phd public policy michigan

Department of Political Science College of Social Science

Phd program.

The Department of Political Science at Michigan State University considers graduate training to be one of its primary objectives. We invite you to learn more about our program by viewing the information provided on this website or by contacting us directly. We think that you will find our Ph.D. program to be one of the strongest in the nation.

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Fields of Study

Doctoral students in the Department of Political Science focus on one of five primary areas of study and one of six secondary areas of study:

American Politics

The American Politics field is focused on the system of government, political institutions, and political behavior in the United States. Our departmental strengths in this field include minority politics, judicial politics, campaigns and elections, and state and local politics.

Our faculty in American Politics include:

• Dr. Valentina Bali
• Dr. Ryan Black
• Dr. Matt Grossmann
• Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke
• Dr. Nazita Lajevardi
• Dr. Ian Ostrander
• Dr. Sarah Reckhow
• Dr. Erika Rosebrook
• Dr. Joshua Sapotichne
• Dr. Cory Smidt

Comparative Politics

The Comparative Politics field examines similarities and differences in political institutions, political behavior, and forms of government around the world. Our departmental strengths in this field include African politics, comparative political economy, authoritarian regimes, and political corruption.

Our faculty in Comparative Politics include:

• Dr. Cristina Bodea
• Dr. Ana Bracic
• Dr. Eric Chang
• Dr. Jeff Conroy-Krutz
• Dr. Erica Frantz
• Dr. Christian Houle
• Dr. Carolyn Logan
• Dr. Ani Sarkissian
• Dr. Michael Wahman

International Relations

The International Relations field is focused on interaction between countries, international law and institutions, and causes and consequences of conflict. Our departmental strengths in this field include the study of conflict, civil war, and international law.

Our faculty in International Relations include: 

• Dr. Andrew Kerner
• Dr. Mariana Medina
• Dr. Shahryar Minhas

Public Policy

The Public Policy field examines the processes of policy development and implementation, and the ways policy design can impact politics. Our departmental strengths in this field include education policy, state and local policy, and social welfare policy.

Our faculty in Public Policy include: 

• D r. Matt Grossmann
• Dr. John Kuk
• Dr. Josh Sapotichne

Political Philosophy

The Political Philosophy field explores democratic theory and political thought. Our strengths in this field include classical political philosophy and American political thought.

Our faculty in Political Philosophy include:

• Dr. Zachary Bennett

Research Methods

The Research Methods secondary field applies mathematical models and statistical methods to build and test theories and conduct empirical analysis. Our strengths in this field include text analysis, multilevel models, social networks, and Bayesian statistics.

 Our faculty in Research Methods include: 

• Dr. Andrew Halterman

Our PhD Program Contacts

Dr. Ian Ostrander serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Department of Political Science. Sarah Krause is the Graduate Program Assistant for Political Science.

Ian Ostrander

Graduate Director [email protected]

Sarah Krause

Graduate Program Assistant [email protected]

Programs & Courses

Situated in one of America's great public universities, the Ford School is large enough to satisfy diverse intellectual and policy interests—and small enough to offer a warm, supportive, inclusive educational community. The Ford School is a nationally recognized leader in quantitative policy analysis, political and ethical analysis, social policy, communication, and leadership. All coursework reflects our deep commitment to public service and policy engagement.

Explore our programs

Master of public policy (mpp), master of public affairs (mpa), dual master's degrees with other u-m schools, science, technology, and public policy certificate, predoctoral program in policy, joint phd programs, undergraduate, major in public policy, minor in public policy, ppia junior summer institute.

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My inspiration came from working and studying every day with top minds, people who helped refine my thinking and direction all the while providing me with a deep toolbox of skills that I still use every day."

Sean Jones (MPP '00)

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Environmental and Energy Policy—PhD

"Part of why I love Michigan Tech is because I have a family here. My friends are my family and they are from all over the world. You can feel the love and community here and that is significant." Learn more about Mayra on Humans of Tech

The PhD program in Environmental and Energy Policy provides opportunities for conducting interdisciplinary research in support of sustainable and equitable development. Students' research contribute to environmental goals such as facilitating the transition to sustainable energy systems, effectively managing the world's scarce water and other natural resources and protecting the ecosystem services upon which we all depend. The opportunities for research exist at many scales, from projects involving local watersheds and urban recycling programs, to global supply chains and international treaties.

More specifically, the doctoral degree program trains students to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge, interdisciplinary tools and approaches into research that supports societal decisions involving environmental and energy policy goals and programs. Coursework exposes students to multidisciplinary approaches: sociology, geography, anthropology, political science, law, history, ecological economics, sustainability science, and ecology—all framed within the context of policy analysis and sustainable development.

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Funding and Research

Students in the PhD program can receive up to three years of funding via assistantships that cover the costs of tuition and provide a stipend. Students are actively involved in a wide array of research projects on topics such as energy transitions , household resource consumption , water resources governance , and food justice. Program faculty have expertise across issues of energy systems, forest resources, food sovereignty, among other environmental issues, particularly the social, legal, and political contexts influencing resource governance and access.

"I did my PhD in Environmental and Energy Policy (EEP) and am currently a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin. My doctoral research focused on sustainable energy transitions in Mexico and the United States. The project I am working on now is involves developing a framework for achieving environmental sustainable development Goals in Ireland. The interdisciplinary training I received during my doctoral education has been immensely helpful to me for exploring and adapting to new areas of research easily. I found the EEP program very versatile; it helped me look at the big global picture of environmental and energy issues of our time by exploring the interconnected local problems. Also, the courses are writing and reading intensive, which is excellent training to build up a significant publication record. Finally, the faculty members take an interest in helping students find their path even long after they graduate. I was the first student to enroll in the new EEP PhD program, and I am so glad that I chose the program." Aparajita Banerjee, EEP PhD graduate

Career Pathways

The doctoral degree program prepares students to conduct research in support of environmental energy and environmental policy making, implementation, and enforcement. Potential areas of employment include universities, government agencies, industry and consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.

Universities

The academic path makes most sense for graduates who seek to join an interdisciplinary department or research center focused on environmental or energy policy. A potential step along this path is a postdoctoral research position focused in an area of expertise.

The public sector recognizes the need for researchers and environmental managers with broad interdisciplinary training in policy processes and the social or natural sciences. For example, federal regulatory agencies and international environmental organizations often require professionals capable of conducting and assessing research in areas relevant to environmental and energy policy. State agencies, such as those responsible for managing environmental quality and the use of natural resources, are also potential employers.

Industry and Consulting Firms

Private-sector employment opportunities are typically in policy-related positions of consulting firms and industry trade groups. Industrial firms often require professionals capable of conducting and evaluating research and participating in regulatory hearings, policy-related conferences, and public meetings. Consulting firms, which work with large companies on a project basis, also need professionals with the same skillset.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations often employ specialists in environmental and energy policy. In their role as lobbyists, watchdog organizations, think tanks, and public education organizations, nonprofits often mediate between large questions of public policy and the environmental concerns of everyday citizens.

Progressing Through the Program

To be considered for the PhD program in Environmental and Energy Policy, a prospective student must:

• hold a MS degree in a field related to social sciences, public policy, or the environment, and
• have completed at least one microeconomics course, one statistics course, and one course in environmental science, and
• have a commitment from a faculty advisor who has agreed to mentor the applicant.

Once admitted to the PhD program, a student is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Complete 30 credits of coursework. Plan your curriculum .
• Identify a research advisory committee chair (an advisor) by the end of the second semester in residence. Together with the committee chair, students construct an advisory committee including at least one faculty member from outside the Department.
• Pass a written and oral qualifying examination. Following the completion of all coursework, students complete their qualifying examination to demonstrate competency in three selected subfields within environmental and energy policy and within the subject area of their dissertation. Qualifying exams are usually scheduled early in the third year of study in the PhD; however, the examination can be held sooner for an advanced student.
• Pass an oral and written research proposal examination before proceeding to dissertation research; students are expected to prepare a written research proposal, present it in a public forum, and defend it in a meeting with their advisory committee.
• Conduct significant research supporting some aspect of a societal or organizational choice related to an environmental or energy policy/program and write and defend a dissertation as a final product.

Degree Requirements

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

• Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
• Pass Qualifying Examination
• Pass Research Proposal Examination
• Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
• Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the  Doctor of Philosophy Requirements  website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

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As a Business and Economics PhD student, you’ll examine a broad range of economic issues, providing critical insights into all aspects of business and public policy. In this joint doctoral program with the Department of Economics at the University of Michigan, you can leverage the strengths of two top-ranked programs and explore the research topics that matter to you. Develop your teaching and research skills, mentored by world-renowned faculty, as you prepare for tenure-track positions at leading academic institutions. 

Throughout the five-year program, you will prepare for academic positions at top business schools through rigorous coursework, research papers, and field examinations. 

Business and economics coursework applies the rigor of economic logic to understand consumer behavior, firm strategy and the impact of public policies on individuals, organizations, and social welfare. Economics research provides critical insights into all aspects of business and public policy. 

You will devote the first two years of the program to meeting core and secondary requirements. 

Core requirements include: 

• Microeconomic theory (4 courses of 1.5 credits each, and a preliminary exam in the summer of the first year) 
• Macroeconomic theory (2 courses of 3 credits each, and a preliminary exam in the summer of the first year) 
• Methods (math for economists and 3 econometrics courses of 3 credits each) 

Secondary requirements include: 

• BE seminars (5 courses of 1.5 credits each, with a B+-average grade requirement) 
• A field of economics, such as industrial organization, international economics, or labor economics (2 courses, plus a field exam in the summer of the second year) 
• Additional courses as necessary   

You will complete an empirical research project by the end of your third year. 

You are expected to fulfill core and secondary requirements, including micro and macro preliminaries, and a field exam in one chosen field by the end of the summer of your second year to pass into candidacy. The remainder of the program is devoted to the dissertation.

World-renowned faculty will become your mentors, providing support in your research and throughout your career. Faculty in the Business Economics and Public Policy are experts in a wide range of research topics including: economic organization and contracting, antitrust, regulation, energy, environmental policy and sustainability, international trade and finance, developing economies, entrepreneurship, taxation, and healthcare. 

Learn more about the faculty and research contributions of the business and economics area at Michigan Ross.

Emir Murathanoglu, 2024  Oberlin College

Aaron Kaye, 2024 BU Questrom

Jaedo Choi, 2022 Federal Reserve Board of Governors

Paul Organ, 2022 ​Office of Tax Analysis

Giacomo Meille, 2021 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Frank Li, 2020 Stanford University Post-doc

Jordan Rhodes, 2020 Federal Trade Commission

Yulia Chhabra, 2019

Yue Fang, 2019 Zhejiang University

Dan Zhao, 2019 Post-doc, Washington University in St. Louis

Jin Woo Chang, 2018   Mercer

Xu Zhang, 2018 London Business School

Danial Asmat, 2015 Economic Analysis Group at the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice

Michael Olabisi, 2015 Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business

Current PhD students, the next generation of scholars preparing to solve the complex issues facing business and economics. 

Mingxuan Spencer   [email protected]

Yuqing Gu    [email protected]

Nicolas Torres Franco   [email protected]

Ryan Fraser   [email protected]

Rex Hsieh   [email protected]

Jeongwon Jang   [email protected]

Manasi Kutwal   [email protected]

William Mandelkorn   [email protected]

Yiman Ren   [email protected]

Candice Wei Wang   [email protected]

Zhihan (Helen) Wang   [email protected]

Zheng Zhong   [email protected]

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Business Economics

The Joint PhD degree in Business and Economics is an interdisciplinary degree with the Ross School of Business . Students in the program complete the required courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, statistics and econometrics along with specialized courses in business economics.  The program provides a comprehensive perspective on microeconomics and its application to issues pertaining to the conduct and performance of business in the US and around the world. For more about the program, please visit the full website here .

Public Policy & Economics

The Joint PhD Program in Economics and Public Policy is a collaborative effort between the University of Michigan's departments of Economics and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy . Analogous to the joint degree with business, students in the program complete the required courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, statistics and econometrics. In addition to these courses, first and second year students attend a biweekly seminar series that is intended to introduce students to applied policy research early in their doctoral career. Joint students will select public policy as their second field of specialization. For more about the joint degree in Public Policy, please visit the full website here .

Individually Interdependent Degree Program (IIDP)

In addition to the established dual degrees mentioned above, students have the option of creating an Individually Interdepartmental Degree program (IIDP), also known as the Student Initiated Degree Program (SIDP), with other programs at the University of Michigan. For information about this option, please see the Rackham Website. Please also view our Economics IIDP Policy Guide Sheet for departmental requirements.

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Doctoral Degree Programs in Public Health

Research, education, impact.

In doctoral degree programs at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, students hone their research and teaching skills as they develop the newest knowledge and discover solutions to public health issues across the field in collaboration with world-class faculty at a leading research university.

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For more information about the doctoral admissions process, email our Recruitment and Admissions team at [email protected] or reach out to the department program coordinator to learn more."

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Education Policy Ph.D.

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The Michigan State University doctoral program in Education Policy prepares students to conduct research on current and enduring issues, and to connect with policymakers and educational professionals. The program was created by faculty members from multiple disciplines who shared a vision: that policy should be created with stakeholders through research that takes into account the real needs of teachers, administrators, students, families, and communities.

The Spartan difference

The Education Policy Ph.D. program at MSU is ranked in the nation’s top-10 and housed in one of the top schools of education. Students work closely with faculty who are leaders in their fields of expertise, and take classes in departments across the university that meet their interests. Students are encouraged to begin independent research as soon as their first year.

Opportunities to connect research to practice are abundant, from partnerships with state and local agencies to collaborative research projects around the globe. Wherever they work, MSU scholars share a particular commitment to meet the educational needs of historically disadvantaged and underserved students.

STUDENTS IN EACH COHORT

ACCEPTANCE RATE TO EDUCATION POLICY PH.D. PROGRAM

RANK ACCORDING TO 2024  U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

AREA COST OF LIVING BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

Benefits to our location

Michigan State University is located only minutes from the state Capitol and access to policymakers, the state Department of Education, and leading educational organizations centered in Lansing. Michigan represents a microcosm of U.S. education, with urban centers, remote rural districts, and wealthy suburbs. The MSU College of Education community includes offices and centers that create opportunities to conduct and disseminate education policy research, such as the  Education Policy Innovation Collaborative  (EPIC) and the  Office of K-12 Outreach .

Concentration Areas

ECONOMICS AND FINANCE OF EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL POLITICS, URBAN EDUCATION AND POLICY ANALYSIS

SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF EDUCATION POLICY AND EDUCATIONAL REFORM

POLICY FOR TEACHING AND TEACHER EDUCATION

ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

COMPARATIVE AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION POLICY

Policy students may design an individual program of study that suits their specific scholarly and professional interests. These are the possible concentrations within the policy major.

Core values

1. A personalized approach to student growth and development 2. A commitment to a mission of service 3. Dedication to a well-rounded, cutting-edge approach to research 4. Guaranteed financial support throughout five years 5. Faculty at the forefront of research in their area of expertise

I was drawn to the program by the faculty and the projects they were doing. They do research in schools. And it was a good mix of people doing the research—qualitative and quantitative. DAVID REID Education Policy Ph.D. alumnus

Beyond our borders

A strength of Michigan State’s College of Education is its commitment to international work. Faculty and students are involved in policy-related research in countries in Africa, as well as in China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand and more.

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Graduate certificate

With an STPP certificate, you will be prepared to participate in the politics and policy of science and technology and conduct policy analysis through thinktanks, industry, or academia. It will prepare you for a wide range of possible careers  where you can influence science and technology policy. 

Created in 2006, the STPP's graduate certificate program trains a diverse group of students to understand the complex and interconnected public policy issues around science and technology, and effectively use scientific and technical knowledge to inform public policy processes for societal benefit. 

We welcome master's or doctoral students from any field—including the natural and physical sciences, engineering, public policy, public health, law, information, and environmental studies. No background in science or in policy is required. 

A diverse disciplinary experience

Small community feel, big learning opportunity

Open to all graduate students

In 12 credit hours of course work (two core courses and two electives), students learn about the political and policy landscape for science and technology policy, tools to analyze science and technology policies, methods to develop and govern science, technology, and related policies to be more equitable and just, strategies to communicate technical ideas to a broad audience, and; the dynamics of specific science and technology areas, including biotechnology, information and communication technology, energy policy, and more.  

In addition to coursework, STPP students have access to specialized academic and career advising, networking opportunities with experts in the field, career development grants, and membership in the InSPIRE student group. 

In and out of the classroom

Stephanie Sandoval-Pistorius

I see working in science policy as a means of having a direct, and far-reaching impact on the world. The STPP program is therefore not extraneous to my current career, it is essential.

Ben Isaacoff

Stpp required classes and electives, frequently asked questions, learn more about stpp and how to apply.

Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management

Advance your research career with the evans ph.d..

Are you interested in using sophisticated research methods and an interdisciplinary perspective to study society’s most significan t challenges ? Do you want to use data and evidence to improve policy decisions and the management of public organizations to improve the life of individuals and communities ?

Policy and management research examines:

• the effects of laws and regulations on people, communities, and organizations;
• processes for creating equitable and inclusive democratic governance;
• management of multi-sectoral (government, nonprofit, and private) partnerships, and;
• equitable provision of public goods and services.

The Evans School Ph.D. program is a rigorous and supportive educational experience for those interested in pursuing applied research careers in academic, government, and nonprofit organizations. We train sophisticated analysts and scholars with a deep understanding of the institutional, historical, normative, and economic factors shaping policy design, implementation, and evaluation.

You can also pursue a credentialed degree option in Data Science or Advanced Data Science through the eScience Institute as part of your Ph.D. training.

The Evans Ph.D. Advantage

• The Evans Ph.D. program is in a top-ranked school of public affairs within a preeminent university. The Evans School— top 10 among public affairs schools in the U.S.— promotes values of equity, service and courage by educating leaders, generating knowledge, and hosting communities. We have a diverse body of students from around the world who bring interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Washington— #7 among global universities —is a vibrant, diverse public university committed to education and scientific knowledge.   
• The Evans Ph.D. trains students to be leaders in public policy and management research. The core curriculum provides a foundation in microeconomics, statistics, institutional and public administration theories, policy making processes, and more. Students then work closely with faculty advisors to select electives that provide depth in policy fields, methods, and theories of their choosing.   
• The Evans Ph.D. offers all students secure funding. We admit a small cohort of 4-5 new students each year. Each admitted student is offered a five-year financial support package—including tuition, stipend, and health insurance—through part-time employment as a research or teaching assistant. We also offer travel support for professional conferences.   
• The Evans Ph.D. provides team mentoring from world renown scholars of policy and management. Students are assigned a primary advisor but encouraged to develop advising and mentoring relationships with multiple faculty members at the Evans School and across the University of Washington. The Evans School faculty includes highly-regarded scholars of social, environmental, and criminal justice policy, budgeting and contracting, leadership and equity, and international development.  

Master Advanced Skills

At the Evans School, doctoral students acquire a broad and deep set of skills essential to understanding policy and management, including:  

• advanced data, methods, and data science techniques through classes at the Evans School, the   Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology , the Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences, and the Paul G Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering,  
• depth in an area of specialization chosen by the student from offerings anywhere on campus, including top-ranked programs in education, computer science, public health, social work, and sociology,   
• teaching experience as teaching assistants or instructors of record, and  
• professional and career development skills, including networking, publishing, grant writing, and conference presentations.  
• pursue a credentialed degree option in Data Science or Advanced Data Science through the eScience Institute as part of your Ph.D. training.

Evans Ph.D. students also have the option to pursue UW graduate certificates in over 50 topics and benefit from additional training through UW research initiatives including the eScience Institute , Ocean Nexus , the Population Health Initiative , Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , and the Program on Climate Change .  

Conduct High Impact Research

Starting in the first year of the program, Evans Ph.D. students work closely with internationally recognized faculty to research pressing policy and management topics, including:   

• economic benefits of empowering women in agriculture  
• managing risk from simultaneous wildfires
• economic impacts of the Seattle Minimum Wage Ordinance
• perceptions of earthquake risks and disaster prevention
• decision-making in US philanthropies
• collaborative governance of natural resources

Before graduating, Evans Ph.D. students publish in academic and popular media outlets, such as: Housing Policy Debate (Fowle), Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory (Scott, Tyler), Journal of Environmental Management (Hsueh), The Conversation (Finchum-Mason, Freitag), and The Washington Post (Sederbaum).  

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Our graduates hold positions as:  

• academic faculty, teaching and conducting research in departments of public policy, public administration, political science, environmental science and policy, and business administration at Arizona State University, KDI School of Public Policy, Pennsylvania State University , University of California, Davis , and University of Michigan
• government analysts at the US Government Accounting Office , the Oregon Department of Revenue , and the San Francisco Unified School District
• researchers at contract research and advocacy organizations, including MDRC, Oxfam , and The Nature Conservancy

Where Our Graduates Go

Assistant Professor

School of Public Policy, Pennsylvania State University

Social Scientist

The Nature Conservancy

Department of Public Administration and Policy, University of Georgia

Analyst, Health Care

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Research Associate

Postdoctoral Fellow

International Forest Resources and Institutions Group, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

Evaluation Advisor

Oxfam International

Tax Economist

Oregon Department of Revenue

School of Public Affairs, Arizona State University

Senior Research Fellow

Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP)

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Center for IPE student spotlight: Amani Abuelenain, University of Michigan School of Public Health

The Center for Interprofessional Education (C-IPE) works with undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all ten health science schools across the University of Michigan. Get to know the remarkable students who are learning to work in interprofessional teams while earning their Michigan degree.

Amani Abuelenain (she/her) is earning a M.P.H. in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She recently completed a summer internship with the Center for IPE, where she was able to develop her passion for multidisciplinary teamwork and gain experience in developing curriculum, operational work and relationship building. Learn how Amani’s experience is helping her grow her skills in health administration.

What drew you to your field of study?  

During the semester that COVID-19 shut down universities, I was in a public health class where I was introduced to the fundamentals of population level health and the professor held my attention by teaching us information as if they were stories. Throughout the class, she continued to remind us that “We know public health is working when no one knows what it is” and COVID-19 taught me that lesson rather quickly. Those years emphasized the importance of prevention work, especially in relation to addressing health disparities. This was a space where I could see myself contributing to work that would directly impact my community.

Why did you decide to attend the University of Michigan?

The most fundamental reason that attracted me to attending the University of Michigan was for the welcoming network I would gain. Every person that I had connected with prior to attending the school provided me with a great deal of guidance and encouragement. 

Please describe your involvement in the Center for IPE . 

I recently completed a summer administrative internship for the C-IPE and have had the privilege of contributing to several projects. The projects have enabled me to refine my skills in several areas including developing curriculum, operational work and relationship building. The breadth of work confirmed my initial excitement for the chance to work for such a center. My passion for multidisciplinary teamwork within public health aligned perfectly with the mission of the C-IPE and I have been able to develop my experience in relation to interprofessional education and teamwork.

Why is interprofessional education important to you?

I have experience in several sectors where I have been able to engage in interdisciplinary work and develop my passion for cohesive efforts and collaboration. While every team I have been a part of has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional skills, there was a consistent gap that became evident to me. While many teams were working well together and attempting to comprehensively address solutions from a variety of backgrounds, it was clear that there failed to be a prioritization of training for navigating interdisciplinary spaces. It is a point that was also evident to me through my education on health systems. Therefore, by encouraging the implementation of interprofessional education, individuals can adopt the interprofessional skills necessary to produce effective teamwork and fundamental changes in the health care system.

How have you grown since becoming involved with the Center for IPE?  

My time at the Center for IPE has taught me how to better understand the responses and behaviors of individuals, especially during moments of high stress. Through the tools implemented by the team, I have been learning how to identify when individuals are exhibiting behaviors that indicate they are experiencing stressful moments and how to become a source of support and compassion during such times. These tools continue to shape how I am developing my approach to such situations. Furthermore, the opportunity I have had to contribute to a number of projects has enabled me to professionally develop in several areas. 

What do you want your fellow students to know about IPE?  

I want students to know that there is a space for everyone in IPE. Certain individuals may wonder where they can fit in a space that is traditionally clinical-centered. However, the intention of IPE is to join the forces of all areas of expertise, ranging from public health and social work to medicine and nursing. It is a space where I found a need for the voices of future health administrators and where we can learn to foster better relationships with those enacting the clinical work. Therefore, I encourage everyone to identify how they can contribute to such endeavors as all efforts are vital in promoting effective teamwork and improvement of population level health outcomes.

Who or what has inspired you on your educational journey?

First and foremost, my educational journey has been inspired by my family. They have provided me with the support, encouragement and guidance that has continued to empower me to pursue a career in public health. My community is another fundamental motivation for my fierce belief and championing the importance of prevention and public health. Within my community, there is a sense of mistrust in the health system and the presence of health disparities. Therefore, I continue to pursue public health with the hope of acting as a bridge  between my community and the resources that can help them to achieve improved health outcomes and build trust. 

What is your ultimate career goal after graduation?

My ultimate career goal is to advance within health administration, where I can continue to champion the improvement of interprofessional teamwork and implement everything I have learned from my time at C-IPE. I am hopeful that I will be able to fundamentally impact the landscape of the health system to improve coordination. I am open to different types of positions that I will take on during my journey, but I hope to continue to contribute to work that directly aligns with my personal mission and benefits my community. 

What do you like to do for fun outside of school?

I enjoy being outside going biking or on a walk. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and two cats. 

What is your favorite spot on campus or place in Ann Arbor?  

My favorite spot on campus is the Arb. It is beautiful and provides a scenic view if you choose to walk through it. While I was always close to it during my first year at SPH, my first time walking through was with the C-IPE team where we saw the peonies.

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