Lexington Summer Intern: Danny Lessig

My name is Danny Lessig and I am from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Currently, I am a rising senior at Davidson College majoring in political science and French and participate in Davidson’s choir and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity during my free time. This summer I am taking a foreign policy class and working for the Lexington Institute.

Last summer, I produced a whitepaper with my school advisor on the evolution of voting rights in the U.S.  In the fall of last year, I studied abroad in Paris, France when the Islamic State committed acts of terrorism. As a result, I became more interested in international relations and defense and foreign policy.

My foreign policy class this summer has allowed me to meet the founder of a polling firm, a New York Times reporter, and a counter terrorism expert. It is very motivating to learn from experienced professionals.

My work at the Lexington Institute is diverse. I develop contact lists, coordinate policy events, and enhance our social media strategy. I’m currently researching the Middle East, Iran and the nuclear deal. By attending numerous events on Capitol Hill, at the Center for Strategic International Studies and other organizations, I have learned a lot about the defense budget, improvised explosive devices, and United States-China relations. I also had the opportunity to attend Senate and House congressional hearings, tour the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and the Library of Congress.

I have experienced so much and have yet to make my way down to the National Mall and see what Washington, DC has to offer.  I am thrilled to be a part of Lexington’s team and to be in the center of world politics.