CALS Launches Food System Reform Fellowship

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) has launched a new Food System Reform Fellowship, with Sarah Rae’25, the inaugural fellow. In this role, Sarah will serve as a Junior Legislative Staffer in the Office of Cory Booker, US Senator for New Jersey, focusing on food system reform, nutrition, and animal welfare. Working under the supervision of Senator Booker’s Counsel, she will conduct legal and policy research, draft letters and legislation, prepare materials for meetings and committee hearings, and support stakeholder engagement.

The new Food System Reform Fellowship exemplifies CALS’ commitment to advancing food system reform by training future leaders to address the complex intersection of animal protection, environmental sustainability, and human nutrition. By equipping graduates to engage directly with policymakers, CALS facilitates both exceptional educational opportunities for animal law alumni and much-needed legislative change to improve protections for animals.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience to the role. At Lewis & Clark, she graduated with a Certificate in Animal Law and a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. As a student in CALS’ Farmed Animal Protection Project, she researched and drafted a Petition for Rulemaking to Federal Food Safety and Inspection Service advocating for expanded regulations on labeling meat, poultry, and egg products as “farm” or “country” derived when sourced from Concentrated Feeding Animal Operations. She also served as a CALS Law Clerk through the Law Scholars for Change Program, supporting the research of Visiting Assistant Professor Hira Jaleel. She also worked as a Submissions Editor for the Environmental Law Review. Beyond Lewis & Clark, Sarah gained professional experience through law clerk positions at Animal Partisan, the California Office of the Attorney General, and Kivel & Howard LLP.

“This fellowship represents the nexus of principles I am deeply committed to, including animal welfare, the environment, and humanity,” says Sarah. “Having the opportunity to work for Senator Booker, who has been advocating for bettering the lives of animals, including fighting factory farms and animal testing, is an honor and incredible opportunity. My studies at Lewis & Clark prepared me to support these efforts through courses, presentations from speakers, conferences, and the incredible network of faculty and community that reinforced my values and taught me how to be an advocate.”

Pamela Byce, Assistant Dean and Executive Director for the Center for Animal Law Studies, says: “We are incredibly thankful to our donors for making this inaugural CALS Food System Reform Fellowship possible and enabling Sarah to take on this important role. Their generosity helps us translate our students’ knowledge and passion into meaningful policy impact for animals, people, and the environment.”