Paragon Summer Fellow Spotlights 🎙️

Program: Bachelor’s of Arts in Computer Science at Occidental College

Describe your field(s) of interest, what you have been working on during your fellowship, and share something cool you've been up to outside of the Fellowship!

My work thus far has primarily been in the field of UI/UX design. I’ve recently graduated with my B.A. in Computer Science, during which I was able to do academic research into ethical design frameworks, sparking my interest in the legal/policy aspect of digital designs. During my fellowship, I’ve been working on analyzing curricula reform initiatives and STEM education efficacy in several Caribbean islands to help inform policy recommendations for U.S.V.I schools. Outside of the fellowship, I’ve been working to publish my research proposing a spectrum-based typology and new ethical frameworks for behavior-influencing UI/UX designs. I’ve also been pursuing a paralegal certification and working on law school applications. I plan to earn a J.D. to equip myself for a career in creating robust and enforceable regulations for technology companies to adhere to and to be an agent in helping persons negatively affected achieve legal justice/remedies.

What has been your favorite aspect of the fellowship so far?

I’ve really enjoyed the teamwork! Having a group of like-minded people to look over my work and validate my contributions makes it all the more rewarding. I enjoy the depth of the community that Paragon continues to build—it really is a daily reminder that the work we’re doing is important and useful. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the vastness of these issues, so I’d say the motivating force of the team has been extremely enlightening for me.

Program: Master’s of Science in Space Studies at American Military University

Describe your field(s) of interest, what you have been working on during your fellowship, and share something cool you've been up to outside of the Fellowship!

I am passionate about cybersecurity and space operations, and recently completed my master's thesis on reframing U.S. space policy for digital equity. While I am familiar with working in federal government and interagency, Paragon has given me the opportunity to broaden my experience through supporting state and local government cybersecurity strategy and needs. Beyond technology policy, I enjoy playing my many instruments and attending free performing arts events in New York City — I am also looking forward to spending the rest of the summer relaxing with friends before I begin my first year of law school.

What has been your favorite aspect of the fellowship so far?

I immensely enjoy working with the Fellows on my team — their creativity and enthusiasm are contagious, making all aspects of our project exciting as I find myself looking forward to learning from everyone each time we meet.

Program: Bachelor’s of Arts in Interactive Media & Game Development at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Describe your field(s) of interest, what you have been working on during your fellowship, and share something cool you've been up to outside of the Fellowship!

I'm interested in tech policy, with a particular focus on regulatory innovation and contributing to strategies that foster responsible technological advancements. During my Fellowship, I've primarily been researching and writing about cyber readiness challenges and gap analysis (structured by a cybersecurity framework from the National Institute of Standards and Technology) for the city of Bismarck, ND. I've also written some preliminary recommendations and organizational profiles for our Readiness Assessment Report, and am now writing sector-specific playbooks and templates for our various stakeholders to craft our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (CIRP) outline!

Outside of Paragon, I am a HOPE College Leadership Program Scholar and have been engaging in meaningful and constructive seminars about leadership, identity, and advocacy, as well as meeting with insightful and supportive mentors. Through the program, I am working with a group of scholars recommending a policy solution regarding college affordability regarding Hispanic students in NY!

What has been your favorite aspect of the Fellowship so far?

How much I've learned in such a short amount of time!!

This article was published as part of the Summer 2025 Cohort Midpoint Newsletter.

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— Contributed by Kaitlyn Cui, Garv Jain, Anne Do, and Christopher Asma