NYC Gazette

Jenny and Yakov Sundel, both Straus Scholars at Yeshiva University's Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, have carved distinct paths in political polling. Their work reflects a shared interest in political data and strategy.

Jenny's internship with JL Partners focused on British and American political polling. Her tasks included conducting research, designing surveys, and using R programming to analyze voter sentiment. She translated her findings into visually compelling charts for media outlets. A notable discovery involved concerns among older Democratic voters about President Biden’s age. “I presented my findings in charts to be used by news and media outlets,” she explains.

Her education at the Straus Center enriched her understanding of political theory, enabling her to contextualize voter sentiment within a broader framework. Jenny acknowledges the ethical challenges in political polling, emphasizing integrity over crafting attention-grabbing graphs. “Pollsters wield tremendous influence over the narratives that shape elections,” she says.

Yakov interned with OnMessage Inc., focusing on data presentation for Republican campaigns. He created "decks" displaying survey results for clients like Senator Rick Scott and the National Republican Congressional Committee. His district profiles guided campaign strategies through voting histories and demographic data.

Yakov credits persistence for his success in a high-stakes environment. “The most significant realization for me is that as long as I am committed and put in the effort and time, the sky's the limit,” he said. His role evolved from non-existent to being a trusted team member, receiving a call back after his internship ended.

Both Jenny and Yakov share an appreciation for how data-driven insights shape political life. Yakov notes, "Campaigns rely on polling to better understand their districts," while Jenny emphasizes pollsters' responsibility: "Pollsters help shape which stories get told."

Their experiences have equipped them with skills valuable for future endeavors—Jenny plans advanced mathematics studies; Yakov aims at public service contributions. They encourage fellow YU students to engage thoughtfully with politics.