The Philippines August 27, 2018 Trixie Conlu, 26, most recently a consultant for public-private partnerships and infrastructure finance at Atkins Acuity in Singapore, is dedicated to helping close the infrastructure gap in her home country. While serving as a project manager in the Department of Transportation for the Philippine government, she observed that the biggest bottleneck to infrastructure development was not lack of money to build projects – instead, it was a lack of well-studied and well-structured projects. With a BS in Management Engineering from Ateneo De Manila University, Conlu sees infrastructure as a way to fight inequality: “I think that improving infrastructure – and thereby providing improved public services and better physical access to opportunities for everyone – is a great way to equalize a society in which the gap between rich and poor is ever widening,” she says. Conlu plans on pursuing her MBA after completing the MA-DP and Obama Foundation Scholarship to further her education and impact on urban development. “I am inspired by people whose frustration and optimism simultaneously drive them to action. I am fortunate to have encountered many such people in my line of work, and I look forward to meeting more of them at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.” Faculty Spotlight James Robinson The Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies; Institute Director, The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts A prominent political scientist and economist, James Robinson has conducted influential research in the field of political and economic development and the factors at the root causes of conflict. His work explores the relationship between poverty and society, and he co-authored "Why Nations Fail." Upcoming Events More events Data and Policy Summer Scholars Program (DPSS): Deep-Dive Conversation with Jose Macias and Alexandra Sobczynski Mon., May 06, 2024 | 7:30 PM International Policy Action Lab Mini Class with Austin Wright Tue., May 07, 2024 | 6:00 AM Driving Policy Innovation in the Social Sector in India: Lunch Conversation with Luis Miranda Tue., May 07, 2024 | 12:30 PM Harris School of Public Policy (The Keller Center), Room 2112 1307 E 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States