MSI Welcomes 2025–26 Undergraduate and Law Fellows

The Music Sustainability Initiative is proud to introduce its 2025–26 cohort of Undergraduate and Law Fellows: Eleanor Hughes (SFS ’28), Sophia Lu (SFS ’26), and Isabella Zaidle (Law ’26). These students bring remarkable interdisciplinary expertise, prior engagement with the arts, and a commitment to advancing music as a public good.

Eleanor Hughes is a sophomore in the Walsh School of Foreign Service majoring in International Politics. A drummer and vocalist with years of performance experience, she has organized community fundraisers through music and brings international perspectives from her work in sustainability and local government in the UK. Eleanor is looking forward to connecting her global studies with the Initiative’s mission, focusing on music’s role in cultural dialogue and sustainability.

Sophia Lu is a senior in the School of Foreign Service majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs with minors in Philosophy and Film & Media Studies. A researcher and creative practitioner, she has worked as a Google Public Policy Fellow on issues of copyright, creative economy, and technology policy. Her senior thesis explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative work, and through the MSI she will help convene cultural advocates, explore intellectual property reforms, and bring new funding models for music into public conversation.

Isabella Zaidle is a third-year JD candidate at Georgetown Law, specializing in the intersection of law, business, and media. She has earned recognition in copyright law and gained experience across private practice, corporate legal teams, and the SEC. At Georgetown Law, she researches corporate culture, compliance, and leadership while serving as Co-President of the Corporate & Financial Law Association. Isabella’s expertise will help the Initiative strengthen its legal and policy engagement around music sustainability.

The 2025–26 Fellows will collaborate on events, forums, and research projects that highlight the essential role of music in society. Their research work will connect policy, law, technology, performance, and advocacy in pursuit of music’s viability and musicians’ quality of life and work.