Academic Internships
Supporting the Thinkers of Tomorrow
WADE believes that meaningful change begins by engaging the thinkers, creators, and leaders of tomorrow. Through internships with college students, WADE creates opportunities for young people to explore the complex realities of domestic and gender-based violence while imagining new approaches to prevention, education, accountability, and social change.
Students are invited to look beyond conventional narratives of domestic violence—to understand its history, examine the social and cultural conditions that have allowed violence to persist, and question the ways in which we talk about and respond to it. Through research, conversation, and hands-on engagement, interns contribute their own ideas while learning from the people and movements that have shaped the field.
An important part of this work is remembering and honoring the proponents of change who came before us: advocates, survivors, educators, organizers, researchers, and community leaders whose courage and persistence transformed how domestic violence is understood and addressed.
By connecting history with new research and emerging ideas, WADE hopes to cultivate a generation that does not simply inherit existing systems, but has the knowledge and imagination to transform them.
We support the thinkers of tomorrow by giving them the tools to understand where we have been, recognize the work that brought us here, and envision where we can go next.
Meet our interns and their research interests.
SPRING/SUMMER 2026: Maximilian Fazio
Researching the Historical Development of Domestic Violence in the United States
Executive Summary/Abstract:
This study examines the historical development of domestic violence in the United States and explores how our understanding, policies, and prevention strategies have evolved over time. Using both quantitative and qualitative research, the study draws on existing sources, including academic journal articles, data collections, legislation, and research reports. The research will examine the development and effectiveness of current domestic violence policies and programs, with particular attention to civil and domestic violence protection orders, which remain an important tool for preventing further abuse. At the same time, research indicates that protection orders can have limitations, including the potential for retaliation and violations. The study will also examine the growth of domestic violence services, including hotlines, shelters, and other support systems, and their relationship to trends in intimate partner violence (IPV) and homicide. While the expansion of these services has contributed to important progress, there is no single approach that can fully address domestic violence across all communities. A central focus of this research is the recognition that domestic violence does not affect all individuals or communities in the same way. Social, economic, cultural, racial, geographic, and other intersecting factors can influence a person's experiences, access to resources, and ability to seek safety. Effective prevention therefore requires approaches that are responsive to individual circumstances and community needs. The overall goal of this study is to trace the evolution of domestic violence prevention in the United States, evaluate current policies and programs, identify emerging trends, and examine marginalized and intersectional perspectives. By understanding both the history and limitations of existing approaches, the research seeks to contribute to more effective, inclusive, and responsive strategies for preventing domestic violence.
READ THE RESEARCH MATERIAL HERE
FALL 2026: Jiya Patel
Somatic Rehabilitation Program for Violent Offenders
Executive Summary/Abstract: coming December 2026
Interested in interning with WADE?
Are you a college student interested in violence prevention, social change, research, advocacy, or transforming the way we understand domestic and gender-based violence? WADE welcomes students who are curious, thoughtful, and ready to learn—and who want to contribute their ideas while learning from the history, experiences, and advocates who have shaped this field. If you are interested in an internship with WADE, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at info@wadedance.org with a brief introduction, your area of study, and what interests you about our work.