Hometown
Kenosha, WI
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication arts, UW–Madison
Employer
Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy
Job Title
Public affairs specialist
Start Date
July 2023
Primary job responsibilities
- Serve as the communications lead for the nuclear fuel cycle and supply chain program.
- Contribute to communication plans for announcements, new initiatives, events, and program priorities.
- Plan proactive communication strategies and outreach activities.
- Develop strategies to increase stakeholder engagement on nuclear energy issues.
- Assist in developing Tribal engagement plans for program activities.
- Work closely with technical experts, senior leadership, and other communications team members to develop content and strategies.
Describe a project that best illustrates your job
I co-developed the “Coal-to-Nuclear Transitions: An Information Guide,” published in April 2024. My team and I carefully authored the information guide with community-driven decision-making in mind. I also helped develop the strategic plan for rolling out the information guide to stakeholders, the media, and the public.
More than 10 media outlets covered it and we sent more than 100 personalized stakeholder notifications to community groups, interagency partners, state and local officials, Tribal partners, nonprofits, and more. The information guide was recently featured on a White House fact sheet as one of the Administration’s key actions to ensure all communities benefit from clean energy.
How do you use what you learned at La Follette on the job?
Whether it was researching a topic for a policy brief assigned that morning and due by the end of the day or working on a semester-long research project – at La Follette I learned how to adequately research a topic, develop an objective analysis, and reach a conclusion in whatever timeframe I was given.
This has been very helpful for my job as I often get projects of varying lengths – some have a few hours of turnaround time while others are months-long projects. Learning how to complete projects with different timelines at La Follette helped me feel prepared for my job.
Which experiences and skills in particular helped you get your job?
My experience in the energy analysis and policy certificate program made me a great fit to work at the Department of Energy. My writing, research, and communication skills helped me get a job as a public affairs specialist.
What experiences shaped your decision to pursue a master’s degree in public affairs?
Serving as a legislative intern in State Senator Chris Larson’s office encouraged my interest in studying politics and public policy. When I learned about the accelerated program at La Follette, it seemed like a perfect fit.
What drew you to the La Follette School?
I was drawn to La Follette because of the accelerated MPA program and the ability to begin working on my master’s degree while finishing the final year of my bachelor’s degree. I loved my time during my undergraduate studies at UW, and I was excited about the opportunity to continue into a graduate program at La Follette.
What impact did your client-based projects have on your education and/or career?
My client-based capstone project had a significant impact on my career path. I participated in the energy analysis and policy certificate program and my capstone project was studying whether, where, and how a Westinghouse eVinci Microreactor could be sited at UW–Madison.
While I was familiar with nuclear energy before this project, I learned much more about it and its potential. This experience encouraged me to apply for a job opening in DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, where I currently work. Before my capstone experience, I would not have pictured myself working in the nuclear energy sector.
Most rewarding experience at the La Follette School
My most rewarding experience at the La Follette School was finishing our capstone project, presenting to our client, and getting great feedback. After so much hard work it was a relief to have finished it and to know that our work was appreciated.
Most challenging experience at the La Follette School
My most challenging experience at the La Follette School was starting during COVID. It was a difficult adjustment to learning only online and I felt like I was missing the opportunity to fully connect with my cohort. While this was challenging, it really made me appreciate my second year when we could go to class in person and spend time with each other.
Why would you recommend the La Follette School?
I would highly recommend the La Follette School to a prospective student! I loved my time at La Follette and I am so thankful I decided to attend. As a student, I appreciated that only a few core classes were required, allowing me to take elective courses that matched my areas of interest.
Looking back now, I also appreciate that statistics and microeconomics were required courses. While I did not enjoy taking the classes at the time, I feel like they made me a well-rounded applicant for many of the jobs I applied to. The small class sizes also allowed me to get to know others in my cohort well and helped me make lifelong friends.
What awards or honors have you received since graduating from the La Follette School?
I recently received the Secretary of Energy Achievement Award as a member of the Uranium Supply Chain Tiger Team.
Favorite book, podcast, app, Madison restaurant …
Favorite book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt (especially the audiobook!!)
Favorite Madison restaurant: Sa-Bai Thong
People would be surprised to know that I …
I have a twin sister!