About Us
Mission Statement
The Phoenix Policy Institute is a student-led non-partisan organization that produces evidence-based policy research at all levels of government. We seek to provide professional learning experiences for Elon undergraduates of all disciplines and to foster engagement in the policy process among undergraduates.
Staff
Anya Bratic
Anya Bratic is a junior from Roanoke, Virginia. At Elon, she is pursuing a double major in International & Global Studies and Public Health with a minor in Policy Studies. Outside of her work with the Phoenix Policy Institute, Anya is an Elon College Fellow currently researching populism as a threat to liberal democracy. Additionally, she is a Periclean Scholar studying India, a Class of 2026 Senator in the Student Government Association and Team Lead at Elon’s Center for Design Thinking. After graduation, Anya intends to pursue a career that aligns with her passions for diplomacy and public policy.
Michael Johns
Michael Johns (MJ) is a sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania majoring in Political Science. He is the Student Outreach Senator in Student Government Association, a Peer Mentor for Disability Resources, and the Secretary for La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. His policy interests include local policy, education, and criminal justice particularly recidivism and reentry.
Baden Eaton
Baden Eaton is currently a sophomore at Elon University from Woodstock, Ct. He is pursuing a degree in International and Global Studies, with a concentration in the Middle East and a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. His policy interests include foreign policy related to human rights, public land rights, and land conservation. Outside of his studies, Baden is the treasurer of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and a challenge course facilitator for Elon Challenge. Following graduation, Baden plans on attending law school to receive his J.D., hoping to work as a humanitarian lawyer or get his Ph.D.
Maria Cassereau
Maria Cassereau is a sophomore at Elon University, originally from Mexico City, pursuing a double major in Sociology and Public Policy with a minor in French. As a Periclean Scholar, she is involved in a service project in Sri Lanka, which has deepened her commitment to understanding global issues. Her main policy interest lies in international human rights, particularly in advocacy for women. In the future, Maria aims to work with an NGO, focusing on empowering women and addressing critical social challenges worldwide.
Kate McElroy
Kate McElroy is a senior at Elon University from Hinsdale, Illinois. She is pursuing a B.S.B.A in Marketing. Her policy interests include housing policy, environmental policy, and public health policy.
Kate Harbour
Kate Harbour is a sophomore from Alexandria, Virginia studying Political Science and Strategic Communications with a minor in Public Policy. Outside of academics, Kate is a Civic Engagement Ambassador for Elon Votes, a coordinator for Campus Kitchen, a member of Elon Volunteers and a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. Kate’s policy interests include healthcare affordability, human rights and restorative justice. After graduation, Kate plans on attending graduate school to receive a Masters of Public Affairs hoping to create policy or become a professor.
Mj Volpe
MJ Volpe is a senior from Colorado majoring in Environmental Studies and Public Policy with a focus on environmental justice and community outreach. She is dedicated to advancing equitable policy solutions for underrepresented communities. After graduation, MJ aims to pursue a career in environmental law and is preparing to take the next step by attending law school after Elon.
Previous Staff Members
Class of ’23:
Tamara Evans
Amaya Gaines
Larissa Moelber
Class of ’24:
Aleezah Adams
Parker Brownell
Brandon Emons
Curran Gilster
Ethan Haqq
Tori Kelleher
Danny Nickel
James O’Neill
Aaron Simansky
Savannah Willette
Quin Student
Katherine McCormick
Mitchell Basham
Emma Bach
Class of ’25
Ryan Elad
Samantha Hinton
Camryn Houston
Avery Sloan
Niara Legette
Class of ’26
Molly Frank
Sean Golubitsky