Delaney Lento – a fourth-year student double majoring in political science and history – is currently interning for the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).
AUVSI is a non-profit organization that advocates for the integration of remotely operated and autonomous transportation technologies. Established in 1972, AUVSI is also the world’s largest organization dedicated to the advancement of drones and uncrewed vehicle systems. The organization works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Defense (DOD), The White House, and Congress, along with their member companies, who range from small aerospace companies to large companies such as Amazon and Boeing, to further uncrewed systems.
“This internship with AUVSI is unlike any other internship that I have completed,” Lento said. “This bipartisan work is the future of military and national security defense systems to help save American lives, and it is extremely rewarding to be a part of this work.”
Lento is involved in many aspects of student life on campus. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of Administrative Affairs in the Executive Branch of the Student Government Association. She is also a Presidential Ambassador at FSU, a member of the Honors Program, and an active member of Phi Beta Kappa, Order of Omega, and Garnet and Gold Key. She’s also had the privilege of both attending and speaking at several COSSPP Student Leadership Council events, which have allowed her to connect with inspiring peers and faculty across the college.
Previously, Lento served as the chair and president of Forward at FSU, a student government political party, and participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), studying female spies in WWII. She also participated in FSU’s Student Senate and the 1910 Women’s Leadership Honorary, where she served as the chair of the finance committee and director of finance, respectively.
“FSU has opened my world to an incredible network of alumni who are passionate about politics and public service,” Lento said. “The experiences, internships, and involvements that I have committed my time to have transformed the way I approach the workforce as well as my post-grad plans, and I am forever grateful to this university for giving me these lessons.”
Lento credits one of her most impactful experiences at FSU to the Department of Political Science and taking a class with Gene Moran, Ph.D., whose guidance and support led to her receiving the opportunity to intern with AUVSI.
“I knew I wanted to be a history major before I attended FSU, and the Department of History has exceeded my every expectation,” Lento said. “The incredible mentorship I’ve received has shaped how I approach research, especially as I’ve explored topics that I’m passionate about, like my senior seminar paper on the Ringling Museum and the politics behind FSU’s stewardship.”
After graduation in Spring 2026, Lento plans to stay in Tallahassee and work in either public service or public affairs at the Florida Capitol.
For more information about FSU’s Department of Political Science, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci. For more info about FSU’s Department of History, visit history.fsu.edu.