Lucero Rosas ’25 has embraced hands-on learning through the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, conducting global fieldwork on climate change and collaborating on academic research. These experiences have shaped her passion for people-centered policy and her path towards a future in law and advocacy.
As Lucero Rosas ’25 weighed her college options, the Eisenhower Institute (EI) is what helped Gettysburg College rise to the top of her list. A public policy and economics double major from Southampton, New York, Rosas was drawn to the hands-on learning opportunities offered by the Institute’s Undergraduate Fellows program. “Being an EI fellow has been the most incredible experience I’ve had here,” she shared.
As a fellow, Rosas has been researching the effects of climate change on the agricultural labor market. “We traveled to California in October to learn about how wildfires impacted the grape and apple industries,” she explained. “During winter break, we went to the Dominican Republic where we saw the consequences of irregular climate patterns on rural communities.”
These career-ready experiences challenged Rosas to step outside her comfort zone and explore new ways of thinking. “Studying abroad in Seville was incredible, but it was through the fellowship that I truly immersed myself in global issues,” she reflected. “Studying the impacts of global climate change is one thing, but to witness its effects firsthand is an entirely different perspective.”
Collaborating with friends and classmates on campus has also been rewarding for Rosas. In fact, she is currently co-authoring an academic paper with seven other fellows. “I really appreciate the ability to work as a team,” she said. “We’ve had to navigate differences in how we approach our project, and I’ve learned that compromising is so important.”
In addition to the fellowship,Rosas has served in leadership roles with the College Democrats and Alpha Delta Pi and participated in Community GIGs (Give Ideas to Gettysburg). These involvements—combined with mentorship from Gettysburg faculty—have strengthened her belief in the power of policies, which are centered around people and their unique differences.
After graduation, Rosas plans to work as a paralegal while preparing for the LSATs. “I’ve always been interested in the consequences that arise with constructing public policy,” she shared. “My goal is to go to law school and someday create change through advocacy.”
Learn more about the experiential learning programs offered through the Eisenhower Institute.
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By Brooke Askin ’25
Photos by Sofia Gutierrez ’26
Posted: 09/22/25