La Follette School of Public Affairs
Inspiring evidence-based policymaking

Student stories

News about our students and profiles sharing students’ experiences in our graduate programs.

We welcome updates from students. Share a story.

Student profiles

  • Portrait of Laila McLaughlin.

    Laila McLaughlin, MPA

    "These courses have shaped how I approach policy questions, grounding analysis in data while remaining attentive to lived experience and institutional power."

  • Portrait of Sam Wood.

    Sam Wood, MPA

    "I am already seeing the payoff of building these quantitative foundations which provide me with a stronger analytical skillset when evaluating policy."

  • Portrait of Abby Buschette.

    Abby Buschette, MIPA

    "I was drawn to La Follette because of its small class size, focus on quantitative skills, and location."

  • Portrait of Carolina Sanchez.

    Carolina Sanchez, MIPA

    "I was interested in La Follette because of the MIPA program in particular. I knew I wanted to focus on policy, but from an international perspective."

  • Katie Simaz portrait

    Katie Simaz, MPA-MS URPL

    "I was drawn to La Follette for the opportunity to study in two really excellent master programs."

  • Portrait of Anna Kane.

    Anna Kane, MPA

    "I have appreciated the opportunity to dive into long-term projects at La Follette, particularly in Policy Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and the Capstone."

  • Portrait of Travis Austin

    Travis Austin, MPA

    "The most rewarding experience of this program is the ability to work on client projects that have real impacts..."

  • Portrait of Grace Florence.

    Grace Florence, MPA

    "I felt the 5+1 program was a way to fine-tune my skills while at the same time transitioning from political work to evidence-based policy research to better prepare me for meaningful work in public service."

  • Portrait of Michelle Kowaletti

    Michelle Kowaletti, MPA, MPH

    "The Wisconsin Idea’s core message keeps us respectful and open to dialogue while giving us the tools to support evidence-based measures."

  • Profile of Sam Kaufmann.

    Sam Kaufmann, MPA

    "After learning about the Accelerated MPA Program, I decided it would be a great route to take to pursue public policy as a full-time career with only needing to spend five years in school."

  • More student profiles

News stories