Hometown
Madison, WI
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s degree in political science; certificates in public policy and environmental studies, UW–Madison, 2023
Professional/research interests
Illiberalism around the world, labor policy, education, veterans’ policy, democratic policy (voting access, gerrymandering, etc.)
Expected graduation date
May 2026
Why an MPA?
I took the certificate as an undergraduate. When I graduated in 2023, I kept La Follette in my back pocket, resolving to take a gap year, gain some work experience, and decide whether to continue my education. The choice was overwhelming, but I missed education and UW. There’s no place like home. Further, getting an MPA would make me a better public servant.
Why the La Follette School?
Having La Follette undergraduate advisors; small class sizes; being able to stay near my family; being able to take classes within and outside La Follette (like law courses).
Career goals?
To work in state and federal legislative government to solve post-Act X and post-Trump political problems, like reduced collective bargaining rights, gerrymandering, and illiberalism around the world. I want to do my part in public service and show fidelity to the ideals this country was founded upon, and those that sacrificed to see those ideals reflected in American government.
As an undergraduate, you learn facts and gain understanding in the field you study. You also learn certain skills that come with a liberal education, like writing and communication. La Follette gets into the weeds of policy work, and you can follow your values to learn how to address problems in policy areas you care about.
Assistantship
I am a teaching assistant with SuccessWorks, leading two discussion sections for a course centered on professional development and gaining experience with resumes, interviews, etc. It covers my tuition, and I receive a stipend. I spend about 13-15 hours per week grading and running discussions.
Advice for La Follette School students
If you care about something, you have agency to act, and La Follette is an instrument through which to act.
Wisconsin Idea
Education and knowledge have the power to effect change beyond the classroom and make us a freer, more prosperous, and more civic-minded people. I plan on showing fidelity to this idea by using my MPA to become a better public servant for Wisconsin and the United States. As a dual citizen, I would also like to use my education to maintain the security and freedom of my second home of Estonia.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?