the context of the digital age. I worked with a team to propose a new data privacy policy, and it showed me how my technical background could contribute to real-world solutions. Through CSPC, I wanted to build on that experience by exploring my research in psychographics and modern elections more deeply. The chance to develop a full policy proposal on that topic felt both exciting and meaningful!
What are your future plans?
After graduation, I plan to join the Global Strategy Team at a firm in New York, where I will apply digital solutions to the finance sector with international data policies in mind. In the long term, I envision a career at the intersection of business, technology, and policy by leading global initiatives focused on responsible AI and data governance. This experience affirmed my interest in becoming a business leader who can navigate and help shape the digital policies that will define the future on a worldwide scale.
