Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship
This prestigious program provides top full-time students in each of our master’s programs with professional work experience, in-state tuition and fees, and a stipend through a host employer.
This year, we are proud to have a record 24 Wilder Fellows, all full-time graduate students enrolled in our master's programs.
Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellows are placed with employers around the Richmond region each year, including at nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. Appointments are for one academic year that begins in mid-August and ends in mid-May. Fellows are expected to work 20 hours a week while maintaining full-time enrollment in one of our four master’s programs.
For more information, please email wilderfellows@vcu.edu or call the Office of Student Success at 804-827-2791.
Host a Fellow
The Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship connects outstanding graduate students with state agencies, public interest firms and nonprofit agencies for a full academic year. Fellows are competitively selected from the school's master’s programs in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Urban and Regional Planning.
Employers select qualified students through a rigorous application process. Employers interview screened applicants and work together with program staff to find the student match that best fits the organization’s needs.
Timeline and schedule
- Fall and early spring semesters: Program staff meet with potential employers.
- March: Students submit fellowship applications.
- April: Program staff conducts initial intake interviews to screen applicants from our four master's programs and to identify highly qualified candidates.
- April and May: Confirmed host agencies begin reviewing candidates and conducting interviews.
- May and June: Fellowship placements for the upcoming academic year are finalized.
- August: Orientation for Fellows takes place in early August, with employment beginning in mid-August.
- Mid-August to mid-May: Fellows work 20 hours per week with their host employer while enrolled full-time as graduate students.
Fellows work on special projects and provide program support for 20 hours a week (on average) for nine months (mid-August through mid-May) — a total of 760 hours over the course of 38 weeks.
Most classes are held during the late afternoon and evening, which allows Fellows to work during the day.
Service-Learning Course
The Wilder Fellowship service-learning course is a required component of the program. Fellows are encouraged to structure their schedules to accommodate:
- One credit for the required service-learning course (GVPA 693) in the fall
- Two credits for the required service-learning course (GVPA 693) in the spring
- Additional coursework as determined by individual academic plans
Fellows are required to work an average of 20 hours per week at their placement throughout the academic year, in addition to maintaining full-time graduate student enrollment (9+ credit hours per semester).
Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisors to confirm how GVPA 693 fits within their degree requirements.
Research and analysis expertise
Many Fellows have professional experience and significant skills in research design, public finance and budgeting, statistical analysis, geographical information systems, policy analysis, program evaluation, human resources, incident planning and response, or other key areas of public and nonprofit management.
The 2024-25 cost for a Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellow to work in an organization was $32,752, which included $17,252 for full-time, in-state master’s tuition and fees (2024-25 academic year) and a $15,500 stipend. We provide support for your agency's administrative paperwork and payroll details.
Learn more
For more information on hosting a fellow, contact Lindsey Evans, Ph.D., director and assistant professor, at evansll@vcu.edu or wilderfellows@vcu.edu .
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2024-2025 sponsoring agencies
- Bent Ear Solutions
- Capital Region Airport Commission
- Chesterfield County Planning Department
- Greater Richmond Transit Authority
- Division of Legislative Services
- HOME of Virginia
- Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
- Locus Impact
- Race Forward
- VCU Center for Public Policy
- VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (VCU),
- VCU Research Institute for Social Equity
- VCU RVA Eviction Lab
- Virginia CDFI Coalition
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia State Crime Commission
Fellows by organization
Lydia Schauss
Hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, Schauss is on a defined path to shaping communities through urban and regional planning. With a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology & Archaeology from Longwood University, she has developed a profound respect for history and culture, which is particularly evident through her work on a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant project that involved radiocarbon dating charcoal samples from an Indigenous burial site. This work provided significant historical data to the local Indigenous tribe and state park service. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Schauss is passionate about historic preservation, regional planning, and promoting social equity. Her vision as a future regional planner is to prioritize community needs and foster equitable social and economic growth. As a Wilder Fellow, she is thrilled to collaborate with a dynamic host agency and eager to contribute to meaningful community-centered projects.
Ashley Van Buskirk
Originating from Powhatan County, Virginia, Van Buskirk is an ambitious student enrolled in an accelerated master's program pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness with a minor in Criminal Justice that will culminate in a Master of Public Administration. Her academic interests span constitutional law, cybersecurity, AI, international relations, and military operations. Van Buskirk aspires to a career in federal law enforcement or emergency management, with an interest in agencies such as the State Department, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Van Buskirk is particularly proud of graduating from the Officer Candidate School, a rigorous 18-month program under the VA Army National Guard. As a Wilder Fellow, Van Buskirk is eager to forge new connections and gain insights into logistical operations at the Capital Region Airport Commission.
Kyala Pulliam
Pulliam, from Newark, New Jersey, is an aspiring public health professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, she is focused on youth development and mental health. Her studies emphasize policy formulation and implementation to drive reforms that enhance young people's well-being. Post-graduation, she plans to work within the U.S. government to influence public health policy and to support mental health initiatives. Through the Wilder Fellows program, she aims to gain the skills and networks needed for impactful change. Ultimately, Pulliam aspires to engage in leading policy reforms and inspiring others in public service, as she is committed to driving systemic change through mentorship and advocacy.
Jada Whitley
Whitley is from Newport News, Virginia, and she has earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from VCU. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, with interests in the implications of technology in human trafficking, hate crimes, domestic extremism, and interpersonal violence among African American women and girls. As President of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice VCU chapter, Whitley has demonstrated leadership and a deep commitment to social justice. Her post-graduate career goals include joining the Department of Homeland Security and advocating for human trafficking survivors. In the future, she plans to earn her doctorate and pursue a career as a professor in Homeland Security. With a strong foundation from mentors and past experiences, Whitley is eager to engage in her professional development journey as a Wilder Fellow, confident that this experience will challenge and refine the knowledge she has gained along the way.
Dagny Oakley
Oakley is from Fredericksburg, VA, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, focusing on environmental and sustainability challenges. Her interests include energy infrastructure planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aimed at reducing the ecological impacts of infrastructure development. Her proudest achievement is co-authoring a report on the benefits of distributed solar energy in Virginia. Through the Wilder Fellowship, she looks forward to collaborating with the Chesterfield County Planning Department to engage with peers who are also dedicated to sustainable planning. Building on her varied professional experiences, Oakley hopes to secure a planning position post-graduation to address local environmental concerns.
Nathan Joyner
A Mechanicsville native, Joyner is a second-year Wilder Fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Government and Theatre, and a minor in National Security from Hampden-Sydney College. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, Joyner is deeply invested in prison and reentry reform, public transportation policy, and political theatre. He is particularly proud of his research on prison reform in Virginia, a testament to his commitment to making a difference and his interest in transformative public policy. His dedication to impactful public service is strengthened by the Wilder Fellows program as he hones the essential soft skills and builds the professional networks that support his advocacy for community betterment.
Derrick Watkins, Jr.
Watkins, a Portsmouth, Virginia native, is pursuing a Master of Public Administration with interests in educational, urban, and public policies. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia State University, which laid the foundation for his career aspirations. Watkins is passionate about becoming a policy analyst to assess and create policies that uplift underserved communities. He envisions working on urban and regional development projects, such as sustainable housing and public transportation improvements, to enhance urban life quality. Upon completing his graduate studies, Watkins plans to delve into policy research and urban development initiatives that focus on marginalized communities, advocating for inclusive frameworks to address economic disparities, social injustices, and infrastructure deficits. As a second-year Wilder Fellow, he is eager to expand his network and continue gaining hands-on experience, equipping him to serve the community and advocate for urban equity.
Tarnika Edmunds
Edmunds, a Richmond native and second-year Wilder Fellow, holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Old Dominion University and is pursuing a Master in Urban and Regional Planning at the Wilder School. She is passionate about innovative planning that supports underserved populations, addresses the K-12 to higher education gap, and aids justice-impacted individuals. Her career goal is to establish an Executive Coaching and Consulting Agency to break down cultural barriers to success. With a focus on community mobilization and city planning, she aims to address health disparities in Black communities while exploring education and the incarceration system. Over the next decade, she plans to earn a PhD, create a Youth & Family Connection Center with a global mission, and engage in a travel-based ministry that integrates her educational and service interests.
Sarah Miller
Hailing from Glen Allen, Virginia, Miller has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Historic Preservation, complemented by a minor in Urban Studies, from the University of Mary Washington. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, her academic journey is deeply intertwined with her interests in transportation, planning, and historic preservation. Eager to channel her knowledge into impactful work, Miller aspires to contribute to policy-making at either the state or federal level, focusing on planning and preservation. The Wilder Fellowship program stands as a pivotal opportunity for her to gain valuable work experience and forge essential professional connections.
Daniel Cantrell
Hailing from Strasburg, Virginia, Cantrell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from Eastern Nazarene College, where his senior thesis involved independently writing, recording, producing, and releasing a full-length album of original music, showcasing his rigorous musical training. Now capitalizing on his passion for effecting change in public policy, he is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, through which he is exploring interests in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), substance abuse treatment, and homelessness. He is excited to be a part of the Wilder Fellows program, which provides him the opportunity to learn from Race Forward, an agency renowned for its success in advancing racial equity. In the future, Cantrell envisions himself deeply embedded in policy work, either for the City of Richmond or the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Armando Somoza
Somoza, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, following his bachelor’s degree in the same field from Virginia Commonwealth University. Driven by personal experiences, he is passionate about advocating for those affected by abuse or addiction. He is particularly interested in studying intimate partner violence, substance abuse, and crimes against children. Somoza is preparing to attend law school and he aims to enhance his research skills and gain professional experience in criminal or family law, with an eye toward policymaking. Through the Wilder Fellows program, he plans to improve his professional adaptability and enhance his research capabilities. His appreciation for research continues to deepen throughout his graduate studies, and he looks forward to making meaningful contributions in his field.
Jordan Brooks
Center for Public Policy (Ceasefire Project)
Brooks, originally from Smithfield, Virginia, has a profound interest in federal law enforcement, forensic psychology, and emergency management. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and Criminal Justice from Hood College and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Brooks envisions a future as a forensic psychologist or criminal investigator for the federal government, with aspirations to study and investigate criminal behaviors within the next five to ten years. Her current involvement in the Wilder Fellows program allows her to engage with Ceasefire Virginia, a project that examines the behaviors of violent criminals. Her enthusiasm for understanding both quantitative and qualitative data in high-pressure environments fuels her ambition to study criminal behaviors in the Richmond area in the future.
Destiny Brown
Center for Public Policy
Brown hails from Chesterfield, Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Longwood University. She is currently a second-year Wilder Fellow pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, with a keen interest in community engagement, public health, environmental justice, and social justice. Brown is particularly proud of her contributions as a researcher with CVIPI and the City of Richmond through the Wilder Fellowship, where she has honed advanced research skills and evaluated impactful programs for youth. As the President of the Urban and Regional Planning Student Association (URPSA), Brown is passionate about applying her academic knowledge to real-world projects, integrating insights from her graduate courses into practical deliverables. Her future plans include working with a research center to prepare for a Ph.D. program, ideally focusing on how environmental factors and infrastructure affect health.
Kayla Howard
Center for Public Policy (Ceasefire Project)
Howard, from Newport News, Virginia, is a scholar in the field of criminal justice. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in the same discipline. Her academic interests are deeply rooted in the Ethic of Care Theory and its practical applications within the criminal justice system, as well as the critical study of recidivism rates. Howard aspires to work for a federal agency, where she hopes to implement her vision of integrating care ethics into various aspects of the justice system. As Vice President of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice VCU Chapter, Howard is committed to fostering professional relationships and honing her leadership abilities. The Wilder Fellows program plays a crucial role in her journey by enhancing her professional development and skill sets. She is enthusiastic about working in a dynamic environment where she can learn and grow alongside her cohort.
Sofia Tortolero
Center for Public Policy
Tortolero, hailing from Stafford, Virginia, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime Scene Investigations, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration. With a keen interest in government, leadership, law, and policy, she aspires to work in the public sector as a policy analyst or in a leadership role that aids governmental processes. Tortolero envisions a career as a professor, prosecutor, or public official, and she remains open to various paths. Her leadership capabilities are highlighted by her tenure as both president and vice president of Public Administration Student Association (PASA) at VCU. Enthusiastic about her new placement at the Center for Public Policy as a second-year Wilder Fellow, she looks forward to enhancing her research capabilities and connecting with other burgeoning professionals to expand her network.
Mariam Al-khafaji
Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE)
Born in Richmond and raised in Henrico County, Virginia, Al-Khafaji is an aspiring public policy expert with a demonstrated commitment to enhancing her research and coding skills. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy, she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Wilder School. Driven by a passion for advocacy, she aims to publish meaningful research that influences policies to better serve communities in need, particularly in Richmond. As a Wilder Fellow, she is excited to form lasting networks and develop skills that will support becoming a policy analyst or lobbyist. For her future, Al-Khafaji envisions a fulfilling career that combines her dedication to community service with public policy advocacy.
Sha’Keila Bond
RISE Legislative Fellowship - Virginia State Crime Commission
Hailing from Windsor, North Carolina, Bond is a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. With interests spanning public health, community wellness, criminology, legal studies, and social justice, Bond is dedicated to engaging in community development initiatives that uplift marginalized populations. She aspires to lead non-profit organizations or government agencies focused on social equity and civic engagement, and she views the Wilder Fellows program as a pivotal step in this journey. Excited about the networking and firsthand legislative experience incorporated into her fellowship role, Bond is eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of social justice.
Faith Holmes
RISE Legislative Fellow - Department of Legislative Services
Holmes, originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, is a dedicated advocate for social justice. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration. With a keen interest in addressing critical social issues such as mass incarceration, racial justice, and health equity, Holmes aspires to make a significant impact in public interest law. She is actively applying to law schools to further her commitment to advocacy and change. As a Wilder Fellow, she plans to enhance her academic, leadership, research, and interpersonal skills. She is particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity the program provides to enhance her professional network, which she sees as invaluable to achieving her career goals.
Emily Schreer
Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE)
Schreer, hailing from Westchester, New York, holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in Public Health from American University and she is currently pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning. Her interests lie in exploring the social determinants of health, fostering community through third spaces, understanding historical forces that have shaped cities, and promoting climate resilience in urban design. Through the Wilder Fellowship and her graduate studies, she aims to equip herself with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to making Richmond a more sustainable, connected, equitable, and healthy city. She is eager to leverage research and study abroad opportunities to prepare to meet these challenges with innovative solutions.
Sofia Simmons
RISE Legislative Fellowship Program - Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
Simmons, from Houston, TX, is a motivated student who is committed to advancing public policy and making a significant impact in her field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, focusing on Forensic Crime Scene Investigation. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, her career goals include roles in legislative affairs, community engagement and development, and social justice advocacy. Through the Wilder Fellows program, she hopes to acquire skills and connections to thrive in public administration. In the future, Simmons sees herself as a policy advisor influencing legislative reforms, and growing into a leadership role to shape national or international policy decisions. She aims to continue her education with a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Cam Williams
Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE)
Williams hails from Great Falls, Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Virginia. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, he is deeply interested in economic policy, the legislative process, social work, and history. Eager to apply his knowledge for community betterment, Williams embraces the fluidity of post-graduate plans, focusing on fields that benefit the community, with particular interests in environmental and economic justice through policy and research. Among his proudest achievements is a comprehensive budget analysis conducted during his graduate studies, where Williams and a partner meticulously reviewed a local Virginia county’s fiscal policies over the past decade, engaging with committee members and district officials. Enthusiastic about undertaking new projects, Williams looks forward to enhancing his understanding of community dynamics through his position as a Wilder Fellow, which promises to expand his expertise in research and project management while fostering meaningful engagement with the vibrant Richmond community.