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
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.