Caroline Corona (MPA student) served as an environmental health fellow for SenseSB, an initiative that aims to address the gap in meaningful data on air quality and extreme heat in South Bend, Indiana, where she researched local water quality issues, engaged with community stakeholders, and developed science communication tools to make water data more accessible and actionable for residents.
Julia Fechner (certificate in public policy student) was featured in a UniverCity Alliance story about a project she completed with the Village of DeForest during Fall 2024 as part of the UniverCity Alliance Scholars Program. Fechner, who is majoring in community and environmental sociology and landscape and urban studies, is passionate about the environment and the importance that sustainable development is to the future of communities.
Francie Fink (MPA-EAP student) worked with the Midwest Big Data Innovation Hub last semester on several feature stories for their community development and engagement projects portfolio such as In Iowa: Small Towns, Big Data Potential, which highlights successes and discusses gaps in data related to environmental issues in South Bend, Indiana. She also served as an environmental health fellow in 2024 for SenseSB, an initiative that aims to address the gap in meaningful data on air quality and extreme heat in South Bend, Indiana. Last summer, Francie conducted research as an intern with RMI on how fairer electric rates for heat pump users can lower costs and drive adoption. This year, she is working with Dr. Morgan Edwards and the Climate Action Lab on research into gas infrastructure phaseout affordability and reducing barriers for energy auditors and heat pump contractors to expand energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
Miguel Garcia (certificate in health policy student) was profiled in a story by the UW–Madison UniverCity Alliance about the UniverCity Scholars program. As part of the program, Garcia worked with the City of Waupaca to research how to expand city services to support residents whose first language is not English.
Miranda Garcia-Dove (public policy certificate student) was named one of the Dean’s Ambassadors by the College of Letters & Science for 2024-2025. Dean’s Ambassadors are student leaders who assist the College in fostering community among the Letters & Science student body and help the College achieve its goals.
Madeline Hutnik (public policy certificate student) was named one of the Dean’s Ambassadors by the College of Letters & Science for 2024-2025. Dean’s Ambassadors are student leaders who assist the College in fostering community among the Letters & Science student body and help the College achieve its goals.
Advaith Nair (health policy student) was named one of the Dean’s Ambassadors by the College of Letters & Science for 2024-2025. Dean’s Ambassadors are student leaders who assist the College in fostering community among the Letters & Science student body and help the College achieve its goals.
Ryan Ring (MPA student) recently started a new position as a research assistant at the Wisconsin State Legislature in the Office of Rep. Alex Dallman, a member of the Joint Committee on Finance. For the past several years, Ring, who plans to graduate with his MPA in spring 2025, has worked at the Wisconsin State Legislature as a legislative aide. He serves as the treasurer of the La Follette School Student Association.
Rachel Rogers (MPA student) started a new position as professional development coordinator at the UW–Madison Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE). Rogers, who joined the MPA program in Fall 2024, is the DEI standing committee representative for the La Follette School Student Association.
Carolyn Shumaker (certificate in public policy student) was featured in a UniverCity Alliance story about a project she completed during Fall 2024 as part of the UniverCity Alliance Scholars Program. Shumaker, a senior majoring in landscape and urban studies, people-environment geography, and environmental studies, hopes to better understand sustainability and urban planning initiatives within local government and the impact local government has on its community.
Annalisa Solis (MPA student) accepted a position as a summer law clerk with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Solis is interested in the study of communities impacted by social injustice. She serves as the diversity and inclusion coordinator for the La Follette School Student Association.
Eli Tsarovsky (MPA-MPH student) is running for Madison City Council – District 4 Alder. He is the current president of Capitol Neighborhood Inc. and the past president of the Campus Area Neighborhood Association and has experience in community organizing and advocacy for mental health and survivors of intimate violence.