Hometown: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Current Program: Urban Education Policy, M.A. 

Undergraduate Institution: New York University

Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in English and American Literature

What drew you to the UEP program at Brown?

I knew Brown would give me the chance to work with a small cohort of brilliant students from all different backgrounds. At a prospective student event, I was struck by the genuine stories of alumni who had a tight-knit bond with peers and, because of this, learned more than they may have in a larger program. In addition, I wanted a program that emphasizes disrupting “business as usual” systems and making real change through hard work and fearlessness. For me, it was not a difficult decision to make because my voice already felt welcomed by the faculty, particularly Dr. Kenneth Wong. 

What are you most excited to learn about this year? Why?

This program has already given me enthusiasm to push myself towards quantitative academic opportunities which I would have never expected myself to try a year ago. For example, I am currently taking a fantastic epidemiology course led by Dr. Mark Lurie in the School of Public Health which, so far, has broadened the scope of my public policy knowledge, especially when thinking about transient populations. At my internship, I am excited to learn more about research methods in action and how to work on a team that is focused on conducting practical research that will spark political change.

Where is your internship placement and what are you working on?

I am excited to hone my skills in qualitative and quantitative research through my internship with Research For Action, a nonprofit in Philadelphia. I am lucky to be working under the supervision of an expert in promise programs, researching how to make higher education more accessible. Our team will specifically be researching the impact of Dallas County Promise, a program aimed at helping students in Dallas County, especially those who are low-income and/or undocumented, find success in enrolling in and attending local colleges. 

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I am hoping to take next steps to learn more about real estate policy and how it impacts education. This may be in the form of a research position at a nonprofit, government work, or a doctoral program. We will see! 

I am most passionate about…

Gentrification and its impact on education. Not only is this an issue that is personal to me, but I am absolutely fascinated by stories of migration, real estate policy, and how education systems are impacted by transient populations. 

What is your go to activity to stay sane during these tough times? What has been your favorite quarantine activity?

I love painting while watching TV with my mom and her dog, Pandy! 

— interview by Janelle Haire UEP'21