Yocilin Solis, Silliman ‘27

When Research Means Reading Laws, Not Running Experiments

Written by Leilani Eth

Edited by Gabriella Nanjo

Yocilin Solis, a junior in Silliman College majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics (EP&E), is driven by a passion for justice, public service, and bridging the gap between law and policy through research. A first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, Yocilin’s story reflects the courage to explore new academic spaces and the curiosity to ask questions that matter.

On campus, Yocilin has immersed herself in communities that reflect her interests and background. She currently serves as Head of Operations for SUBE, Yale’s pre-Latinx professional club, and volunteers with BRIDGES ESL to teach English to New Haven residents. She’s also an active member in the Women in Economics Society and is a part of a book club with her friends. With a background in computer science and a love for both coding and reading, Yocilin brings an interdisciplinary mindset to everything she does, balancing technical skills with a deep concern for equity and access.

Yocilin’s research journey began with the Tobin Economic Research Program (TOBIN), a Yale initiative that connects undergraduates with faculty-led research in economics. After discovering opportunities listed through the Economics Department, Yocilin applied and was matched with the Tobacco Economics and Modeling of Policy Outcomes (TEMPO) Lab, led by Dr. Abigail Friedman at the Yale School of Public Health.

Now a research assistant at TEMPO, Yocilin is helping collect and analyze cannabis policy data across U.S. counties. “We’re compiling local recreational cannabis ordinances passed over the last six years,” she explains. Her role involves extensive outreach to jurisdictions, data gathering, and understanding how tax ordinances and access laws intersect. This is work that has shaped her growing interest in legal policy.

Yocilin finds the lab environment both supportive and intellectually rewarding. Weekly team meetings offer opportunities for collaboration and mentorship, especially from senior RAs. Although the lab includes scholars and students from universities outside of Yale, the team remains connected through both remote and in-person sessions, creating a welcoming space to learn and contribute. Also, through TOBIN, she’s paid weekly for her research hours, usually five to six per week, with flexibility based on her schedule. “You get assignments every week, but if you want more hours or more responsibility, you can always ask. It’s a very open structure.”

Her time at the TEMPO Lab has significantly broadened her academic lens. While she initially envisioned a future in immigration law, her exposure to health economics and cannabis regulation has opened her eyes to the ways legal structures intersect with public health outcomes. “It’s made me consider new fields, like how legal frameworks influence health,” she shares. Through hands-on data collection and policy analysis, Yocilin is gaining experience in interpreting laws, understanding regulatory impacts, and seeing how economic policy plays out in real-world communities. “People don’t always think of legal policy or economics as research,” she reflects, “but this work has shown me how powerful and necessary it is.” The experience has deepened her commitment to using research as a tool for justice and expanded her vision of what she might do with a law degree. “It’s changed what I think I can do with it,” she says, as she considers the broader implications of legal advocacy across health, policy, and immigration.

What drew Yocilin to TEMPO was Dr. Friedman’s transparency and mentorship. “She made it clear what she needed help with, but also asked about my goals and how the lab could support them,” Yocilin recalls. This emphasis on mutual growth and learning has made the experience especially meaningful. “She makes the RAs feel comfortable and heard, and it’s never intimidating to ask questions.”

For first-year and FGLI students, Yocilin offers honest, heartfelt advice. “Just do it,” she says. “You might think you’re not interested in something, but you won’t know until you try. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask how someone found their research opportunity, or use LinkedIn, at least that’s how I found mine.” She encourages students to connect with upperclassmen and find mentors who share their interests. “You can even talk to me,” she adds with a smile. She knows how overwhelming Yale can feel at first, especially when navigating a new academic world. “You don’t have to do everything,” she says. “Focus on what you’re genuinely interested in. It’s not about doing a million things, but it’s about doing things that matter to you.” For her, it’s all about quality over quantity, and finding people who support your goals along the way.

Yocilin Solis embodies the power of research as a tool for public good. Whether she’s teaching English, studying tax policy, or preparing for a career in law, her work uplifts communities and challenges systems from within. Through her journey, she reminds us that research isn’t just about data, but it’s about impact, inclusion, and the pursuit of justice.