Alumni Profile: Alyssa Prisby, Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp’24

With a double major in sociology and global studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Prisby has a keen interest in the broader implications of policy on human rights and public health. “Through the Environmental Leadership Program at my alma mater, I drafted a House bill about more stringent protections for potable water. I eventually met with state representatives at the Illinois State Capitol and spoke on a panel with community members at the community YMCA. These experiences cemented that I wanted to work in policy and law.”

Prisby's academic and experiential foundation, she said, also inspired her decision to build her data and analytics skills. “I wanted to improve my quantitative skills and gain practical insights to enhance my career goals, and the Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp (PRIB), seemed a great pathway to doing that."

Initially concerned about navigating PRIB without a STEM background, Prisby said she quickly realized that her liberal arts background was actually a significant asset. “The value of blending liberal arts and STEM is that it helps ground me: it reminds me that I'm focusing on people, not just numbers on a screen."

The Policy Hackathon, Prisby said, was one of the most rewarding elements of PRIB. “Over the course of two days, we broke into groups, got datasets, created a research problem, created a policy proposal, and then presented our proposal. Getting real-time feedback on our process and proposal from a panel was great. It was a valuable experience for someone wanting to enter that field.”

In addition, Prisby found the Career Trek valuable."The Career Trek expanded my understanding of the policy field, because we got to see public, private, and government organizations and learn about their jobs. At Mathematica, for example, I really appreciated seeing the breadth of people's roles. One person from each team presented, and it was great to see how the distinct teams interacted with and supported one another.” 

Finally, Prisby appreciated the program lectures. “For example, Dr. Benjamin Kraus explained policy from an economic lens, which was helpful since I don’t have a background in economics. It drove home the importance of understanding these concepts, which in turn broadened my understanding of the significance of economics in public policy and policy research. I now see better how the economic and quantitative sides of policy can enhance my ability to advocate for change in ways that are grounded in data and community.”

After completing PRIB, Prisby said her ideal career—blending research, law, and policy to advance environmental health and equitable healthcare access—seems even more achievable. “I would love to do health research and use my research to lobby for, and potentially draft, legislation. PRIB reinforced my desire to continue my education to reach those goals.”