Home: Austin, Texas
UT Dallas Degree: BA – Political Science, 2007
Profession: Attorney, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
I represent the state in civil action against regulated entities for violations of the state’s laws and rules concerning the environment.
J.D. – the University of Texas School of Law; M.A., communication studies – the University of Texas at Austin; prior to law school, staff assistant at the U.S. Senate.
Invaluable — an understanding of the interrelated and multijurisdictional aspects of state-level policy is essential to public service at any level. EPPS really enabled me to chart my own path.
The availability of world-class professors is unmatched. The faculty at UT Dallas is heavily invested in each individual student — a feat which would be impossible in a larger program. They want you to succeed, and they are there to help. Really, go talk to them!
Do not waste the opportunities available at UT Dallas. Apply for the various programs that exist to help you achieve your goals. Reach out to your professors early and consistently. Get involved with the school. Join a fraternity or sorority. Check out student government. Get involved with the pre-professional programs. Study abroad. Give back. If all you do is show up for classes and go home as soon as the lecture finishes, you will leave a lot of opportunities on the table. You get out of it what you put in.