Lillian Gessner is a rising senior at Duke University studying economics and political science. Grounded in an arts and sciences education, she is broadly interested in how politics, economics, and education intersect, focusing on the ways political systems and governance structures shape economic and education policy.  

Lilly has interned in the Delaware Office of the Governor, supporting education research. She’s also worked on archival efforts with Duke University Libraries' Government Documents Project. She currently contributes to research for the Courage Project, examining leadership, resilience, and accountability within organizations. This summer, she will serve in the office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons.  

On campus, Lilly is a member of the Duke Chorale, a Duke Conversations facilitator, a campus tour guide, and a student representative on the Undergraduate Library Advisory Board. Passionate about local and state service, she hopes to work at the intersection of research, policy, and public leadership in Delaware.