Hometown
Ashland, KY
Undergraduate education
Bachelor of science in economics and bachelor of arts in public policy, University of Kentucky
Professional/research interests
Civic tech design, AI/robotics policy
Accomplishments
Integrating Robots into the Future of Work (INTEGRATE) National Science Foundation Trainee
Expected graduation date
May 2026
Why the La Follette School?
La Follette first attracted me because of the small class size and location of being in a capital city with opportunities to network across many levels of government. What made me choose La Follette was the responsiveness and care from staff members and the ability to “shape your own degree” with electives.
Career goals
My goal is to improve government by designing more usable and accountable digital government spaces that better respond to citizens’ needs.
How have your La Follette School courses set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
Learning the policy making process in PA 874: Policy Making Process with Dr. Manny Teodoro provided me with theoretical frameworks and examples for how policy is generated through multiple levels of government. I also think PA 878: Introduction to Public Management with Dr. Tana Johnson provides management skills and tools that every hopeful public servant can utilize to become better leaders.
Assistantship
Project Assistantship with the Institute for Community Alliances. I was approached by Mo/Steve that I would be a good fit for the job given my undergraduate studies on housing/homelessness policy. I primarily assist in homelessness database management and generating reports for community partners to leverage in their service to clients.
Mentors
Dr. Hope Harvey (MPA ’12) encouraged me to apply to the program because of my interest in social policy and helped me with my application materials. Atiya Sidiqi (MPA ’18) is a current mentor to me and provides advice on internship opportunities, working in a federal landscape, and coaches me on working in group settings.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Your network is one of your most critical resources. Take care to invest in your peers and make friends since it is a small cohort environment. My classmates and I supported each other through tougher courses and group projects all while building strong social bonds. Connect with alumni and the people across campus to make yourself known early. You never know who could play a crucial part in your professional journey.
Wisconsin Idea
I was not familiar with the Wisconsin Idea before I came to La Follette. However, La Follette provides opportunities to practice the Wisconsin Idea by applying my knowledge to real-life problems with clients in courses like Cost-Benefit Analysis and the capstone course.
Before the La Follette School
I worked at Deloitte Consulting where I worked with Medicaid policy and system modernization for Kentucky’s Department of Public Health.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?