Current Student
Caitlin Tedesco
1st Year MPP Student
Please describe your background?
I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in international affairs and political science. I studied abroad for a semester in 2010 in Uganda and Rwanda to conduct research in regards to the long-term government and policy impacts the LRA's fighting in Northern Uganda had on Uganda and the impact the genocide had in Rwanda. Following graduation, I began working for the State of Colorado in the Governor's Legislative Affairs office conducting research and analysis. I am currently a registered lobbyist for a private Colorado lobbying firm. We have an array of issues we focus on but my personal focus has been on Colorado's implementation of the Affordable Care Act and statewide education reform.
What brought you to DU?
I was attracted to the University of Denver by the professors and the future possibilities the University of Denver had to offer that other programs could not.
What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I would like to have expanded into a purely policy analysis position without the lobbying aspect. I also plan to further my education at some point either obtaining my PhD to teach or my law degree.
Current Student
Hilary Dempsey
1st Year MPP Student
What brought you to DU?
I liked the MPP program description and its curriculum. I was particularly fond of the class size, as well as having a former governor as a co-director for the program. I thought that brought a very unique and applicable perspective to the issues we would be studying. I enjoy being outdoors and living in a city that has more diversity than the Midwest.
Why did you choose public policy?
I chose public policy because I think it allows me to make significant changes in areas in which I have an interest. I felt that the public policy route, versus something like public administration or political science, focuses specifically on policy rather than government or history. I like the idea of being equipped with the knowledge and tools to really make a difference.
What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I would love to work for a government agency or an organization promoting education or advocating other social causes. I would enjoy a research position, advocacy, campaign work, and policy analysis.
Current Student
Ariel Bravo
1st Year, Master of Public Policy
Background Information:
I am a Colorado native, and did my undergrad at DU in Political Science and Public Policy.
What brought you to DU and/or Denver?
The reputation of DU is why I chose to go to school here.
Tell us about some of the classes you've enjoyed or topics that you are interested in:
The class that I enjoyed most was The City and Public Policy, because it is a topic that I knew very little about. However, my interest is in economic policy and, due to the course, I am now taking Intelligence and National Security classes.
Why did you choose public policy?
I chose public policy because I felt that I could make a difference in the policy world. I love every topic in public policy and know that I will enjoy whatever career I embark on after graduation.
What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I would like to work for the Department of State in economic policy or national security.
Current Student
Sarah Gathright
2nd Year, Master of Public Policy
What is your professional background?
I've worked in public health at Mission Neighborhood Health Center in San Francisco and the Rocky Mountain Preventive Research Center and extensively in publishing.
Why did you choose public policy?
Entering an MPP program may seem an unlikely next step after working in public health and publishing, but it actually enhances my previous experience in a way I find very satisfying. I wanted to combine the skills and interests I already have with a professional skill set that would lead me to a new and rewarding career.
What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I want to work for a government agency or NGO or foundation, probably in health policy.
Current Student
1st Year, Master of Public Policy
Please describe your background
I attended a small charter school in Denver. I spent the first year of my undergraduate at The King's College in New York City, and transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder my sophomore year. I graduated from CU in 2010 with a degree in Political Science. I have interned at the Boulder County Juvenile Justice Center, and worked as a legal assistant and office manager at a law firm in Denver. Currently, I am employed full-time at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
What brought you to DU and/or Denver?
I wanted to pursue an advanced degree in the city I call home. I liked that the Public Policy program was small, and worked around the schedules of full-time working adults.
Why did you choose public policy?
When I graduated with a degree in Political Science, I knew that my educational pursuits were not complete. I wanted an advanced degree that would propel me into a successful career. I believe the public policy degree will be a great supplement to my BA in Political Science, and will make me more marketable to future employers.
MPP Candidate 2014
What brought you to DU and/or Denver?
In 2010,I attended a forum given by Mr. Zhao who is a professor in Josef Korbel School , I was so interested that I started to know about Denver University. I made my final decision not only because the reputation, course arrangement but also IPPS sent me my first offer when I was in a long and hard waiting time. I appreciate that and I believe I made the right choice!
Tell us about some of the classes you've enjoyed or topics that you're interested in.
My interests are environmental policy and NGO studies. I enjoy the course "Analytical and Critical Skills" the best. The professor inspired students to always doubt and to think from a different prospective. I gradually start looking the world more critically and objectively.
Current Student
Michael Thomas
1st Year, Master of Public Policy
Background Information:
Although I grew up in Colorado I attended an American University in Lugano, Switzerland. There I served as the President of the Student Government as well as led various clubs and organizations. I have a strong international background and really appreciate a diverse academic cohort.
What brought you to DU and/or Denver?
The main reason for me going to DU was my desire to be back in Colorado. Also, the school has one of the best reputations in the Western US. I saw the program and it sounded really interesting and perfect for the skills I wanted to obtain.
Tell us about some of the classes you've enjoyed or topics that you're interested in
I enjoyed the Great Issues Forum. The focus on the fiscal problems of the US and world are going to be some of the most daunting and it is nice to learn about it right in the first semester.
Why did you choose public policy?
I wanted a better understanding of how legislation and how policies were made so when I work in government I know it a little better.
What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I would really enjoy military policy, perhaps working for NATO or working for the state department.
Is there any particular class you are excited to take?
Oddly, I am excited to take Quantitative Analysis. Even though I know it will kill me it is a skill that is invaluable to policy minded people.
Current Student
Jin Tsuchiya
1st Year, Master of Public Policy
Background Information:
I am a Chicago native, and obtained my Bachelor of Arts in History from Saint Louis University. My professional background includes numerous political campaigns, community organizing initiatives and advocacy work in Illinois, Missouri and Colorado. The bulk of this work has centered on environmental policy, labor rights and state-based health care advocacy initiatives.
What brought you to DU and/or Denver?
Initially, I made my way to Denver for a political position in 2008, but I enjoyed the city and state so much that I decided to stay.
Tell us about some of the classes you've enjoyed or topics that you're interested
Thus far, I have enjoyed the historical perspective on The New Deal, as well as the role of the media in shaping the public's opinions. However, I am most looking forward to analyzing the effects of regulatory policy throughout our modern history.
Why did you choose public policy?
In my opinion, public policy is advanced politics. It goes beyond seven-second sound bites and partisan maneuvering. I am more interested in analyzing the true impacts of societal shifts and the implementation of ideas in order to shape better policy at any level of our American system of governance.
What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I would like to move back into the non-profit sector, working on policy solutions and legislation most pertinent to my areas of interest.
Is there any particular class you are excited to take?
Within IPPS, Regulatory Policy and Process with Professor Fusfeld. As electives, there are a few courses within Korbel's program I am excited to take, as well.
Current Student
Claudia Artiles
1st Year MPP Student and Dual Degree MA International Studies
Background Information: I was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States as a child. I was raised in Miami, Florida and graduated from the Florida State University with a BA in Psychology and International Affairs.
Tell us about some of the classes you've enjoyed or topics that you're interested
in
I'm largely interested in migration, mainly the economics of immigration, migrants'
roles in labor markets, remittance flows and their role in development, forced migration,
refugee protection and resettlement services, and U.S. immigration law and policy.
I'm also interested in foreign aid policy, interagency coordination of humanitarian
assistance, and disaster management.
What projects/internships are you involved in?
I recently concluded an internship with the Refugee and Asylee Programs of Lutheran
Family Services of Colorado, where I worked on refugee women's health and domestic
violence within the refugee population. Since then, I've embarked on an independent
study project with Professor Van Arsdale exploring the U.S. asylum process for LGBTI
individuals seeking refuge from orientation-based persecution in their country of
origin. I'm also currently a Program Assistant for the Humanitarian Assistance Program
at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies.
Fun Fact about Claudia
Claudia knows sign language. She initially took sign language in high school and was later able to use it frequently in real life.
