fbpx
Politics Foreign Affairs Culture Fellows Program
Constitutional Fellows Background

Constitutional Fellows Program

As of 9/15/23, applications for the Fall 2023 cohort are closed. Please check back in the Spring for information about our Spring 2024 semester.



About the Program

The U.S. Constitution is everywhere cited, but what is the Constitution really? The Constitution of the United States, as framed by the founders of our republic, assumes an entire view of human nature, society, and politics and has moral and cultural preconditions. Without virtuous citizens who respect and embody the spirit of constitutionalism, the Constitution becomes little more than what James Madison called a “parchment barrier”.

To understand the text of the Constitution—and to ensure its revitalization and perpetuation—it is necessary to understand its historical sources and the view of life that it implies. Statesmanship, in turn, requires the prudent application of these ideas to the concrete issues of policy that animate contemporary political life.

The Constitutional Fellows Program is a three month course of study designed for Congressional staffers, journalists, and other policy professionals. Offered at a time when America’s constitutional order faces unprecedented challenges, the program illuminates the meaning of the Constitution, examines prospects for its reinvigoration, and explores its application to selected issues in public policy.

Fellows participate in six rigorous sessions over the course of a semester, examining various aspects of the Constitution, its sources, and its relationship to current politics and policy:

  • What is the Constitution, Really?
  • The Ancient and Christian Origins of American Constitutionalism
  • Radical Democracy, Socialism, and Other Domestic Challenges
  • The Constitution and Foreign Policy
  • Constitutionalism and Economics
  • Contemporary Challenges for American Constitutionalism

This program has been featured in both the RealClearPublicAffairs American Civics Portal and New Oxford Review as an exemplary civic education program.

Each session will have a seminar format and will be conducted by one or two discussants drawn from conservative institutions or academia. Students will prepare for each session by studying carefully chosen and manageable readings drawn from a variety of thinkers in the American conservative and broader Western tradition.

Please note, sessions are held on Friday afternoons in downtown Washington, D.C. at the offices of The American Conservative. Those admitted will be expected to attend all sessions in-person.

Faculty discussants have included:

  • Claes Ryn (Catholic University)
  • Rod Dreher (The American Conservative)
  • Sohrab Ahmari (Compact Magazine)
  • Joshua Mitchell (Georgetown University)
  • Patrick Deneen (University of Notre Dame)
  • Wells King (American Compass)
  • Daniel McCarthy (Intercollegiate Studies Institute)
  • Michael Anton (Hillsdale College)
  • Bradley J. Birzer (Hillsdale College)
  • Andrew Abela (Catholic University)
  • Jonathan Askonas (Catholic University)
  • Justin Litke (Catholic University)
  • Matthew Cantirino (Assumption University)
  • Chris Owen (Northeastern State University)
  • Matthew Mehan (Hillsdale College)
  • C.C. Pecknold (Catholic University)
  • Emily Finley (Princeton University)
  • Michael Federici (Middle Tennessee State University)
  • Nicholas Drummond (Black Hills State University)
  • Joseph Prud’homme (Washington College)
  • Bruce Frohnen (Ohio Northern University)

. . . and more.

Students who attend at least five of the six sessions will be certified as graduates of the Constitutional Fellows Program.

Only a limited number of students can be admitted into this highly competitive program. To be considered, applicants must submit a packet during the application period.

How to Apply

The application packet should contain:

  1. an up-to-date resume
  2. a 500-word personal statement indicating the reason for interest in the program
  3. a reference and contact information for a person who can speak to the applicant’s suitability for the Program, typically a professional supervisor or professor

Packets should be emailed to fellows@theamericanconservative.com.

Students who are admitted will pay a $25.00 enrollment fee and should be prepared to supply a brief biography and a recent headshot.

The American Conservative relies on the generosity of our members and readers to sustain the Constitutional Fellows Program. If you would like to stand with us and support our work educating the rising generation of leaders in conservative principles, please contact Nicholas Bartulovic at nbartulovic@theamericanconservative.com or visit www.theamericanconservative.com/donate to make your tax-deductible gift.

Spring 2023 Fellows

Alina Bulazel
Alina Bulazel is the Director of Communications and Operations at America First Legal Foundation. She previously served as Acting Associate Director of Personal Correspondence at the White House during the Trump administration. Alina previously interned in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19), and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). She earned her B.A. in economics and art history from Hamilton College.
Benjamin Esposito
Benjamin Esposito serves as a Legislative Correspondent in the United States Senate. He is a graduate of Stanford University, where he studied political science. Originally from Little Compton, Rhode Island, Ben spends his free time fly fishing and playing squash.
Seamus Brennan
Seamus Brennan is the principal of Wrigley Strategies, LLC, where he writes speeches, op-eds, and other content for clients, which include top figures and entities in national conservative politics. Previously, he served in the Trump administration and on Capitol Hill and is a former intern for the Heritage Foundation’s Simon Center for Principles and Politics and the White House Office of Speechwriting under President Donald Trump. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, where he served as editor-in-chief of The Fenwick Review. Seamus also writes frequent op-eds for AMAC Newsline, which regularly appear on RealClearPolitics. He is a 2022 Publius Fellow and Speechwriters Fellow of the Claremont Institute.
Francis Beringer
Francis Beringer is the bassist, vocalist and principal songwriter of American heavy rock band Caustic Casanova. In 2022, he co-managed Dr. Mariela Roca’s congressional primary campaign, and worked on social media, communications and strategy for Neil Parrott’s general election campaign (both in MD-06). His writing has appeared in Human Events, The Hard Times, Performer and others. A native of Arlington, Virginia, he holds a JD from the University of San Diego and a BA from The College of William and Mary.
Asher Allman

Asher Allman is a Professional Staff Member for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. His portfolio includes toxic exposure issues, VA’s National Cemetery Administration, Arlington National Cemetery, adaptive sporting programs, service dogs, and Second Amendment rights. Previously, he worked for Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee, and as an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives. Asher is a graduate of Missouri State University and holds a M.A. in International Affairs, a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security & Defense, and a B.S. in Cultural & Regional Geography with a minor in Political Science. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, outside of work he enjoys weightlifting, camping, new cigars, and cheering on the Chiefs from D.C.

Matt Ide
Matt Ide is a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) where he handles a variety of policy issues. He has been working in Public Policy for three years, working in the Trump Administration at the Department of Education and on Capitol Hill. Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in public Bachelor’s degree public policy and leadership from the University of Mississippi. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, playing golf, and watching Ole Miss football. He is originally from Asheville, North Carolina.
Kye Laughter
Kye Laughter is a graduate of North Carolina State University where he received a dual degree in Public Relations and History. Kye is currently studying for his Masters Degree in History through the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and works as Press Secretary for Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11). Kye is originally from Edneyville, NC and is a member of King’s Church in Washington, DC.
Jason Peña
Jason Peña serves as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21), where he handles the Congressman’s Judiciary Committee portfolio, including criminal justice, immigration, border security, and Big Tech issues. Jason holds a BA in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is originally from San Antonio, Texas.
Teresa Schuster

Teresa Schuster is a legislative correspondent for Senator JD Vance (R-OH). She previously worked for Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) and interned for The Heritage Foundation. Teresa has participated in programs with the Hertog Foundation, the Tikvah Fund, the Witherspoon Institute, and the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. She grew up in Miami, Florida.

Doug Walker
Doug Walker is a research associate with The Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Michigan State University, an M.A. in history from Georgia Southern University, and a B.A. in history from Trinity International University. He lives in northern Virginia with his wife and two children.


Fall 2022 Fellows

Abby McHan
Abby McHan is the Legislative Director for Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27). She has spent over 5 years on the Hill, four of them with Congressman Cloud (TX-27) and one of them with former Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09). A native of Georgia, Abby received her Bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Georgia in 2017. She earned a Master of Public Policy degree from American University in 2020.
Alexandra Schindewolf
Alexandra Schindewolf serves as a Staff Assistant for Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-AL) where she currently leads daily administrative operations and assists with legislative research. She holds a B.A. in history with a minor in Russian language and literature from Rutgers University- New Brunswick. Originally hailing from southern New Jersey, Alexandra also spent her formative years growing up in Littleton, Colorado.
Calvin Blaylock
Calvin Blaylock serves on the Development leadership team at The Heritage Foundation. In this role, he partners closely with the Vice President of Development on strategy and operations for the 45-person department. Previously, Calvin served the Leadership Institute as Donor Relations Officer for the Northeast region. Calvin is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he studied business and social work. In his personal time, Calvin is the deacon of children’s ministry at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, a long-time volunteer with International Justice Mission, and avid flag football and volleyball player.
Christian Alexandrou

Christian Alexandrou is an Associate at Communio, a faith-based consulting group who works with churches equipping them with proven data technologies and project management strategies to solve our nation’s family and faith crisis. Prior, he served as the Assistant Director of External Relations at The Federalist Society. He holds a B.A. in politics and international affairs with a focus on poverty studies from Furman University (Greenville, SC). In his free time, Christian loves serving his parish, Holy Transfiguration Melkite-Greek Catholic Church in McLean, VA. He is originally from Worcester, MA.

Emily Dunson
Emily Dunson is an aide at the Supreme Court of the United States. Previously, she served in the General Counsel’s Office for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, working on judicial appointments, clemency, and various legal issues. She earned her B.S. from University of Florida in Public Relations with a concentration in Jewish Studies. She was born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida. During her time in the Governor’s office, she also enjoyed moonlighting as a pastry chef at a local bakery.
Gage Klipper
Gage Klipper holds a BA in Economics from Michigan State University and an MA in International Politics and Military Affairs from The Citadel. He works with Republican campaigns and conservative organizations across the country as a media and communications strategist. He was a research intern at the Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life and a Foreign Policy Fellow at the Common Sense Society. He is based in upstate New York. 
Jordan Wood
Jordan Wood is a Legislative Director in the U.S. House of Representatives. Previously, he has worked in the Texas Legislature and Governor’s office, the U.S. Senate as a district staffer, and the U.S. House of Representatives in various roles. Originally from Hannibal, Missouri, he attended the University of Missouri, majoring in Political Science and Psychology. Outside work, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors, fly fishing, and camping.
Thomas R. Bradbury
Thomas R. Bradbury is the Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the American Conservative Union, the host of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Previously, Thomas worked as a Legislative Aide in the Missouri House of Representatives, advised various statewide political campaigns as a consultant, and served as an intern in the U.S. Senate. Thomas studied Political Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He originally hails from Broomfield, Colorado.
Robert Ordway
Robert Ordway is a Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). He is a professional that leads by participating in the five pillars of a strong community: education, business/labor, non-profits, government, and faith-based institutions. Robert has over a decade of experience in public policy, civil service, and private sector work. Entrepreneurial endeavors helped him develop a generalist skill set in sales, marketing, fundraising and operations. In his free time, Robert designs custom clothing, enjoys cycling, competes in powerlifting and studies the history/politics of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms.
Sam Paepke
Sam Paepke serves as Legislative Correspondent for Senator Mike Lee, focusing on healthcare, education, labor, and pensions policy. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Utah State University, where he was recognized as a Huntsman Scholar. His other interests include biographies, violin, and pickleball. He originally hails from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Spring 2022 Fellows

Elise Amez-Droz

Elise Amez-Droz is the Program Manager of the healthcare policy program at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She is also a Senior Contributor with Young Voices and frequently comments on health policy in outlets such as the American Conservative, The Hill, and the Washington Examiner. Prior to entering the field of public policy, she worked at a startup in the pharmaceutical industry. She graduated from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Michael Turchetti

Michael Turchetti is a senior director of public policy at Eli Lilly and Company. At Eli Lilly, Michael leads policy analysis and development efforts on a range of federal and state policy issues. Michael has nearly a decade of health policy experience across industry, associations, and consulting. He holds an M.P.P. in public policy from George Mason University and a B.A. in psychology from American University.

Lily Mullen

Lily Mullen is the Donor Relations Specialist for the Institute for Humane Studies. Lily graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Belmont Abbey College. As a student, she was highly involved in her school’s Great Books program, founded an Intercollegiate Studies Institute chapter, and worked for several local, economic development organizations. Lily originally hails from the great state of New Jersey.

David Paschane

David Paschane is the Health Science Administrator and National Data Coordinator for the Division of Behavioral Health for the U.S. Indian Health Service. Previously, he held leadership roles in private and public sector science and technology operations applied to public policy. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Geography from University of Washington, a MS in Behavioral-Organizational Research from University of Alaska Anchorage, and a B.A. in Psychology from George Fox University.

Natalee Allenbaugh

Natalee Allenbaugh is a clerk for Judge M. Miller Baker on the United States Court of International Trade. Natalee completed a fellowship at the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and previously clerked for Judge Gregory E. Maggs on the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. She also previously participated in the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions’ Moral Foundations of Law Seminar. She earned her B.A. from Pepperdine University in History, Sociology, and Political Science and her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. She is originally from Valparaiso, Indiana.

Ian Banks

Ian Banks is a research assistant for Science, Energy, and Environment Policy at the American Enterprise Institute where he reads and writes about the intersection of science, politics, and philosophy. Previously he served as a staffer on Capitol Hill in the House of Representatives. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry with minors in mathematics and philosophy from Covenant College. His other interests include backpacking, calligraphy, and chemistry.

Benjamin Crocker

Benjamin Crocker hails from Australia and is an inaugural Ramsay Centre (Sydney) for Western Civilisation Scholar in Washington DC, where he is examining the foundations of the United States’ constitutional order. He has written on US Politics and Australian Conservatism for The Spectator Australia, and currently studies in the Graduate Institute at St John’s College, Annapolis. He is also an established conductor and classical musician, having recorded for radio with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and lectured in music at the University of Sydney. He holds a B.A. in music from Griffith University and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Sydney.

Alex Vershinin

Alex Vershinin is a retired US Army officer with twenty years of service. He has four combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan in jobs ranging from tank company commander to managing CERP reconstruction fund for northern Afghanistan. Alex has a B.A. in History and Political Science from Miami University and a Master’s degree in Modeling and Simulations from University of Central Florida. He is a husband and a father of three amazing children.

Samuel Lucas

Samuel Lucas currently serves as an aide in the U.S. Supreme Court. He gained an interest in the Constitution after working for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and participating in a public policy fellowship with The Fund for American Studies. He holds a B.A. in pre-professional studies and anthropology from the University of Notre Dame. He originally hails from outside of Peoria, Illinois.

Cayden Connally

Cayden Connally is a Legislative Correspondent for Senator Ron Johnson. Previously he was a staff assistant and legislative correspondent in the office of Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08). He holds a B.A. in government with a minor in philosophy of law from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of his studies, Cayden volunteered in Texas politics and was also an active member and officer in the Young Conservatives of Texas. He is originally from the West Texas town of Midland.

Fall 2021 Fellows

Ethan Ashley, Legislative Aide for Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN)
Lauren Baldwin, Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ)
Christopher Bedford, Senior Editor at The Federalist and Chief Communications Officer of RightForge
José Sáenz Crespo, Leadership and Development Consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank
August Desch, Constituent Services Representative in the Office of Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY)
James Diddams, Research Associate for Politics and Theology at the Institute on Religion and Democracy
Patrick Ferrell, Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL)
Connor McAlister, Legislative Correspondent for Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
Ryan Neuhaus, Legislative Assistant for Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Emma Posey, Coalitions Manager of American Moment
Kristina Wong, Pentagon Reporter for Breitbart News

Spring 2021 Fellows

Louis A. Bertolotti, conservative political operative, most recently Targeted Engagement Manager for the Republican National Committee
Casey J. Chalk, Contributing Editor at the New Oxford Review and senior contributor at The Federalist
Mikael Good, Editorial and Policy Assistant at the Center for Urban Renewal and Education
Wes Hodges, founding Coalition Director for American Compass
Babs Hough, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)
Ana Marina Krauss Ingham, staffer in the United States Senate
Jimmy Lewis, Graduate Liaison Specialist at the Institute for Humane Studies
Christopher N. Malagisi, Executive Director of Outreach for Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C. campus
Chris Medrano, Strategic Research Analyst at Stand Together
Gabriela N. Rodriguez, Research Assistant with the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC)
Zachary Rogers, nonprofit staffer focusing on higher education policy
Megan Rohn, Security Administrator at the US Department of State
Andrew Schmitz, Consultant for Deloitte’s federal practice
Heidi Thom, Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Charles “Jonah” Wendt, Legislative Correspondant for Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX)

2020 Fellows

Chandler Averette, National Republican Senatorial Committee
John Connolly, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Suanne Edmiston, Legislative Director for Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
Jorge Gonzalez-Gallarza Hernández, Senior Researcher at Fundación Civismo
Paul David Harshman, System Vulnerability Analyst at the Department of Defense
Robert Hasler, ministry associate with Ministry to State
Jessica Kramer, freelance video host for Media Research Center
Michael Marn, Policy Assistant at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Quinn Marschik, Policy Advisor in the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Department of Labor
Dustin Messer, Priest at All Saints Dallas
Julie Mitchell, Outreach Assistant and Intern Coordinator at Media Research Center
Sam Mulopulos, Legislative Assistant for Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)
Michael Rafferty, US Army (ret.)
Jacob Stubbs, Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Senate.
Daniel “Sully” Sullivan, Foundation Ambassador of the Shafik Gabr Foundation
Sydney Thomas, Communications Director in the U.S. Congress
Karen Testerman, US Marine Embassy Guard Unit
Clare Basil, Legislative Correspondent for Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Robert Bellafiore, Policy Advisor at the Joint Economic Committee
Shane Devine, research assistant at the Capital Research Center
Caroline G. Douglas, law author, university instructor, media host and guest
Isaac Easton, Research Assistant for Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Tyler Fagan, Legislative Correspondent for Representative Jason Smith (R-MO)
Nicholas Grandpre, Staff Assistant for Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT)
Dan Grazier, former Marine Corps captain, writer, and lecturer
Amalia C. Halikias, Communications Director of the Joint Economic Committee
James Haynes, Research Assistant in the Brookings Institution’s China Center
Anthony Hennen, Managing Editor at the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal
Rebecca Sears Holdenried, External Relations Director for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
Wells King, Policy Advisor to Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) on the Joint Economic Committee
Christopher Krepich, Communications Director for Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)
Sarah Lee, Communications Director and External and Media Relations Manager at the Capital Research Center
Michael Lucchese, Digital Media Assistant in the office of Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE)
James Mazol, Policy Director for the Aviation and Space and Security Subcommittees on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Scott Reber, Legislative Assistant for Sen. James E. Risch (R-ID)
Carlos Roa, Senior Editor at the National Interest
John Shelton, Legislative Assistant in the United States Congress
Amber Todoroff, Policy Associate at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute

The American Conservative relies on the generosity of our members and readers to sustain our programs, including the Constitutional Fellows Program. If you would like to stand with us and support our work educating the rising generation of leaders in conservative principles, please contact Nicholas Bartulovic at nbartulovic@theamericanconservative or visit www.theamericanconservative.com/donate to make your tax-deductible gift.