Undergrads Gain Public Policy Insights, Experience at Texas Capitol

05.19.2025

From left: Michelle Elele, Jordyn Dillard, Hasti Patel, Leslie Puentes, Heer Shah and Param Naik.

During the 89th Texas legislative session, six undergraduate students from The University of Texas at Dallas stepped into the heart of state government inside the state Capitol, gaining invaluable experience and making a positive impact through the Texas Legislative Fellowship Program (TLFP).

The program, administered in partnership with the UT System, takes place in the spring semester in Austin while the Texas Legislature is in session. Through the partnership with the UT System, the six students from UT Dallas are part of a cohort of 40 students representing all nine academic institutions, as well as UTHealth Houston. The program provides academic, professional and practical support for students while they intern in a state legislative office for the full semester. Open to students from all majors who are interested in public service, lawmaking or political leadership, it combines academics with real-world policy experience. UT Dallas students earn 12 credit hours and receive scholarships to offset housing costs in Austin.

“The Texas Legislative Fellowship Program is a superb way for interested students to experience firsthand the bustling, often chaotic, world of legislation and policymaking,” said Dr. Douglas C. Dow, associate dean of the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College, which administers the TLIP. “Our students come out of their semester experience understanding the legislative process in a way no research or mere classroom experience could. Beyond the knowledge, students discover how to excel professionally, civically, and personally, in the fast paced, hectic world of the Texas Capitol.”

Amanda Rockow MA’12, vice president for government and community relations, represents the University’s interests in Austin and has had a front seat to the students’ intern experiences.

“Not surprisingly, our students have risen to the occasion this session, providing valuable research, constituent services and unique perspectives for these legislative leaders while learning about working in a complex office environment like the Texas Capitol. I’ve really enjoyed watching their growth as professionals and as scholars,” she said.

Jordyn Dillard

Major: Criminology
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Dillard, who has her sights set on law school and a future in the legal field, served as a legislative aide in the office of Rep. Salman Bhojani BS’03. She managed the representative’s schedule, conducted in-depth research on proposed bills and provided key support to the legislative director.

Dillard said the highlight of the experience has been the opportunity to network. From meeting with constituents and professionals to engaging with industry stakeholders about proposed legislation, she gained valuable insight into the world of policymaking and advocacy. She credits the internship with strengthening her public speaking, communication, organization and time management abilities.

Michelle Elele

Major: Political science
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Elele served in the office of Rep. Rhetta Bowers and helped prepare the representative for committee meetings, track legislative bills and process constituent casework.

One of the most valuable lessons she learned is the importance of adaptability and interpersonal skills, especially when handling constituent casework. Elele said the most rewarding part of the internship were the people, as she formed lasting friendships with her colleagues and professional relationships with elected officials and industry representatives.

Param Naik

Major: Business administration
Naveen Jindal School of Management

Naik, who is aiming for a future in regulatory affairs, learned how policy is shaped, debated and brought to life as a legislative intern in the office of Rep. Angie Chen Button MS’80.

His main duties included constituent casework; meeting with advocacy groups, businesses and other stakeholders; and managing the logistics of events. He said meeting with stakeholders on various issues has helped give him a broader awareness of policy areas that he may not have otherwise encountered — from health care to environmental regulation to emerging technology.

“I now understand how policy evolves from a first draft into official law or regulation. If I end up representing clients in a legislative capacity one day, I’ll have firsthand knowledge of how third-party stakeholders engage with and influence that process,” he said.

Hasti Patel

Major: Economics
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Patel helped turn research into results and transform policy discussions into legislation as a member of Sen. Royce West’s office. She was responsible for drafting bill analyses and tracking legislation, often diving deep into datasets, transportation policy and tax law to provide essential context for proposed bills and amendments.

Patel said the experience has equipped her with skills that she plans to carry forward, especially into law school. She learned how to communicate confidently with high-level stakeholders, tailor her message for different audiences and stay composed under pressure. Most importantly, she said that good ideas aren’t always enough — legal strategy, strong relationships and political timing can be just as critical to success.

Leslie Puentes

Major: Political science
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Puentes was responsible for taking care of constituent affairs, serving as a bridge between state agencies and constituents to resolve problems for the office of Rep. Salman Bhojani. She also assisted with special projects for the representative.

She said she learned that the Capitol is a vibrant environment, rich with diverse perspectives. Working in public service offers continuous opportunities for learning and growth, and the experience has prompted her to reflect on her long-term goals.

Heer Shah

Major: Biology
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Shah, who is also pursuing a minor in political science and plans to attend medical school after graduation, used her role in the office of Rep. Mihaela Plesa to hone her organization and time management skills. As committee director for the vice chair of the House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services, she helped organize committee meetings, draft talking points and facilitate communication between committee members and stakeholders.

Shah said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the complexities of public service and the importance of advocacy. She hopes to integrate her advocacy skills into her future role as a physician and work on behalf of patients in and outside the exam room.