Sonya Abrams is in the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program and Douglass Residential College, majoring in Political Science and double minoring in American studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. Sonya is involved in local politics and has been a board member of the Rutgers Democrats, serving first as a freshman representative and more recently as Secretary where she organizes and invites guests to come and speak. She is also active in Rutgers Hillel, and is the Vice President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Colony. Her sophomore year, she received an award from the American Studies Department for an essay on the integration of the Montclair Public Schools. During the spring of 2017, she took advantage of Douglass College’s externship opportunities and was an intern in State Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt’s office, writing memos and gaining hands on experience in the political field. This coming year, Sonya will be an Aresty Research Assistant with Professor Weingart and the Center On The American Governor. She is incredibly excited to be part of the Gardner Fellowship.