Hometown
Madison, WI, and Chicago, IL
Undergraduate education
BS in Biology and Psychology, Minor in neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, 2014
Professional/research interests
Health policy, especially Social Drivers of Health and disparities
Expected graduation date
May 2027
Why a Master of Public Affairs?
I’ve had an interest in health as long as I can remember. My passion for policy is more recent but just as strong as I realized that meaningful change occurs upstream and, for many health outcomes, that stems from policies created and then implemented.
Why the La Follette School?
Location predominantly – I’ve made Madison my home over the last 10 years and was thrilled to stay local with a renowned program just down the street. La Follette won me over during their admitted students’ day which already allowed me a chance to start forming new relationships. I love the focus on core skill development at a high-level right out of the gate with all the course work.
Wisconsin Idea
Surprisingly I had not encountered the Wisconsin Idea before coming to LFS. I appreciated how prominent the idea is and remember the introduction during admitted students’ day clearly. The Idea resonates throughout events, seminars, and messaging from staff. It’s challenging to engage in policy studies without getting personal at times, and the Wisconsin Idea’s core message keeps us respectful and open to dialogue while giving us the tools to support evidence-based measures.
La Follette School Student Association
I am currently LSSA’s second year Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator. I worked at a local food pantry during COVID and a big part of what keeps me in Madison is the amazing community. I love sharing that with my fellow students, we’re working to make sustainable ties to the city in and outside of the university and have attended volunteer functions as well as hosted offsite service opportunities to keep things accessible.
People would be surprised if they knew that I…
Am a first-generation undergrad and grad student!
Anything Else?
I live in Madison with my partner, Sage, who’s a public defender. We have two cats (Ivy and Ozy) and a dog (Ukie). I have spent a lot of the last 10 years working in healthcare IT and I decided to continue my current job while attending LFS. School and work keep me busy, but I still try to stay up on my two book clubs, playing games (video and board varieties), watching movies (shout out to the UW-Cinematheque for their free screenings!), and rec volleyball in the summer and bowling in the winter. My biggest bucket list item that I accomplished was traveling to all 7 continents.
Health Policy Eat & Greet
To highlight the La Follette School’s Eat & Greet networking series, we are featuring students with impressive careers in their respective fields. Michelle Kowaletti showcases a La Follette student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) programs seeking to influence health policy. The Health Policy Eat & Greet will take place on February 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Health Sciences Learning Center Atrium and is co-sponsored by the Master of Public Health Program.