Hometown
Chesapeake, VA
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s degree in political science and minor in global studies and history, Randolph College
Professional/research interests
Gun violence prevention and telecommunication policy
Accomplishments
Randolph College Above and Beyond the Call to Duty Award, Outstanding Leader in Political Science Award, and Rachel Dean Memorial Award
Expected graduation date
May 2025
Why the La Follette School?
The small cohort size drew me to the school. Coming from a small, liberal arts institution, I enjoyed spaces where I could get to know my peers and professors. The La Follette School perfectly embodies what I had in mind by allowing me to continue growing my public affairs skills in a more personal way that still challenges me.
Assistantship
I work with Dr. Susan Webb Yackee on her research! I have loved working with her, and my research assistantship is just one example of how I am able to interact with faculty and professors in meaningful ways. So far, I have helped her research articles for an upcoming proposal.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
When looking for a school to expand your public affairs skills, consider the environment in which you will be working. In a graduate program, it is important that you find faculty and staff that make you feel appreciated and wanted. In my case, I found that at the La Follette School. I have never had a negative interaction with anyone here, and the school challenges me to step outside my comfort zone.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?
I have begun to look at public policy in a more economical sense, which is important for the direction that the field is heading. Public policy can be heavily quantitative, which is why it is so important that students at the La Follette School take both Microeconomics and Statistics. While these classes might sound scary to some, the professors at the school ensure that you understand the concepts and begin to think about public policy in these terms.
Anything else?
I enjoy running, and Madison is the best place to be for this! The trails and lakes here are beautiful. I also love horses and have two of my own in Virginia. Although I miss my horses (and family!) back in Virginia, I have already come to love living in Madison!
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?