Political Science Club 2022-2023
Meet the 2022-2023 Board
Katie DeFant (she/her)
Major: Political Science Major with a concentration in American Politics and a minor in Global Policy.
Year: 4th
Position: President
Bio:I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Prior to transferring to Cal Poly, I attended Folsom Lake College, where I solidified my passion for politics and discovered my interest in policy writing. Aside from my involvement in student life, I enjoy getting involved in local political campaigns. Most recently, I worked as a Deputy Field Organizer for the Kermit Jones for Congress campaign, where I learned the importance of mobilizing and empowering voters. Outside of school and professional life, I enjoy shooting film photography, going on spontaneous adventures, baking, and reading murder mystery novels.
Role: As President, I’m in charge of running meetings, delegating duties, and serving as a liaison between ASI and Political Science club.
Most Excited for in the Upcoming Year: I’m most excited for Political Science majors, minors, and everyone in between to have an opportunity to build community. I hope the Political Science club will serve as an avenue for everyone to build comradery and seek professional development alongside faculty, staff and other politically driven students.
Eddie Madrid (he/his)
Major: Political Science Major with a minor in Law & Society Minor
Year: 4th
Position: Vice-President
Bio: I’m from Fullerton, California, just a short drive from Disneyland. Aside from my involvement in the political science club, I am also part of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law co-ed fraternity. Some of my interests are hiking, reading, cooking, and going on road trips.
Role: As vice president, I help the president of the club plan and execute events. I also help the rest of the officers when needed.
Most Excited for in the Upcoming year: I am looking forward to building the club up, meeting new members, cultivating a political atmosphere for all parties, and having events throughout the year.
Jeffrey Schmehl (he/his)
Major: Political Science major with a concentration in American Politics and a minor in Law and Society
Year: 4th
Position: Treasurer
Bio: I am from Lake Forest, California, which is wedged between Irvine and Mission Viejo in Orange County. Before coming to Cal Poly, I attended Santiago Canyon College in Orange. Apart from my role in the POLS club, I am a member of the Philosophy Club and the Undergraduate Law Association. Outside of classes, I love to play hockey, collect and play guitars, and relax by the ocean.
Role: As Treasurer, I oversee the financial aspect of the club. I place orders for club supplies and anything else that is required. I also ensure that the club is following the correct financial procedure.
Most Excited for in Upcoming Year: I am very excited to meet and build relationships with fellow politically minded students of all academic backgrounds here at Cal Poly. I am also looking forward to the many events that we have planned throughout this upcoming year!
Wesley Ahumada Newhart (he/his)
Major: Political Science major with a concentration in Global Politics and a double minor in City and Regional Planning and Spanish
Year: 4th
Position: Communications and Outreach Chair
Bio: I am from Helena, Montana, and transferred from Montana State University to Cal Poly in 2021. In addition to my duties in the Political Science (POLS) club, I am also a student intern in the Office of Univ. Diversity and Inclusion, an intern with the Lanhee Chen for Controller 2022 campaign, and will be participating in a Cal Poly Global Program in Valladolid, Spain with Professor Arceneaux in the fall of 2022. In my free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, hiking, and traveling.
Role: As the Communications and Outreach chair, I manage our webpage, run our social media accounts, and publicize our meetings and events to our network. I also work closely with other officers on strategic growth initiatives and planning and promoting events throughout the year.
Most Excited for in Upcoming Year: I am excited to work with my fellow board members to create a fun and useful resource for political science people. I am also excited to meet the other PolySci nerds of Cal Poly and have a great year of events, speakers, and friends!