Ellie Lerner is an M.A. candidate in political science at Columbia University, concentrating in political theory. Her research interests lie at the intersection of political psychology and theory, with a particular focus on extremism, polarization, and the dynamics of American speech issues.
Ms. Lerner graduated magna cum laude from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in government, where she received the award for Best Senior Thesis in the major for her study of political cults. As an undergraduate, she served as an Open Academy Fellow, organizing events that brought together speakers with opposing viewpoints to foster dialogue across ideological divides. She was also a podcast host for Free Food for Thought, a student-run podcast that connects undergraduates with thought leaders on campus.
She gained firsthand experience with legislative processes and policy research through internships with Congressman Steny Hoyer, where she worked on press and policy communications, and with California Common Cause, where she contributed to research on voting rights and political reform. These experiences deepened her commitment to bridging theory and practice in the service of democratic institutions.
