On November 19, 2025, two students from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) presented their research as part of the Freidheim Fellowship at the Warren Library. The event was attended by Senator George S. Lemieux, founder and chair of PBA’s LeMieux Center for Public Policy, along with academic advisors, peers, and community members. The students focused on topics related to social security stability and regulation of artificial intelligence.
The Freidheim Fellowship is named after philanthropists Marguerite “Mitzi” Freidheim and her husband Cyrus Freidheim. It is managed by PBA’s LeMieux Center for Public Policy and selects two scholars each year to conduct research on public policy issues. After a semester of work under faculty advisement, fellows present their findings and proposed solutions.
Anna Foreman, a master’s student in accountancy with a minor in politics, examined the challenges facing social security in the United States. She noted that changes in demographics—longer life expectancy and lower birth rates—have reduced the number of taxable workers supporting the system.
Foreman stated: “There are three options to fix the program. One, we raise taxes. Two, we cut the benefits. Three—which I think is the most feasible—we monetize the program with structural reforms.”
She referenced Australia’s experience in restructuring its social security program during the 1990s as an example for potential U.S. reforms. Foreman recommended implementing a means-tested welfare program to target assistance more effectively and introducing mandatory individually owned retirement accounts funded by 9% of each paycheck.
Leah Wilhoit, a senior majoring in pre-law with minors in criminal justice and biology, explored global approaches to regulating artificial intelligence (A.I.). She observed that countries like those in the European Union have strict regulations based on risk assessment, while the United States has prioritized innovation.
Wilhoit explained: “Having different standards for A.I. in all these countries has made it hard for developers to abide by regulation.”
She advocated for a unified international regulatory framework for A.I., monitored by objective third parties to ensure ethics and accountability. Wilhoit also called for clearer definitions regarding copyright law as it relates to A.I.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” said Wilhoit. “A.I. is a very useful technology with many benefits, but it also has many legal and ethical risks.”
Following this presentation, fellows have been selected for fall 2026 after completing an application process involving proposals, faculty support letters, and interviews with an application review panel. Their upcoming research will address topics such as government surveillance, abortion rights across state lines, and children’s online presence.
For additional information about PBA’s LeMieux Center for Public Policy visit here.
