Connect with Our Students

Harris Ambassadors and Graduate Assistants area group of students who are available to share their perspective and experiences at Harris Public Policy. They are representative of the Harris student body and passionate about their areas of study as well as their experience at Harris. Whether you have questions about the classroom experience, moving to Chicago, or their policy interests, our students are here to help!

Please note, responses will be delayed during the summer, as many of our students are working and traveling.

Connect with a current student on the phone or online.

Elliot Certain, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA

Interests include: Social Policy, LGBTQIA+ Rights & Protections, Municipal Government

Howdy! I'm a Tennessean at heart, but I'm so excited to be living and working in Chicago. Before Harris, I was working in my home state legislature working to help pass protective legislation for the LGBTQIA+ community, sexual assault survivors, and undocumented immigrants. Also during this time, I was earning my Bachelor of Social Work degree at Middle Tennessee State University, where I wrote my thesis on the relationship between LGBTQIA+ students in my district and state level anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. I chose to pursue my MPP with the hope that I can return to Tennessee and work to make it a safer place for LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals.

Will Chang, MBA/MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Shanghai

Interests include: Finance and Economic Policy, International Development and Policy, Political Economy, Politics and the Policymaking Process

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Philosophy and Ethics, History, and Public Policy (EHPP), I started my career in venture capital and private equity. Facing policy constraints in my work, I volunteered my industry insights to legislators and later transitioned to advise on finance and economic policy in the government, focusing my efforts on dismantling restrictive legacy policies and enacting progressive policies to inspire public-private partnerships. Having grown up in international cities ranging from Shanghai to Singapore, and Taipei to Tokyo, to name a few, and spending time in both the U.S. and U.K., I am always looking to expand my worldview. I am excited to explore ways to create sustainable change for the global community through the MBA/MPP joint program.

Tina Dou, MSCAPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Beijing, China

Interests include: Cultural Policy, Education Policy, Global Conflict, International Development and Policy, Program Evaluation and Methods of Policy Analysis

I graduated with a BA in Global Studies from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, just two hours down south of Chicago. I am passionate about combining my knowledge in Computer Science and my background in Global Studies. I am excited to meet new people! In my free time I like to play tennis, soccer and frisbee, and learning new languages!

Alonso Gutierrez Olivares, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Interests include: International Development and Policy, Social Policy and Inequality

I earned my BA in Sociology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Before my graduate studies, I worked as an Associate Research Manager at Innovations for Poverty Action's (IPA) Mexico office, where I participated in designing and implementing research studies and evaluations on education, security, and justice interventions. I chose Harris' MPP program because its methodological rigor, emphasis on quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary approach offer an opportunity to develop the skills to make an impact through evidence-based policies.

Mike Hernández, MPP/MDiv Class of 2026

Hometown: Stamford, CT, USA

Interests include: Urban Studies, Religion

I am an MPP/MDiv candidate at the University of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a dual degree in Political Science and Economics in the Honors Program, with minors in English and Urban and Community Studies. I served as the Student Body President and Vice-President of the Connecticut Young Democrats and a regular contributor to the Undergraduate Political Review, the Business Review and the student newspaper. Off-campus, I have worked on various political campaigns, the U.S. Census, the Stamford Housing Affordability Study, and the historic Afford to Dream Act. My interests in public policy include housing and urban development as well as promoting civic engagement at the municipal level, which are reflected in my honors thesis. After UChicago, I hope to attend law school and enter public service in my hometown.

Zachary Johnigan, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Interests include: Environment Policy

My multifaceted experience in student government, community leadership, and environmental advocacy positions me as a dynamic team member, capable of driving innovation and fostering collaboration. Through legislative achievements, impactful community service, and academic excellence, I bring a comprehensive skill set, unwavering passion, and steadfast dedication to every project and team I engage with. These skills, coupled with my passion for service will make me an invaluable asset to any team.

Lexie Lehmann, MPP/MBA Class of 2027

Hometown: Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA

Interests include: Urban/economic development policy, tech policy, US global competitiveness

Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, after graduating from Columbia University. In Alabama, I worked with an education/workforce development non-profit called Ed Farm and a contract pharmaceutical research organization called Southern Research. In these roles, I explored how social, financial, civic, and physical infrastructure enables, but more often restricts, innovation and economic growth in areas of the US outside of coastal hubs like New York and San Francisco. The fact that over 80% of venture capital in the US is invested in only ten metropolitan areas is concerning to me--and it has significant implications for job creation and economic opportunity across the country. So, I came to UChicago to strengthen my quantitative policy skills and learn business fundamentals as a joint degree MPP/MBA student. I am also a Civic Scholar at Booth and plan to return to the non-profit or government sector after graduation.

María Manjarrez, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Interests include: Gender-based violence, poverty, social inequalities

Proudly Mexican, driven by the desire to achieve social justice and equality, I gained a bachelor’s degree in international relations, a diploma in Social Development, and a master’s degree in Demography. Focusing my studies on poverty, inequalities, discrimination, and violence against women. For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work at the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in Mexico City at the Department of Indicators of Violence against Women, where I learned the methodology to estimate the prevalence of violence, types of violence, and the spheres where violence can occur. I decide to come to Harris to have more tools and knowledge on how to create public policies to eliminate the violence against women.

Sahithi Vincy Salikineedi, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Kakinada, India

Interests include: Public Finance, Economic development

I completed my undergraduate studies in Economics at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics University. Alongside my studies, I served as a Board Member and Financial Strategist at Trontech Labs—an Aerospace Technology StartUp, where I helped draft agreements and facilitated partnerships with business and academic organizations. My professional experience also includes internships at Sri City Integrated Business City and Siddhartha Logistics Co. Pvt. Ltd. that expanded my expertise in business, policy analysis and operations. I also actively work on my autonomous initiative to motivate and guide rural students in India, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to pursue higher education in Central Universities.

Wendy Wang, MPP class of 2026

Hometown: Beijing, China

Interests include: Finance & economic policy, Energy & environmental policy

I graduated with a BA in Economics and International Relations from Mount Holyoke College in MA. Having worked in various analyst roles in the private sector, I have developed a strong interest in economic policy, energy policy, and economic consulting. I am particularly interested in the intersection of data analysis and policy analysis within the finance industry. I believe that a public policy degree will enhance my existing skills and keep me updated on cutting-edge developments in finance, bridging the gap between academia and the private sector. I chose to attend Harris because I am confident that Harris will thoroughly prepare me for an international career in data analysis and finance.

Kongdi Zheng, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Hangzhou, China

Interests include: Data Analytics and Finance Policy

I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Economics and Trade. During my time as an investment analyst intern, I discovered a deep passion for impact investing and empowering startups. I believe that everything is interconnected with policy. I'm eager to acquire valuable analytical skills, apply them in real-world scenarios, and contribute to meaningful social impact. I'm excited to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, listen to your stories, and share experiences. I also believe in the power of mindfulness, and I love meditation and adventure.

Youming Zhuang, MACRM Class of 2025

Hometown: Quanzhou,China

Interests include: Energy Policy, Industrial Organization

Hailing from Quanzhou, China, I pursued a triple major in Mathematics, Economics, and Data Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My academic journey ignited a deep-seated interest in Energy Policy and Antitrust, fields where market dynamics and regulations play critical roles. This interest was further fueled by my internships within the private sector, where I gained firsthand insights into market competition and regulatory frameworks. Motivated to delve deeper into these areas, I chose the Master of Arts in Public Policy with a Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) at Harris. This program offers me the unique opportunity to enhance my research capabilities through rigorous PhD-level coursework and mandatory research assistantships, enabling me to apply my robust economic foundation to real-world research scenarios.