Team Harris is a select group of student ambassadors who 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.

Country Ambassadors are Harris students who come from around the world. They are excited to help prospective students learn about Harris and can provide assistance as international students are considering transitioning their lives to the US and Chicago.

On this page:

• Meet Team Harris
• Meet the Country Ambassadors

Connect with a current student from Team Harris or the Country Ambassadors in person, on the phone, or online. Our Team Harris students and Country Ambassadors are also available for a coffee chat when you visit campus.  

Meet Team Harris

Leah Castleberry, Class of 2020, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Tech Policy, Social Policy and Inequality

Prior to Harris I worked as a Cognitive Solutions Senior consultant with IBM's Global Business Services. I hope to use my time at Harris to continue to explore ways in which the intersections of business, policy, and innovative technologies can be used to create a more equitable future for marginalized communities.

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Terence Chau, Class of 2022, PhD

Policy interests include: Migration, Labor, History

I'm interested in researching topics at the intersection of migration, labor, and history. To do so, I plan to use road-proven casual inference tools in econometrics and new, exciting tools from fields such as machine learning and natural language processing. Before coming to Harris, I interned at the UNDP and UN-ECLAC, where I researched topics in labor economics and poverty.

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Justin Douglas, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Cultural/Social Policy, Restorative Justice/Criminal Justice Reform

As a joint AM/MPP student at SSA and Harris, I am interested in better understanding how social policies at the federal, state, and local level impact the process of identity development for marginalized individuals and communities. I believe that we can be smarter about how we write and implement policies and do better in ensuring they both acknowledge these impacts and are more inclusive of diverse and intersectional experiences.

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Alejandro D. Gonzalez, Class of 2020, MA in International Development and Policy

International Policy & Development, Leadership & Management, Public Management

I am at Harris because it offers the right kind of quantitative framework that complement my qualitative framework to problem solving. Being a part of the MA-IDP program is a unique opportunity to receive the mentorship, skills set and network that I need to take my professional career to the next level.

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Patrick Hanley, Class of 2020, Master of Public Policy and Master of Business Administration

Policy interests include: Municipal Finance, Industrial Organization, Institutions

I've spent my time at Harris learning at the intersection of economic policy and financial management. I believe in the nobility of public service, but respect the tools and practices developed in and around markets. I'm here to explore where and how markets work and what that means for public administration and public-private coordination. Harris has (literally) built the space and opened the doors I need to untangle and understand the fundamental challenges facing governments worldwide.

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Patrick Lavallee, Class of 2020, Master of Science in Computational Analysis and Public Policy

Policy interests include: Human Capital Development, Rural Economic Development

I look forward to a changemaking career in human capital development in Maine and other communities for which rurality is a challenge to progress. I’m dedicating my time at Harris to evidenced-based public policy enabled by technology and quantitative methods. My most rewarding work before Harris was connecting people with new ideas and opportunities.

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Roberto Lopez, Class of 2020, Evening Master's Program

Policy interests include: Economic Development, Immigration, Human Rights (LGBTQ)

Prior to Harris, I worked as an investment analyst for a bank and commercial insurance. While there, I realized my passion for helping underserved communities and joined a nonprofit providing energy efficiency to low-income neighborhoods. Harris is the perfect platform for me to explore ways of reducing inequality in our community via economic and financial instruments. So far, the cohort model offered in the Evening Programs allows me to work with fascinating people from diverse backgrounds leaving me with strong relationships that will last a lifetime.

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Molly Murray, Class of 2020, Evening Master's Program

Policy interests include: Health Policy

As an advocacy professional, I have spent my career helping nonprofits and trade associations advance the issues they care most about. My passion is health policy, and I currently work with a medical organization whose mission is to advance the art and science of medicine and improve patient care. Not only has Harris EMP delivered on its promise to develop quantitative skills that I can immediately apply to my work, but the cohort environment has provided the the opportunity to learn from peers and develop lifelong friendships.

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Dominique McKoy, Class of 2020, Evening Master's Program

Policy interests include: Education Policy, Housing Policy, Social Policy

After nearly ten years of working in public education, I've come to Harris in hopes of expanding my understanding of how various policy sectors influence the lives of young people every day in Chicago. In my time at Harris, I have focused on sharpening my quantitative abilities to better understand the impact of our effort as educators. I have also developed relationships across policy sectors that can help us address Chicago's persistent educational debt.

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Yeieun Park, Class of 2020, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Immigration, Foreign Policy, International Security

I am interested in addressing social issues for those who are at a sort of disadvantage. I believe that those who may have had less opportunities than others deserve stability, and I’d like to help them secure that stability through mending policies. I came to Harris to gain the quantitative and analytical skills I need to address social inequality on an international level.

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Matt Shomo, Class of 2020, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Community Development, Economic Development

I'm originally from Akron, Ohio and graduated from Ohio State in 2015. Prior to coming to Harris, I managed a State Legislature campaign during the 2016 election cycle and spent a year and a half at a community development and housing nonprofit. Those experiences have translated well to academic life at Harris, where I am focusing my efforts on community development at the intersection of housing, education, and transportation, as well as organizational leadership.

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S. Twing, Class of 2020, Evening Master's Program

Policy interests include: Sustainable Development

Concurrently with my studies at Harris, I manage the implementation of USAID projects on the operation and finance fronts. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I came to Harris passionate about public service, but I was unsure of which sector to focus my career. At Harris I have been exposed to a variety of public policy sectors and practitioners from my experienced cohort, all of whom have had a positive effect on my experience.

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Meet the Country Ambassadors

Jinglin Fu, Class of 2020, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Health Policy, Tech Policy, Entrepreneurship

I am interested in studying health policies in both China and the United States, especially how policy changes affect the accessibility, affordability, and quality of medical care. I am also interested in the business side of technology companies and believe that big data will profoundly change the future of business and the way we live. I chose Harris to hone my skills in quantitative analysis and, more importantly, to mingle with like-minded people who think beyond themselves.

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Victor Fuentes Campos, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Productivity and Competitiveness, Labor Markets, Institutions

I'm an economist raised in a small town in the Peruvian highlands. Prior to becoming a Harrista, I was Head Economist of the Peruvian Institute of Economy, a leading think tank focused on market-oriented policy reforms. I joined Harris because it offered me the unique opportunity to mix two of the fields I'm most passionate about: data analytics and public policy. This knowledge will help me use evidence-based policy instruments to break the vicious cycle of low productivity and weak institutions that affect most developing countries.

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Heryanto Handoko, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Economic Development, Social Policy and Inequality

I’m originally from Medan, Indonesia and graduated from University of Sumatera Utara in 2013. Prior to Harris, I worked as an economic analyst at the Central Bank of the Republic of Indonesia. I conducted analysis and research related to the regional economic development and provided recommendations to government and stakeholders. I came to Harris to equip myself with the knowledge and skillset to further contribute to economic development and address social problems and inequality.

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Sakshi P., Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Technology Trade, Finance, Institutional Policy

A central banker with domain expertise in the areas of trade and finance, I have also worked in insurance and IT consulting. The core courses at Harris and the range of flexible electives across the spectrum at University of Chicago provide me a wonderful opportunity to sharpen my policy design and implementation skills. I believe that together we can make a positive social impact.

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Camila Pérez, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Conflict Studies, International Development, Peace Building, Governance

I graduated from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, with a degree in political science and a minor in journalism. Before coming to Harris, I worked at the Electoral Observation Mission (MOE), a Colombian NGO that fosters citizens’ political and civil rights. I managed the Political and Social Violence Observatory, analyzing how the presence of illegal armed groups and aggression towards political and social leaders affected democratic processes in Colombia. I also evaluated the institutional architecture and legal framework of the Peace Accords with the FARC guerrillas to advise the Colombian government on the implementation of democratic initiatives in fragile regions. I am currently a Fellow at the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts, a research assistant for the Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab, and participate in the Basketball Intramural Tournament at the University of Chicago. 

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Nikunj Singh, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Environment and Energy Policy, International Policy

Prior to Harris, I was working at International Foundation for Sustainable Development in Kolkata, India. I plan to use the skillsets I gain at Harris to resolve environmental problems and fight climate change. I believe in order to successfully build a sustainable world, we need to resolve disputes between nations to make way for mutual cooperation and that is where my interest in International Policy comes about. Harris is helping me gain the quantitative and analytical skills to make the world a better place.

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Angélica Valdiviezo Issa, Class of 2020, Master of Science in Computational Analysis and Public Policy

Policy interests include: Urban Policy, Social Policy, Gender Issues

I have spent my time at Harris strengthening the technical skills needed to analyze issues around urban, social and gender policy. I am here to explore how cities around the world offer individualized experiences to people. Being in a program with such a diverse student body has allowed me to learn beyond the classroom and define my professional interests even further.

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Victor Vazquez, Class of 2020, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Municipal Finance

I am at Harris because it offers quantitative and qualitative tools to address multiple social and economic challenges. My goals are to explore new ways to foster broad-based economic growth and reduce poverty. I am learning which policies can be developed and how they can be applied at the perfect moment.

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Fanmei Xia, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Education Policy, Migration, Social Policy

Inspired to be an outstanding researcher and policymaker, I came to Harris to explore ways to reduce inequality and build inclusive communities. Having experienced education in China, the US, and the UK, I appreciate the integrated and outward approach to education that Harris offers. At Harris, I serve on the board of the Education Policy Student Association, Harris Student Government, and the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcast (UC3P). During my free time, I also tutor k-12 students from the South side of Chicago.

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Tianming Yang, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Policy interests include: Environment and Energy Policy, Urban Policy, Economic Development

Prior to Harris, I studied Environmental Science at Peking University in China. I am passionate about using policy instruments to tackle sustainability issues in urban settings. Harris is definitely the right place for me—not only because of its solid policy analysis methodology and academic rigor, but also because of its great commitment to the Chicago community and involvement in real-world policy issues. And with the impressive alumni network and support of the Career Development Office at Harris, I feel confident that I will reach my career goal of becoming a management consultant in the sustainability field.

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