Our Team

Jennifer Grodsky

Jennifer Grodsky is BU’s vice president for federal relations, based in Washington, DC, where she strengthens the University’s relationships with federal agencies and policymakers. Before joining BU, Jennifer served as executive director of federal relations at the University of Southern California (USC). Earlier in her career, she was legislative director for then-Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis and legislative assistant to Congressman Julian C. Dixon. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts from USC.

Bayley Connors

Bayley Connors is BU’s director for federal relations, based in Washington, DC, where he develops and implements legislative, regulatory, and communications strategies that advance the University’s priorities across education, research, and community engagement. Before joining BU, Bayley served as a legislative assistant to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and previously held multiple roles in the office of Congressman Paul Tonko. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Boston University.

Jessica Wong

Jessica Wong is BU’s director for policy engagement, based in Washington, DC, where she catalyzes opportunities for members of the BU community to share their expertise and research with federal policymakers and help inform public policy. Before assuming her current role, Jessica served as BU’s director for federal relations and held multiple positions in the office of Senator Elizabeth Warren. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Jourdan Ewoldt

Jourdan Ewoldt is BU’s associate director for research collaborations, based in Washington, DC, where she serves as a liaison with federal scientific and cultural agencies and identifies opportunities for BU investigators to secure extramural research funding. Before joining BU, Jourdan was a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), serving in several extramural offices that support NIH-funded investigators and evaluate biomedical research grant portfolios. She holds a PhD from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Melina Luizaga

Melina Luizaga is BU’s assistant director for administration and operations, based in Washington, DC, where she oversees the office’s operations and administration, manages the department’s budget, coordinates travel and event logistics, and leads special projects. Before assuming her current role, Melina held multiple administrative positions in federal relations for Boston University and the University of Southern California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University and a Professional Certificate in Event Management from the George Washington University School of Business.