Gretchen Ellis is from Overland Park, Kansas, and is currently reading for the MPhil in Comparative Social Policy. Her academic and research interests include the rise of right-wing populism, welfare chauvinism, and changing attitudes towards welfare policies. Independent of her studies, Gretchen is active in her local political community, currently serving as a Precinct Committeewoman for the Johnson County Democratic Party.
Prior to her studies at Oxford, Gretchen graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Olaf College with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She was heavily involved in student government, serving as a Student Senator for two years and then as Vice President for her senior year. Part of her education was completed at the London School of Economics and Political Science on the General Course, where she also served as President of the course. During and after her undergraduate studies, Gretchen completed two U.S. congressional internships, one for Representative Sharice Davids, the other for Senator Amy Klobuchar, and a legal internship at the University of Notre Dame Law School’s Exoneration Justice Clinic. After completing her studies, Gretchen plans to pursue a career in public service or further her education.
