Our Students' Journeys: From Aspiration to Impact
This page celebrates the incredible journeys of IDEA students, highlighting their achievements and how IDEA supported them with paid roles, mentorship, and real-world experience. From undergraduates and graduate researchers to IDEA Fellows working in congressional offices, these stories show the profound impact of student work at IDEA and the valuable opportunities still available.
From First-Year Ph.D. to Civic Scholar: Dr. Bear Brown’s Journey with IDEA
When Bear Brown began his Ph.D. in American politics at The Ohio State University, he was driven by a strong sense of purpose but lacked a clear path. Like many who are drawn to the study of democracy, he wanted to make a tangible contribution but wasn't sure where to start.
Then he found IDEA.
Through a graduate research assistantship at the Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA), Bear stepped into a role that would span six years and profoundly shape his research and his career. In his first year, he supported IDEA’s signature Deliberative Town Halls, helping to field and organize questions from citizens connecting with their representatives. For a new scholar, this was an extraordinary front-row seat to the real-world complexities of democratic dialogue.
Over time, Bear’s responsibilities expanded. He learned to navigate IRB protocols, contributed to research design, and began shaping the very questions that would guide the team's work. The experience didn't just build his skills; it strengthened his voice as a researcher. His dissertation would eventually focus on the anti-elite framing of legislative candidates and the efficacy of protest—issues that echoed what he had seen firsthand through his work at IDEA.
What truly made the difference wasn't just the work itself. It was the complete support system: stable funding, consistent mentorship, and a culture that encouraged both academic rigor and real-world relevance. For Bear, the assistantship wasn’t something to simply "get through;" it was a powerful tool that sharpened his direction.
He puts it simply: "IDEA wasn’t just a position, it was a home."
That home gave him the freedom to align his academic goals with public engagement and the confidence to take his research beyond the university. Today, Bear holds a Ph.D., a clear research agenda, and a career built on the values IDEA helped affirm from day one.
Looking to share your story or learn more?
If you’re an IDEA alumnus with a story to tell or a student eager to begin your journey, we want to hear from you. You can also connect with Dr. Bear Brown on his LinkedIn profile to learn more about his experience.