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!

Connect with a current student on the phone or online.

Please note, our students are currently on winter break with limited access to email and will return January 6, 2025.

Attaullah Abbasi, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Interests include: Data Analytics

I am a second-year MPP student at the Harris School of Public Policy and an Obama Foundation Scholar, originally from Sindh province, Pakistan. I hold a BSc in Economics and Mathematics and have worked at the State Bank of Pakistan, contributing to the Economic Policy Review Department and briefly in the Payment Systems Department. I am also actively involved with the Chicago Policy Review, a student-led journal, and have a strong interest in data-driven problem solving.

Hashaam Asif, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Faisalabad, Pakistan

Interests include: International Development, Economic Policy, and Tech Regulation

How can we tackle inequality of opportunity and, in turn, multi-dimensional, generational poverty, ensuring everyone gets a fair chance at life to realize their potential and shape their life the way they want to? This is the question I am trying to answer during my time at Harris. For six years, I led a digital marketing agency, and eCommerce trading company all while committing to public service at the Central Bank of Pakistan, where I helped formulate monetary policy. Now, I am focused on scaling the non-profit I founded, Hunar Se Rozgar, to upskill and empower women in Pakistan. Moreover, I am paying-it-forward by coaching students while also working to attract the best talent from under-represented regions.

Carolina Abdalla Braga, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: São Paulo, Brasil

Interests include: Gender Policy, Education, Health

My journey in economics started in Brazil, and I have since moved to Chicago to continue my studies and career. I have a deep passion for economics, and my key interests include gender policy, education, labor, and health economics. I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills in these areas to tackle policy challenges and contribute to creating more equitable outcomes.

Dasia Bandy, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia, USA

Interests include: Municipal Finance and Social Policy

I'm currently diving into my studies, focusing on municipal finance and tackling social and economic inequality. I graduated from George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs, where I discovered my passion for comparative politics and community engagement. I've worn many hats—from being an elected official in D.C. to working with youth on financial literacy and even stepping into the world of global investment banking with RBC Capital Markets. As a finalist for the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship and a military-connected person, I'm eager to stay engaged in international studies as a fellow at The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts. I chose Harris because it's the perfect place to grow my policy toolkit and quantitative skills while being part of a vibrant, change-making community!

Magdalena Barros, MSCAPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Santiago, Chile

Interests include: Economic Development, Inequality, Technology

I earned a degree in Commercial Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica of Chile, where I first developed my interest in data analytics. After graduating, I joined Enseña Chile (teach for America), dedicating myself to improving educational outcomes in underserved communities. I then worked at the Ministry of Education in Chile, where I contributed to the Directorate of Public Education by developing data analytics and monitoring systems to enhance public education across the country. I chose the MSCAPP program at Harris to bridge societal gaps and inequalities using artificial intelligence, technology, and data science. During my first year at UChicago, I have deepened my knowledge in machine learning, AI, and coding, both theoretically and practically. Outside of my studies, I am a mother of three who enjoys exploring the outdoors and the sights of Chicago with my family.

Alexander Burt, MACRM Class of 2025

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Interests include: Economic Development, Urban Economics, Social Impact Investing

I earned my BA in Economics from Morehouse College with a concentration in Mathematics and Africana Studies. My passion for policy and economics is rooted in a commitment to assist in establishing economic autonomy in historically underdeveloped communities. I chose Harris because the MACRM program allows me to expand my quantitative toolkit and increase my economic intuition through immersion in PhD coursework and competitive research. A person is only as strong as the community that surrounds them. I am thrilled to join the Harris family and begin my Masters journey.

Onur Buyukkalkan, MSCAPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Izmir, Turkey

Interests include: Urban, Economic Development, Fintech, Financial Policy

I am a Fulbright scholar studying in the Master of Science in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) program at UChicago. I previously majored in Political Science and Software Development Bilkent University. I love politics, economics, diplomacy, and data science. I know German, Russian, Turkish, Latin, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and Turkmen. Play the violin and love cooking different dishes from around the world.

Gabi Campos, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Interests include: Social policy, education policy, and international development

After earning my BA in Economics from UChicago, I chose to continue my studies at Harris to better understand the role of economic policy in shaping social outcomes. Over the summer, I interned at the Brookings Institution, contributing to research on economic security and opportunity. My main interests are in social policy, education policy, and international development, and I’m eager to explore how data-driven policy can address real-world challenges. I’m looking forward to seeing where my journey at Harris takes me!

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.

Jose Diaz, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Munster, Indiana, USA

Interests include: US & Global trade, AI, and Immigration

My professional and academic journey has provided me with diverse experiences within the public service sector. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, I worked extensively in maritime law enforcement both domestically and abroad, protecting national interests and enforcing maritime laws. Following my military career, I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California Berkeley. After completing my degree, I decided to continue my public service career by serving as a congressional staffer, supporting federal legislative processes, staying informed about local and state issues, and helping to resolve community and constituent concerns. I currently serve on the boards of two nonprofit organizations, and I am passionate about veteran advocacy. I’m excited earn my MPP at Harris and to further develop my ability to affect positive change in the world around us.

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!

Garakishi Guluzade, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Goychay, Azerbaijan

Interests include: Economic Development, Financial Policy, Data Science, Technology

I graduated with BA in Public Affairs from ADA University in Azerbaijan. I am passionate about economic policies, investment and data science. I am excited to put economic policymaking and data science into practice together. My main objective at Harris is to develop my quantitative skills, which I believe is the cornerstone of decisionmaking in any field.

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.

Charles Huang, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Holmdel, New Jersey

Interests include: Data Analytics, Volunteerism, Polarization and Conflict Resolution

I graduated from UChicago as an undergraduate economics major but learned about the world of nonprofits and public service through volunteering. Ultimately, I served two AmeriCorps terms in New York City before accepting a position at the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C. My experiences there and my curiosity about how such volunteer and community work can scale led me back to UChicago, through Harris' Data and Policy Summer Scholars Program. At Harris, I hope to apply both theory and data to see how community-based volunteerism can support underserved communities and reduce inter-community polarization.

Tony Jiang, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan

Interests include: Tech Policy, International Relations, Energy Policy

Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, I attended National Taiwan University, where I studied Business with a focus on technology management. My diverse internship experiences, including work in the Department of Foreign Affairs, consulting, and startups, have ignited my interest in the intersection of policy and technology. With a strong passion for international affairs and the integration of tech and policy, I am excited to develop my skills in energy and data analysis at Harris while forming lifelong friendships.

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.

Karan Kapoor, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Odisha, India

Interests include: Energy, Environment and Sustainability Policy

I am a lawyer by training, holding diverse experience in policy research, program planning, and implementation. For five years, I have worked extensively worked with government institutions and private organizations to lead projects targeted at improving program design & delivery, facilitating energy transition, disaster management, and environment preservation. I intend to work at the intersection of business and policy, to facilitate supply chain de-carbonization, circular economy, and clean energy infrastructure. At Harris I am specializing in Energy & Environment Policy. Also, I am presently working with Schneider Electric’s Sustainability team to further their decarbonization efforts. I am also pursuing a fellowship with Clean Energy Leadership Institute, to equip myself with skills and knowledge to contribute to the energy transition domain.

Andrea Kimpson, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Interests include: Health Policy, Racial and Gender Equity, Regulatory Policy

I am from Columbia, South Carolina and I grew up surrounded by leaders and activists who inspired me to continue moving the needle forward on important issues impacting our community. In this pursuit, I graduated from the College of Charleston with degrees in Economics and International Studies. My coursework, community experiences, and policy work on local and federal levels inspired me to study policy at the graduate level. The Harris School emerged as the best place for me to transform study into action via practical skill development and application. I look forward to utilizing the opportunities at Harris to develop as an effective policymaker!

Evy Lanai, MPP Class of 2025

Franklin, Tennessee

Interests include: Urban development, education policy, and racial and gender equity

I am interested in pursuing a career in education policy. I grew up in Franklin, Tennessee and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama, where I graduated with degrees in International Relations and Spanish. Through internship experiences, I have had the opportunity to connect with some amazing education-serving organizations, and I am excited to use my Harris degree to accomplish similar ambitions. I enjoy working with kids, vegetarian cooking, learning new languages, attending college football games, and exploring the city of Chicago.

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.

Raul Mathias Leon, MACRM Class of 2024

Lima, Peru

Interests include: Econometrics, Social interactions, Social Mobility, Economics of Education

I'm a MACRM student planning to pursue a Ph.D. to develop novel econometric methods to address nonstandard problems in public policy. My applied research interests encompass themes such as social mobility and social interactions. Currently, I serve as a Research Assistant at the Center for the Economics of Human Development. In this role, I work with longitudinal data from Denmark to measure intergenerational mobility across various dimensions, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind how parents' resources, investments in their children, and social influence create opportunities. Having grown up in Lima, Peru, my undergraduate studies took me to Brisbane, Australia, where I earned a Bachelor of Economics with a Major in Quantitative Methods and First-class Honours in Econometrics at The University of Queensland.

Dong Li, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Zhengzhou, China

Interests include: Healthcare and Technology

My journey in healthcare and technology began in the United States and China, where I developed digital health solutions for global markets. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. My interests include healthcare policy, health economics, and health technology, and I am eager to apply my expertise in these areas to address policy challenges and promote more accessible, efficient healthcare solutions.

Silvia (Xiaoya) Li, MPP Class of 2025

Hefei, China

Interests include: Finance and Economic Policy, International Development and Data Analytics

I graduated with a BA in Economics and Political Science from Bryn Mawr College, a historically women’s liberal arts college in Philadelphia. Born and raised in Hefei, China, I am passionate about economic policy and impact investing. In my past internships and volunteer experience with NGOs, I have been determined to make a positive impact on society. I believe in the power of policy. I choose to attend Harris because I can develop my data analysis skills and turn my economic knowledge into a practical toolkit to solve problems in the real world.

Xinli Li, MACRM Class of 2024

Sichuan, China

Interests include: Urban and housing policy

I majored in economics and minored in psychology during my undergraduate studies at the University of Utah. There I gained an understanding of race, class, and gender diversity, international relations, and psychology. I decided to come to Harris because I hope to expand data analysis toolkit. I also believe Chicago is a great city to help me dive into my policy areas of interest, including urban and housing development.

Sohyun Lim, MPP Class of 2025

Seoul/South Korea

Interests include: Urban Development, Social Inequality, Data Analytics, and Financial Policy Analytics

I studied Public Administration for my Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Ewha Woman's University. After graduation, I worked for ten years in a Korean public institution, focusing on implementing policies aimed at alleviating the economic burden on people and supporting Korean economic stability. While working as a policy practitioner, I often pondered the impact and effectiveness of these policies. This led me to choose Harris, as I aimed to develop the quantitative and data-driven analytical skills essential for policy analysis. I hope to blend my professional experience with my academic abilities to create more effective policies and make a meaningful impact..

Hallie Lovin, MPP Class of 2025

Boone, North Carolina, US

Interests include: Social and Urban Policy, Drug Policy

After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Public Policy and Women and Gender Studies, I decided to come to Harris to advance my quantitative understanding of policy. I am so excited to be able to explore the interplay between data and social policy decisions at the graduate level. My interests lie in using urban policy to combat inequality in the world around us. I am so excited for my journey at Harris!

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.

Martha MacLaren, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: London, UK

Interests include: Education policy, climate change, and social and health inequalities

I studied History and German for my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oxford, and lived and taught in Europe for a few years before joining the UK Civil Service in London. Having worked in a variety of HR roles in three different government departments, I’m keen to transition to a policy career where I can more directly impact citizens’ lives. I’m excited to start my MPP at Harris where I hope to learn valuable analytical skills and take electives in education, climate change, and social inequalities. I’m also looking forward to enriching discussions in an international cohort on complex cross-system, global challenges.

James Marcucci, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Chatham, New Jersey

Interests include: Education Policy, Social Justice Policy, Policy Analysis

I was born in a little town in New Jersey, where I lived until 2016. After attending Johns Hopkins University, I served in the Teach For America 2021 Corps, teaching US History at a high-need character school in Newark, New Jersey. While I had always enjoyed politics and governance, my time as a teacher solidified my abstract interest into a very real passion for improving< educational outcomes and institutions across the United States. I look forward to my time at the University of Chicago where I can develop the analytical skills necessary to support effective education reform.

Charles Mensa, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Interests include: Finance Policy

I am a first-year MPP student at the Harris School of Public Policy interested in finance and policy, international development, and energy especially in sub-Saharan countries. I particularly enjoy exploring strategies that resource-rich nations can employ to effectively manage and safeguard their natural endowments, fostering sustainable growth and socio-economic development.

Ella Montgomery, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Interests include: Urban Economics, Education Economics

I am a Chicagoan, born and raised, and earned my BA in Economics in the Fall of 2022. I started my undergraduate experience with a keen interest in financial literacy and decision-making at the firm level. I later went on to develop a passion for analyzing the structure of academia and educational policy, working as a research assistant for a project that used the Cultural Political Economy approach to examine the process of radicalization for over a year. After graduation, I worked as an economic research analyst at the US Copyright Office. I chose to attend Harris’ MPP program because it offered both instruction in rigorous quantitative analysis and the opportunity to build skills for crafting thoughtful policy that engenders positive social change.

Judith Nguli, MPP Class of 2025

Nairobi, Kenya

Interests include: Data Analytics and Municipal Finance

I am a public policy analyst with a deep passion for youth development and sustainable solutions. My experience working with the Government of Kenya has allowed me to contribute to policies that promote private sector growth and strengthen governance. As the co-founder of a youth-focused NGO based in Kenya, I have been actively involved in equipping young people to engage in public policy, with a focus on education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. At Harris, I’m eager to expand my data analytics expertise to design innovative, evidence-based strategies that address critical challenges like education access and environmental sustainability, particularly in rural and underserved areas. With my background in resource mobilization and strategic partnerships, I’m committed to bridging the gap between policy, community development, and sustainable progress.

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Christy O'Brien, MPP Class of 2025

Naples, FL, USA

Interests include: Environmental and Public Health Policy

I started Purdue University with a dream of doing genetics research. As I progressed in my degree, I realized that research can have breakthrough discoveries, but it is what we do with and about those discoveries that matter. I started taking political science classes with the hopes of getting into scientific communation which led me to Harris. With my background in genetics, I am specifically looking at working with biology-based policies like environmental or public health policy as well as genetics policy.

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Maggie Onsager, MPP Class of 2025

Atlanta, GA

Interests include: International Policy, Social Policy

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and double majored in International Affairs & Politics and French Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During my four years at Wake, I was a Dance minor and a member of the Dance company, and now at Harris, I combine my passions for the arts, social science, and policy to conduct vital research on social equity and community investment. I chose Harris because I felt as though there were endless opportunities to succeed and grow both through Harris and through the University of Chicago, and the prospect of collaborating with the diverse Harris community was extremely appealing to me. I have no regrets in choosing Harris or the University of Chicago, and I am happy to share my experiences with you!

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Alberto Saldarriaga, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Interests include: Public Finance, Municipal Finance, Health, Education, Climate Change and Environment

I am an economist firmly committed to bridging the divide between the private sector, public sector, and academia. Throughout my career, I have amassed five years of dedicated experience, refining my expertise in two pivotal domains: budgeting and project management. My professional journey has taken me to be involved in government agencies, primarily the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Education. Within these roles, I had the privilege of shaping policies that encompassed a broad spectrum of areas, such as: Multiannual budgeting estimation, formulating strategic agendas for national and subnational governments, and crafting strategies for knowledge transfer and stakeholder management. My primary objective at Harris is to enhance my proficiency in data analytics, which I believe will serve as a catalyst for further advancements in policy development in the areas I’m passionate about.

Sahithi Vincy, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Kakinada, India

Interests include: Public Finance and 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.

Mustafa Siddiqi, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Interests include: Energy and Tech Policy

I grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and hold a background in economics and have prior work experience in product management. I’m passionate about using data-driven strategies to improve processes and optimize outcomes. Outside of work, I’ve held leadership roles in environmental and sports organizations during my undergrad, and I’m an avid athlete. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the campus community and share my experiences as a Harris ambassador.

Vartika Singh, MA Class of 2025

Hometown: Allahabad, India

Interests include: Sustainability, Finance Policy, Gender Policy

With an MBA in Rural Development from the University of Allahabad and 14 years of diverse experience in the development and financial sectors, I have dedicated my career to advancing sustainable livelihoods and financial inclusion. As an AAUW fellow and a former Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellow from India, I am passionate about empowering women-led micro enterprises to bridge the gender divide and foster economic growth. I am really excited to be at Harris and meet extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and learn from them.

Yili Tang, MACRM Class of 2024

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Interests include: Econometrics, Finance

I completed my Bachelor's degree at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, where I was awarded multiple first-prize scholarships and earned the distinction of being an Excellent Graduate. My academic journey continued at NYU, where I obtained my first Master's degree and served as a CDC ambassador. Being selected as an ambassador for the MACRM program has been a significant milestone in my commitment to and passion for advanced study and research. The program has greatly enriched my academic experience, providing a comprehensive blend of rigorous Ph.D. level coursework and research opportunities. My research interests include Econometrics, Finance, and Energy, fields in which I am determined to make substantive contributions to policy-making.

Ting Tsai, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Interests include: Community Development, Housing, LGBTQ

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and am a second year MPP student. Before enrolling at UChicago, I spent six years as a Public Relations and Marketing professional in Taipei, Taiwan, and Beijing, China. In these roles, I managed media relations and communications, and crafted messaging that effectively reached diverse audiences. In addition to my professional background, I have been a long-term volunteer with LGBTQ nonprofits and human rights organizations, where I nurtured my passion for human rights and community development. This commitment has profoundly influenced my career path. This fall, I served as a Strategy Intern with Feedback Labs, focusing on workflow evaluation for nonprofits. These experiences furthered my expertise in statistical analysis and program evaluation, aligning with my goal to contribute to nonprofit program design and evaluation.

Aastha Vasisht, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Interests include: Women Empowerment, International Development, Partnerships and Communications

I see policy as a transformative tool to bring positive change in the world. Having grown up in the United States, Dubai, and India, I witnessed many disparities and how they shape individuals' opportunities and outcomes. This has fueled my passion for promoting equality and justice in an international development context.

Before Harris, I interned at the UNCDF in New York as a Partnerships, Policy and Communications intern and worked with the AmeriCorps as an Outreach Events Champion. I also interned at a social enterprise in Amsterdam as a Communications and External Affairs intern. I did my undergraduate studies in Economics at Maastricht University in the Netherlands and studied abroad at Sciences Po in France which shaped my understanding of international relations and foreign policy.

I am eager to acquire the technical knowledge to implement and communicate policies at the grassroots level by learning from my diverse cohort and renowned professors at Harris. I believe that my experience combined with the theoretical and practical insights I gain at Harris will enable me to make a meaningful impact.

Mario Venegas, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Interests include: Institutional strengthening, Monitoring and Evaluation, International
Development, and Justice and Security

I graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, where I earned a BA in economics. After graduation, I joined the think tank industry, where I contributed to projects that promoted the consolidation of the rule of law in Mexico by enhancing the prosecutorial and public administration processes of state Attorney Offices. I am excited to join Harris to deepen my understanding of the challenges faced by institutions in developing countries to deliver services while acquiring skills to develop innovative solutions.

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 am confident that Harris will thoroughly prepare me for an international career in data analysis and finance.

Shyamji Yadav, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Ballia, India

Interests include: Data Analytics, Labor Economics and Energy, Environmental, and Science Policy

I am a labor economist with over seven years of experience in data analysis, policy research, and project management. After beginning my career in the financial industry with S&P Global, I transitioned to the social impact sector, collaborating with government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and consulting firms. My focus has been on understanding labor market outcomes and creating technology-driven solutions to optimize them. also co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening democracy by enhancing government accountability through citizen participation and data-driven approaches. I am currently pursuing my MPP to further enhance my skills in data analytics and continue driving effective outcomes in the labor market.

Kongdi (Angel) 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 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.  The MACRM offers me the opportunity to enhance my research capabilities through rigorous PhD-level coursework and a research assistantship, enabling me to apply my robust economic foundation to real-world research scenarios.

Natalia Zorilla Ramos, MPP Class of 2025

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Interests include: International policy, migration, housing policy and crime policy