O’Neill students strengthen security in Washington, D.C.

Written by: Nikki Livingston

As a Washington Leadership Program participant Julia Hyde, a junior studying public policy and public safety, interned for the DC Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency.  She supported security plans for the presidential inauguration, developed the first district-wide Unmanned Aircraft System program, and responded to a major gas explosion that displaced 100 people. 

Hyde’s decision to enroll at IU Indianapolis was a light-bulb moment after reflecting on her aspirations. Born and raised in Indiana, after high school she joined the Army National Guard specializing in aviation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was placed on the Quick Reaction Force team leading personal protective equipment distribution to election sites and tracking COVID tests for nursing facilities.  

When the world started flying again, she worked at the Indianapolis International Airport while studying at a community college. However, as work demands increased, she put her education on hold. After transitioning to operations for a national mail carrier she felt unsure about her future career. 

“I visited military friends who were students at IU Indianapolis and fell in love with the campus,” Hyde said. “I had an idea that I wanted to go into some kind of public service, so enrolling at O’Neill was the perfect transition; it was meant for me.”  

She learned about opportunities in Washington, D.C., but didn’t think she could put her responsibilities on hold. O’Neill Director of Career Services Stacy Lozer helped Hyde work through the logistics.  

“The Washington Leadership Program provides incredible opportunities for our students to work, learn and live in our nation’s capital. In college, I interned on the Hill which led to a career focused on service. I love helping students make those connections so they can grow their careers,” Lozer said.  

Hyde took two classes, lived with other O’Neill students like Chandler Jessup, and learned everything about communication interoperability through her internship.

For the presidential inauguration, Hyde contributed to primary, ultimate, contingent, and emergency plans, focusing on how security teams, departments, and agencies communicate with each other while determining backups if primary systems fail. As a result, she attended meetings across several federal agencies like the Pentagon and local partners such as D.C. police.

Now back in Indianapolis, Hyde works as a public safety coordinator for the Indiana State Fairgrounds after a previous summer internship arranged through O’Neill.  

“Participating in the Washington Leadership Program is the best experience I’ve ever had,” Hyde said. “I’ve learned so much and gained experience in the real world. It was a turning point for me and solidified my passion for public service.”