Student Profile: Ruoxi Chen, MPP'23, Policy Analytics Credential 2021

A recent recipient of the Policy Analytics Credential (PAC), first-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student, Ruoxi Chen believes in the power of data to inform critical policy decisions. “Many policy makers would like to have more academic and analytical support in their work. That’s where I see international organizations and nonprofits being able to step in to help with public policy.”

Chen grew up in the Da Gang district of Tianjin, China, and she said her education there emphasized world leaders and diplomats like Winston Churchill and Kofi Annan early and often. “In middle school, we learned about the United Nations and how it operates. And in high school, I attended an alumni panel with students who went on to study international relations in college,” Chen said. “It was all so fascinating to me, and for a while, I thought I wanted to be a diplomat.”

Chen’s first hands-on introduction to international politics came from a volunteer experience in Sri Lanka, where she taught English to elementary school children for an international NGO called World Without Borders [WWB]. “It was amazing to see how a group like WWB could foster international ties between countries [China and Sri Lanka] and also directly benefit people’s lives,” she said. “The whole experience showed me how an international organization can address these situations in poorer areas.”

Chen earned her bachelor of laws in international politics from Renmin University. While an undergraduate student, she landed several research positions at various think tanks and national corporations, including Xinhua News Agency Think Tank. “At Xinhua, I was really able to take the theory of policy and put it to practice. I conducted data analysis, drafted policy memos, and compiled research on domestic and international agricultural policies aimed at mitigating hunger and poverty. I realized then I didn’t want to be a diplomat: I wanted to improve the existing policies."

Having mostly taught herself how to code through online platforms, Chen wanted a more structured approach to learning about data analytics. “I didn’t have a lot of introduction to data in undergrad, so I started searching and found the DAC program. Andie [Ingram Eccles] recommended the program to me, and after finishing, I felt like I could fit in well at Harris.”

When asked about her DAC experience, Chen said that lead instructor, Professor Austin Wright, was “supportive and approachable.” She often attended his office hours to clarify concepts and ask targeted questions. “He paced the virtual course very well and provided real-life case examples so we could see how data is used in context.” Chen also said many of the skills and concepts she learned in the DAC prepared her well for the Core curriculum of the MPP. “DAC proved to be excellent preparation for the coursework at the beginning of my Harris career.”

It was her experience with the DAC, Chen said, that encouraged her to eventually apply to the MPP program. “I got the sense that the faculty and staff at Harris want to see you thrive. They want to help you become a better version of yourself.”

As for her plans after Harris, Chen said she is interested in continuing to expand her awareness of agricultural policies worldwide. "I hope to apply the quantitative skills I gain at Harris to be an effective policy maker."