Third-year law student Kaitlyn Cieply is balancing more than coursework at Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law - she’s a parent, a judicial extern, and recently served as ONU Law’s 2025 Summer Scholar under the guidance of Professor Daniel Maurer.
As Summer Scholar, Cieply explored the application of the Posse Comitatus Act at Guantanamo Bay—a statute designed to limit military involvement in domestic law enforcement. Her research, refined with Professor Maurer’s support, was published by Lawfare, a national platform rarely featuring student authors. The piece examines the military’s role in managing detainees suspected of being illegal immigrants and raises critical questions about constitutional limits on armed forces. Read it here.
“Kaitlyn’s publication is exceptional,” says Maurer. “Her work is already contributing to a broader legal conversation on a pressing national security issue.”
Cieply, who plans to become a prosecutor, says tackling complex legal questions sharpens her ability to give sound legal advice. “It’s about protecting the public and the rule of law.”
She’s also the recipient of the Erwin L. & Effie M. Clemens Scholarship, awarded to a student with strong academics and significant financial need. “Law school is more than an academic challenge - it’s financial too, especially while raising a family,” Cieply says. “This scholarship helps me stay on track to finish strong and serve the public.”