“One of the most rewarding experiences at La Follette is being surrounded by a great cohort. Their talent, passion, and hard work also lifts me up as I continue to study.”
Graduate student profiles
Jean Vilbert, MIPA, MA
“After two years as a Badger, I learned that the University of Wisconsin is not just another university but an institution with something different to offer.”
John O’Malley, MIPA
“My status as an accelerated student has allowed me to apply for numerous internships that I otherwise would have never had access to.”
Migena Vula, JD-MPA
“I am very much fascinated with both law and public policy — especially the interplay of the two. As such, pursuing the dual degree was an easy choice.”
Sam Schneider, MPA
“During COVID I had a lot of time to reflect on the importance of public policy and was inspired to get involved to make a larger impact on society.”
Sarah Nesci, MPA
I spent a year working at a rural homeless shelter in Colorado. This experience sparked my desire to work in policy, specifically housing and welfare policy. I am hoping to use my MPA to help make housing more accessible for everyone.
Genevieve Caffrey, MPA, Master of Social Work
I am a research assistant at the Institute for Research on Poverty. Through that work, I have gained qualitative and quantitative research experience, examining how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted child support practice and family outcomes in Wisconsin.
Emma Heins, MPA, EAP
“We performed a cost-benefit analysis on lead pipe replacement throughout the city to minimize negative health effects.”
Ian Pearson, MPA
As far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with how and why organizations make the decisions they do. As an undergraduate student government leader, I worked extensively within my university’s shared governance process.
Ethan Dickler, MPA
I worked in student government as an undergraduate and loved the policy making process. It was the highlight of my freshman year and I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career.