Staff Directory

Jay Arasan, Director, Fellows and Individual Studies Program
301-314-1130 | jarasan@umd.edu
Jay Arasan serves as the Director of the Fellows Program and Individual Studies Program at the University of Maryland. With over a decade of experience at UMD, Jay previously held the role of Associate Director, where he played a pivotal role in the expansion and success of the Fellows Program. Under his leadership, the program now includes Federal, Global, and Maryland-focused components, providing students with enriching academic and hands-on experiences in public service. Before joining the University of Maryland in 2014, Jay’s diverse career spanned roles in international training and diplomacy. He served as a training manager at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and worked as a diplomatic sales consultant in New York City. His global perspective and leadership continue to be valuable assets to the university community. In addition to his work with the Fellows Program, Jay also oversees the Individual Studies Program (IVSP), guiding students in designing their own interdisciplinary majors in collaboration with faculty mentors. Jay holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s in Information Technology from University Utara Malaysia, bringing both leadership and technical expertise to his role.

Laura Ndour, Communications and Outreach Manager
301-405-9360 | smneal@umd.edu
Laura Ndour is the Manager of Communications and Outreach for the Maryland Fellows Program at the University of Maryland. In this role, she oversees strategic communications, social media outreach, and event planning, ensuring effective engagement with students, alumni, and stakeholders. Laura’s work supports the program’s mission of providing students with experiential learning opportunities in public service. Laura earned her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Sociology from Mount St. Mary's University. She has extensive experience in communications and outreach, having previously worked in roles focused on career services, student engagement, and advocacy. Before her current role, Laura contributed to fundraising, public health policy, and community outreach initiatives at organizations such as the Institute for Public Health Innovation and Bee Informed Partnership. Her background in strategic communications and program management continues to support her commitment to fostering community and student success.

Sam Briglia, Operations Manager
301-314-0261 | sbriglia@umd.edu
Sam Briglia graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2023 with a B.A. in Public Policy and a minor in Spanish Literature, Linguistics, and Culture. He is an alumnus of the Energy and Environmental Policy concentration in the program's Federal branch. As an undergraduate student, Sam interned for the Maryland General Assembly and the US Department of Energy. He also has work experience from the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. In his free time, he enjoys biking and cooking.

Sabrina LaBold, Academic & Student Affairs Manager
301-405-6092 | slabold@umd.edu
Sabrina LaBold graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2023 with a B.A. in Government & Politics and Environmental Science & Policy with a concentration in Environmental Economics. She is an alumna of the 2022 Energy and Environmental Policy concentration in the program's Federal branch. She has previously worked as a program assistant and program associate for the Fellows Program and as a teaching assistant for the GVPT department. She has internship experience at the Embassy of Spain, U.S. House of Representatives, and working in government affairs for a global organization. Sabrina is passionate about environmental and sustainability-based policy issues. She enjoys exploring the outdoors and is an avid reader.

Isaiah Griffith, Graduate Assistant
301-314-0689| fedglobal@umd.edu
Isaiah Griffith graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2024 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. He is pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation at UMD. As an undergrad, he interned with the Maryland General Assembly, U.S. Health and Human Services, and the SPH Office of Public Health Practice & Community Engagement. Isaiah is driven by a deep commitment to social justice, and he aims to break down health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for underserved communities. Isaiah also enjoys hiking, spending time with friends, and caring for his cat, Binx.

Daniela Nemi, Graduate Assistant
301-314-0689| fedglobal@umd.edu
Daniela Nemi graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2024 with a B.A. in Government and Politics: International Relations. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations at UMD. She is an alumna of the 2023 U.S. Diplomacy concentration in the program's Global branch. She was also a teaching assistant for the Economic Diplomacy concentration and previously worked as a program assistant for the UMD Fellows Program. As an undergraduate student, she has internship experience in the U.S. Department of State, International Center for Religious Diplomacy, and an educational non-profit in Ecuador. Daniela is passionate in helping underserved communities through international development, educational incentives, and poverty alleviation initiatives. She also has a regional interest in Latin America and the Caribbean. In her free time she enjoys reading books, cooking, and trying local coffee shops.