Student Profile: Stephan Garner, MPP Class of 2024

Stephan Garner seeks to propel change in his native Honduras, where he has witnessed extremes of poverty and inequality. “Many Honduran citizens have left the nation without looking back,” said Garner, “which unfortunately perpetuates existing challenges. I want to be part of the solution by using the tools I gain at Harris to help my country prosper.”

Garner currently works as a risk analyst at The Central American Bank for Economic Integration, an international development bank in Honduras. He’s interested in the bank’s poverty reduction plan and its plans for stable development and infrastructure, including a Central American train. “I believe these plans could change Honduras, and maybe push people out of poverty,” said Garner. “I want to be a part of that.”

Garner earned his bachelor’s in economics from the National Autonomous University of Honduras in 2019. He said he chose to major in economics because of its quantitative focus on tradeoffs and current events. “Taking economics was really a gear shift because it changed a lot of my assumptions of how the world works,” said Garner. “I gained a better understanding of human behavior and what type of problems and tradeoffs come along for the ride. I learned to think more critically and question everything.”

Interested in research and quantitative studies, Garner planned to pursue his PhD in economics. However, while researching PhD programs, he learned about the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Harris. “Honestly, the MPP was everything I wanted,” said Garner. "What I loved about the MPP was its evidence-based approach to create social impact. While other programs are more “terminal,” finishing in a set path, the Harris MPP wants their students to question, create, and demonstrate their ideas. While researching PhD programs and comparing them to the MPP, the latter gave me security in the caliber of a researcher I might become. The two-year program will help me harness my potential, expand my interest, and assure me that when I hopefully enter a PhD program I will have a deeper understanding of the real world problems I want to address."

Now an incoming student, Garner says he has appreciated the support of staff throughout the admissions process. “The admissions team addressed all of my questions from the start of my application through Admitted Student Week,” said Garner. “ If you’re a prospective student, don’t be afraid to ask questions—and attend all the webinars. Even after you get in, they still help you through all the processes.”

As an incoming student, Garner has attended open classes with The Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies James Robinson, Senior Lecturer Thomas Coleman, and Professor David Meltzer. “These classes made me excited to be at Harris in person,” said Garner.

Looking to develop his skills outside of the classroom, Garner is interested in pursuing certificates in International Policy & Development, Finance Policy, and Health Policy.

Garner’s interest in health policy stems from his relationship with his older brother, a doctor in critical care. “What motivates me in life, honestly, is my brother,” said Garner. “He graduated in medicine, and he has always placed an emphasis on evidence. Ever since I was little, when we fought, he would tell me ‘You’re bluffing—you should know before you speak.’ I took that to heart. I wanted to know and be able to explain my ideas.”

Garner also said his multiple sclerosis diagnosis has informed his career goals and drive. "My diganosis came in 2015, my last year of high school. While it was demoralizing, I realized that it is the person you are that determines your success: not where you are, and not what a piece of paper says about you. That realization fuels me to pursue my goals."

Those goals, Garner said, include pursuing PhD in economics after earning his MPP. "I want to improve education access in Honduras," he said. “I want to build a marketing plan to educate and build awareness around specific issues in Honduras, and the only way for knowledge to prosper is by sharing it.”