Political Science Undergraduate Council

Mission Statement

Our mission is to help the UCLA Political Science department address the needs of undergraduate students, build community, and enhance the intellectual life of undergraduates in the department. As part of that mission, we seek to promote inclusivity and to create more avenues for the interests of our diverse student body to be heard. We also strive to help our fellow students succeed in the major and beyond. The Council serves as a bridge between students, faculty, and staff so that we can work together to build our department and our community.

The Council

Risha Trivedi (Chair)

My name is Risha Trivedi and I am a third-year double majoring in Communications and Political Science, with a minor in Professional Writing. I am originally from Southern California, and have always had a passion for politics and the law. My passion has led me to getting involved on campus as Vice President of Public Relations for LeGal and Law Forum Director for Pre-Law Society. Off-campus, I work at a small law firm in Beverly Hills and serve as Director for NDDL, a national South Asian dance league! In my free time, I enjoy exploring local coffee shops and restaurants.

Karina Nanda (Director of Community Building)

I’m a second-year Political Science major and Education Studies minor from Orange County, California. I am passionate about women’s rights, international human rights, and education policy. Outside of the PSUC, I am involved in Bruin Belles, LeGal, and research at UCLA. During my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, traveling and watching reality TV. In the future, I hope to be an attorney or law professor. Fun fact, I was born here at UCLA!

Avery Bradley (Community Building)

Hello! My name is Avery Bradley (she/her) and I am a third year transfer student pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in History. I am a member of the Community Building Committee, and I’ve deeply enjoyed my time on the council helping facilitate our Town Halls and social events. I am from La Cañada Flintridge, California and I transferred from Pasadena City College! In my first year at UCLA, I’ve had the privilege of getting involved in numerous extracurriculars, like the Bruin Democrats, Office of the External Vice President, and this organization. After UCLA, I hope to pursue a law degree with a focus on either business law or constitutional law. In my free time, I love to go to museums, the beach, the gym, local cafes, and to read.

Kait Davies (Community Building)

I’m a first year Bruin from Agoura Hills, California studying Political Science and History. I feel extremely grateful to be here at UCLA and am doing my best to make the most of my four years here! I’m still contemplating what field of law I will go into; but, I want to ensure whatever field I enter it’s one that can help other people. Outside of the Political Science Undergraduate Council, I am a self proclaimed trader joe’s snack enthusiast, enjoy yoga, Formula One, and a concert girl!

Amanda Nguyen (Community Building)

I am a third-year Political Science major with a minor in Public Affairs and Global Studies. I chose to major in political science because of the universality of what I have learned in previous government-related classes which is directly related to my pursuit of a career in civil rights or immigration law. In my free time, I enjoy going on runs, reading thrillers and romance books, and listening to Taylor Swift at any time of day. I look forward to working with my fellow polisci majors and I can’t wait to see where the year takes us!

Cecilia Choy (Director of Scholarly Engagement)

I am a second year student from Pasadena, California, triple majoring in Political Science, English, and Labor Studies. Currently, I am on the pre-law track with my sights set on disability law. This is my second year in PSUC, as well as other organizations, such as the Internal Office of the Vice President and External Office of the Vice President here at UCLA. In my free time, I love reading, catching up with friends and family, and volunteering at local community centers.

Charlotte Chan (Scholarly Engagement)

I am a second year Political Science major from Hong Kong, with minors in Statistics, Data Science, and French. As an international student who has lived in over three countries, my experiences have sparked a deep interest in international relations and foreign policy. This global perspective, combined with my academic background, has driven my passion for global affairs and security. I am eager to pursue a career in diplomacy, NGO work, or governmental affairs, where I can contribute to shaping international policy and addressing global challenges. My hobbies include content creation, dancing, watching kdrama and cooking good asian food!

Josephine Murphy (Scholarly Engagement)

I am a first-year student from New York City studying Political Science and History. I am also hoping to minor in Russian Studies. Having grown up in NYC, I was introduced to politics from a young age, with some of my earliest memories being marked by mayoral elections and local protests. I have interned in both politics and the legal field and hope to eventually work on both campaigns and human rights law. In my free time, I love to binge watch TV shows, try out new places to eat, and thrift.

Sebastine Chun (Co-Director of Peer Advising)

Hi everyone! My name is Sebastine Chun, and I am a first-year student from Porter Ranch, California, studying Political Science. Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for public service, leadership, and giving back to my community. Having served as President for multiple councils within the LAUSD school district, I am no stranger to advocating for student rights and emphasizing the importance of mental health. Through this council, I was able to create and implement the Buddy System Program, which aims for students to get mentored by their peers. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in Corporate Law and Public Policy and to continue giving back to the community. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, cafe hopping, and crocheting beanies for local hospitals!

Melisa Lima-Preciado (Co-Director of Peer Advising)

I am a first-generation third-year undergraduate from Long Beach, double majoring in Political Science and Public Affairs. Driven by my Mexican identity and my passion to address injustices in my community, I aspire to pursue a career in criminal law. Committed to public service, my goal is to be of meaningful assistance to underserved communities, leveraging my skills and dedication for positive change. Apart from serving on the council, I work as a legal assistant for a law firm in Beverly Hills, chief of staff for Gen Re 2, a part of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc., and volunteer with multiple nonprofits outside of campus. During my free time, I enjoy doing puzzles, baking, camping, and exploring new food spots.

Political Science Undergraduate Journal: DEMOS

As an annual publication of collaborative efforts between undergraduate students at UCLA and the larger undergraduate community, DEMOS is dedicated to showcasing academic excellence of undergraduate students’ in political science research. As an organization made by UCLA undergraduates, DEMOS is dedicated to serving the undergraduate community and beyond by giving students a chance to publish their work, gain writing and publishing experience, and put a spotlight on valuable research. We encourage undergraduates of any major to participate in DEMOS. DEMOS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic group, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or any other status.

FAQ: Submit or Get Involved with the Journal

Essay submission

We are currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 cycle.

What requirements apply to submissions?

Your paper must contain original arguments or analyses. We do not accept book reviews or opinion essays on current and topical events. Your submission cannot contain material that has already been published elsewhere (without appropriate citation or acknowledgment). Your research paper must also comply with the substantive, stylistic, formatting, and anonymity requirements described: All papers should be no more than 6,000 words but no less than 2,500 words, and should include a cover page as a separate word document with your full name, email address, affiliation (college, major, and year), the title of your paper, and a short abstract. The paper itself should contain no identifying information whatsoever. All submissions should relate to the discipline of political science

Who can submit?

We will accept submissions from any undergraduate student regardless of the college, major, or minor.

Where do I submit?

You can submit your application(s) by visiting these google forms. Click here to submit an application for the editor position.
Click here to submit your research paper for publication in the journal.

Working on the Journal

You can join our editorial team by submitting an application to be an editor on the 2022-2023 cycle of the DEMOS. Click here to submit an application.

What ways are there to help out?

The administrative side of the journal is divided into two parts: a) the Selection stage and b) the Editorial Review stage. As part of (a), readers will help during the selection process by reviewing submissions according to a provided rubric. (b), editors will work with the selected authors to prepare and polish submissions for publication. All editors and reviewers will be credited in the print and electronic versions of the journal.

How do I apply?

Please send an email here while providing the following information and answering the following questions.

Full Name
Year at UCLA
Major(s)/Minor(s)
Political Science Courses Taken
What is your availability like?
What, in your opinion, makes for a good political science paper?
A writing sample written for a political science course. While any length is acceptable it should be sufficient to offer an accurate representation of your writing skill.

2022 – 2023 Members

Co-Chief Editors:

Riddhi Patel: riddhijpatel21@g.ucla.edu
David Gjerde: davidgjerde@g.ucla.edu

Manager of Publication:

Evan Holter

Editors:

Heeya Firdaus
Sharanya Choudhury
Tamara Nogueira
Dylan Tzung
Mika Villavert
Sophia Hua
Erik Movsessian
Jennifer Buckley

Research Authors:

Jennifer Mei
Luis R Garcia Chavez
Seth Bobrowsky
Tess Louie

Resources and Links

Undergraduate Research Center for the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Schedule a consultation with UCLA’s subject librarians for help with your discipline or field of study

UCLA’s Undergraduate Writing Center

WI+RE is a learner-led community at UCLA focused on helping individuals in their writing and research projects

Chicago Style Formatting Guidelines