Alumni updates – August 2024

Patrick Baca (MA ’85) retired from his role of program director at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Andrew Turner (MPA ’08) is starting a new position as assistant dean for the academic enhancement program at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Previously, he was a professor of legal research and writing and program co-director for the UW Law School.

Sally Rohrer (MPA ’20) started a new position as associate director at Profitable Ideas Exchange in Bozeman, Montana. Previously, she worked as a development and operations manager at Bridger Ski Foundation.

Owen Bacskai (certificate in public policy ’21) co-wrote a story for The Guardian about the Watergate scandal and its role in Congress enacting critical reforms to increase transparency and curb the influence of big money in politics. Bacskai works as a policy associate for the Democracy Program at Brennan Center for Justice.

Laura Downer (MIPA ’21) was promoted to research associate at Cornerstone Research. Previously, she worked as a senior analyst for the Washington, D.C. organization that provides economic and financial analysis to attorneys in commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings.

Grace George (MPA ’21) started a new position as a research scientist at the UW–Madison Center for Health Disparities Research. Previously, George worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at McLean Hospital. She earned her MPA from the La Follette School in 2021 and then went on to complete a PhD in Neuroscience.

Amalie Zinn (certificate in public policy ’22) presented her work at Talking Data Equity, a conversational series of We All Count, a project that aims to increase equity in data science. Her presentation was titled “Behind the Front Door: Housing, Wealth, and the Future of it All.” The full presentation is available on YouTube.

Emily Kassner-Marks (certificate in public policy ’23) was promoted to press secretary in the Office of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42). Previously, she worked as a press assistant in the same office.

Ryan Thiele (MPA ’24) co-authored the cover story of the September 2024 issue of Journal American Water Works Association with Professor Manny Teodoro. The findings in the story, which focuses on water and sewer price affordability trends in the U.S., provide important insight for water utilities as they generate future structures and rates.


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