Major: International Political Economy, B.S.
Expected Graduation Date: May 2023
Model United Nations: I’ve been involved with UTD Model United Nations (MUN) since my freshman year and served as its Vice President during my sophomore year. I love the vibrant community we’ve shaped through our practices and trips, and I appreciate the opportunity to practice my public speaking and collaborative writing skills through the club. Achievements: Awarded Outstanding Delegate (peer choice award) at NMUN-New York (Spring 2022 and Spring 2021) and NMUN-D.C. (Fall 2022). Awarded Best Position Paper at NWMUN-Portland (Spring 2023) and NMUN-D.C. (Fall 2019). Richardson Adult Literacy Center: I loved volunteering with the Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC) during the COVID pandemic and beyond! I’ve taught three English classes ranging from English Level Foundations to upper intermediate levels, and I’ve really enjoyed connecting with a part of the Richardson community that falls outside the UTD bubble. Bill Archer Program: I was a Fall 2021 Bill Archer Fellow, where I interned at The Aerospace Corporation and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. My internships and my coursework helped me gain a deeper understanding of the political and economic forces that shape policy formation and implementation. I am incredibly thankful that I got to know my cohort, many of whom I stayed in touch with after the experience. Kappa Alpha Theta: I became a member of Theta in Fall 2020 during the pandemic. It was a unique experience due to activities taking place online, but I’ve grown to deeply cherish the friends I’ve made through my involvement in Theta. It has also been exciting to participate in our fundraising efforts for CASA of Collin County — this year, we raised over $9k! Internships: NASA (Summer 2021 & Spring 2023), Center for Strategic and International Studies (Fall 2022) Study Abroad: I received full funding from the McDermott Program to spend the summer of 2022 in Costa Rica and the U.K. My studies at those programs (Spanish & Environmental Economics) inspired me to further connect my career goals with conservation and environmental justice.
I came into UTD as an “Undecided” major, which was the best decision I could have made. I decided to try a few IPE classes to learn more about the field, and I felt at home. It’s incredibly unique that UTD even offers an IPE degree at the undergraduate level, and as someone interested in the intersection of science, technology, and public policy, I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to take courses focused on those intersections.
Small class sizes, professors who care about mentorship, and project-based learning!
I will be spending the summer as a Brooke Owens Fellow working in technology consulting with BryceTech! After the summer, I plan to continue working in technology policy research, writing, or consulting in the D.C. area for a few years before applying to graduate school.
Be adventurous! Take classes that you are interested in even if they fall outside of your major. Work hard on your project-based assignments, since you never know if those assignments may turn into longer-term research or other opportunities! Get to know your professors and don’t be afraid to ask those you admire to be your mentors. Finally, consider developing skills in a niche subfield of your broader interests. You can do this by getting involved in volunteering and work experiences in the summer or during the long semesters! Focusing on space policy as a niche really helped me to narrow in on great opportunities and to stand out as an applicant. Now, I’m about to start a career that I didn’t even know existed when I started college!