Samford University international relations alumna Mary Moody '13 has earned a prestigious six-month internship at the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Washington, D.C., and in the capitol of the European Union. The EPLO exists to promote political cooperation between members of the European Parliament and U.S. Congress on important pieces of legislation.

Moody will start her policy research internship at EPLO in mid-January, spend four months there and then serve for two months in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. In Europe, Moody will follow one particular committee and create a research project based on related policy issues. She also will be comparing the procedural and stylistic differences of the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament.

“I believe that this experience will make me a more astute policy-maker with a more complete understanding of transatlantic relations,” Moody said. “As much as Samford has given to me, I hope to give back to Samford by representing its name well, both in Washington and in Brussels.”

Since graduating from Samford last May, Moody has worked for a member of Congress and conducted research on Latin America for a policy research organization. She said she learned of the EPLO opportunity from Samford political science professor Serena Simoni, and that Simoni and Political Science Department chair Fred Shepherd helped her throughout the highly competitive application process as part of an ongoing relationship with her Alma Mater.

“My Samford experience was a vital part in me getting this internship,” Moody said. “From caring professors who helped with recommendations to the necessary training in European politics from my years as a undergraduate, I am so appreciative of my Samford community.”